Grape leaves are the leaves of grapevine plant which is used in various cuisines. It is picked fresh from vine and stuffed with a mixture of meat, rice and spices and then boiled or steamed. Stuffed grape leaves are served as a main dish or appetizer.

Grape leaves are medium to large, cordate, heart shaped having multiple lobes. Leaves are smooth, vibrant and grow in alternate pattern with serrated, toothed edges and pointed tips on each lobe. It grows on climbing vines that could reach to 17 meters in height. Grape leaves are tender with light citrusy, green and tangy taste.

Grape leaves are predominant for Mediterranean cuisine and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is found bottled or canned. Red vine leaf helps to improve conditions associated to poor blood circulation such as varicose veins and related symptoms. It is also used for treating symptoms of diarrhea, chronic fatigue syndrome, bleeding, diarrhea, sores etc.

Health Benefits of Grape leaves

1. Lower inflammation

Grape leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties. People with inflammation problems such as tonsillitis, arthritis and chronic gastritis may find grape leaves to be helpful. It contains omega-3 fatty acid as well as antioxidant which are responsible for inflammation process. It lowers inflammation and treats chronic illness.

2. Control glucose level

Grape leaves has low glycemic load. This makes a perfect diet for diabetic patients to manage blood glucose level. Also it contains high dietary fiber which lowers blood glucose level.

3. Digestion

Grape leaves have high content of dietary fiber which helps to promote digestive function and absorb nutrient.

4. Prevention from constipation

Grape leaves have dietary fiber in it that assist in preventing the chances of constipation. The fiber helps to digest food so that waste can be moved out from the body easily.

5. Protect intestinal mucosa

Grape leaves consist of mineral such as zinc that helps to repair and protect intestinal mucosa. It assist intestine to recover fast at the time of mucosa damage such as diarrhea.

6. Anemia prevention

Grape leaves are rich in iron which is a mineral known to prevent anemia. It has a crucial role in formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is also supported by Vitamin C that assist absorption of iron so that anemia could be prevented.

7. Strengthen immunity

Grape leaves have ample amounts of Vitamin C that is known to enhance immune system. It stimulates antibodies in alert mode to combat bacteria and viruses in the body.

8. Combat free radical effects

Availability of Vitamin C helps to combat free radicals in the body. It acts as an antioxidant that prevents the body from various diseases.

9. Cancer prevention

Grape leaves prevent the mutation of cancer cells and inhibit the growth of tumor. It acts through its mechanism to combat the free radicals.

10. Joint health

As a source of manganese, it has an imperative role in formation of cartilage. It lubricate joint to lower friction that may result in arthritis.

11. Healthy heart

Potassium is crucial to maintain normal contraction of heart. It supports in pumping blood to all body parts effectively.

12. Strong bones

Grape leaves also contain calcium which is vital for formation of bones. It helps to strengthen bone and makes it healthy.

13. Teeth health

Calcium also strengthens the teeth. These minerals assist in formation and maintenance of healthy teeth.

14. Lower cramps

Magnesium found in grape leaves helps to lower muscle cramp. It acts as a muscle relaxant in all body parts.

15. Formation of collagen

Body requires copper for forming collagen which is must for creation of young and healthy skin.

16. Healthy skin

Grape leaves have ample amounts of Vitamin E must for maintaining healthy skin. It is required as a nutrient for skin. When consumed regularly as a tea, it makes skin look younger and brighter.

17. Nervous system

Grape leaves have Vitamin B that protects nervous system. It protects each end of nerves from any damages. It lowers the symptom of numbness or tingling sensation.

18. Improve cognition

Grape leaves have Vitamin B6 which has a crucial role in central nervous system. It protects brain and promotes cognitive function of brain. It prevents the chances of dementia.

Culinary uses

• Grape leaves are used to wrap meat and rice dishes.
• Add it raw to salads.
• Grape leaves could be canned and preserved.
• Pair it with pine nuts, bulgar, yogurt and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, onions, fennel, garlic and meats such as beef, minced lamb, lemon, pork and eggplant.

Traditional uses

• Ancient people used grape leaves to cope with various health problems such as stomach aches, diarrhea, canker sores, heavy menstrual bleeding, arthritis and liver inflammation.
• Grape leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties that helps to lower edema.

Precautions

• Discontinue using if any allergic reactions are experienced.
• People with health problems should consult the health practitioner before use.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape_leaves

https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Grape_Leaves_627.php

https://woman.thenest.com/health-benefits-grape-leaves-4029.html

https://www.alwosta.tn/en/blog/141_benefits-of-green-black-and-red-grapes-and-its-side-effects.html

https://www.livestrong.com/article/341296-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-grape-leaves/

https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-grape-leaves-6061.html

https://drhealthbenefits.com/herbal/leaves/health-benefits-of-grape-leave

https://drhealthbenefits.com/herbal/leaves/health-benefits-of-grape-leaves

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