Lucky fruit for the New Year: lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, prevents cancer and diabetes.

There is a familiar fruit considered lucky for the new year. In Spain, the tradition of '12 lucky grapes' takes place at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Grapes are a rich source of copper and vitamin K, which play an important role in blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones. Grapes also provide significant amounts of B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and B6, which are essential for growth, development, and protein metabolism.

Thanks to their high nutrient and antioxidant content, grapes offer many potential health benefits, according to the health news website Healthline .

Grapes provide a large amount of B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and B6, which are essential for growth.

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Helps lower blood pressure. Grapes contain potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels by dilating blood vessels and eliminating sodium.

Lowering cholesterol. Compounds in grapes may help combat high cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption. A 2015 study showed that eating 3 cups (500 grams) of red grapes daily helped lower both total cholesterol and bad cholesterol.

Cancer prevention. Grapes are rich in powerful antioxidants such as resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanins, and catechins, which are most concentrated in the skin and seeds. These compounds help repair cell damage caused by free radicals, thereby preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Studies show that grape extract may inhibit the growth of colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer cells.

Preventing diabetes and lowering blood sugar levels. The compound resveratrol can help reduce insulin resistance, increase insulin sensitivity, and protect the beta cells of the pancreas. Specifically, resveratrol can reduce insulin resistance, increase insulin sensitivity, protect pancreatic beta cells, improve insulin production, and help the body maintain stable and consistent blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar over time can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help prevent diabetes-related complications.

Good for the brain. A 2017 study showed that daily grape consumption helps improve attention, memory, and language. Resveratrol may also protect against Alzheimer's disease by reducing brain inflammation.

Anti-aging and sleep support. Resveratrol in grapes may slow down the signs of aging. Additionally, grapes are a natural source of melatonin, especially in the skin. This substance helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, thus supporting better sleep.

Good for the eyes. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and resveratrol in grapes help protect the retina from ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, according to Healthline.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/loai-qua-may-man-dau-nam-giam-huyet-ap-mo-mau-ngua-ung-thu-tieu-duong-185260217200851884.htm