Grapes are having a serious moment in the natural beauty world right now — and we’re here for it. Whether you're a fan of them on your plate or not, this powerful fruit packs a very beneficial punch for beauty.
Below are 20 reasons to add grapes and grape derivatives to your beauty regimen right away (including our favorite: bright, beautiful skin):
From boosting brain power to longer lifespans, here are 10 top health benefits of grapes:
1. Packed with essential vitamins and nutrients
Grapes are high in several important vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant) and Vitamin K (vital for blood clotting and healthy bones).
The nutrients in grapes may help protect against a host of health conditions, including eye problems, some forms of cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
2. Boosts brain function
Eating grapes may improve memory, attention, and mood. One study found that 250 mg of a grape supplement per day significantly improved cognitive test scores -- measuring attention, memory and language -- compared to baseline values.
Grapes also contain resveratrol, a chemical that, according to some studies, may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Beneficial for heart health
There are two main reasons why eating grapes is good for the heart:
One study found that eating 500 grams of red grapes per day for eight weeks was shown to lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Notably, white grapes did not have the same effect.
Some studies have also found that diets high in the grape antioxidant resveratrol (such as the Mediterranean Diet) may help to lower cholesterol levels effectively.
4. Relieves constipation
Grapes are a key source of dietary fiber and other powerful nutrients that can help relieve chronic constipation. As a natural laxative, grapes are dense in both water and fiber — the main nutrients required to treat and eliminate constipation.
5. Helps with diabetes management
Grapes are high in sugar, which may make them seem like an unlikely choice for diabetes regulation, but they also have a low glycemic index (a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar).
One study found that compounds in grapes may even lower blood sugar levels. Of 38 men, those who took 20 grams of grape extract per day during a 16 week period were shown to have decreased blood sugar levels, compared to a control group.
6. May offer cell protective properties
Found in grapes, the powerful compound resveratrol has been shown to protect cells and support cancer prevention and treatment.
In addition to resveratrol, grapes also contain many other plant compounds
that may have beneficial effects against various types of cancer, including colon cancer and breast cancer.
7. Prevents loss of vision and protects against eye disease
According to this study, resveratrol may protect retinal cells in the human eye against damage from UVA (ultraviolet A) light.
Another study found that resveratrol may also protect against the development of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease.
Grapes also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which some studies have found help protect the eyes from blue light damage.
8. Helps fight bacterial and viral infections
Several of the compounds found in grapes have been shown to help fight bacterial and viral infections. According to this study, grape skin extract may be helpful in protecting against the flu virus.
Other test-tube studies have found that compounds in grapes have stopped the herpes virus, chicken pox, and yeast infections from spreading.
9. Contains nutrients important for bone health
Grapes are a source of several nutrients important for bone health, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, and vitamin K.
Some studies in rats have shown that grapes may have protective effects on bones (though these results have not yet been confirmed in humans).
10. May slow aging and promote longevity
Research has shown that resveratrol in grapes activates genes associated with slower aging and longer lifespan.
From smooth skin to anti-aging, below are 10 top beauty benefits of grapes:
1. Loaded with antioxidants for healthy, glowing skin
Grapes are known to improve skin elasticity and improve blood circulation, which keeps skin looking healthy and young.
2. Prevents signs of aging and other skin problems
The antioxidants present in grapes help reduce the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
3. Provides UV protection
Grapes make a great home remedy for sunburns. They contain powerful antioxidants that protect against harmful ultraviolet radiation, and some studies support the use of grapes or grape derivatives in sun protection products. (Do be aware though that they do not replace sunscreen!)
4. Acts as an exfoliant
Grape seed oil is rich in Vitamin E, which helps skin retain moisture and also acts as a mild exfoliant. The tonic properties of this oil works to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, keeping skin smooth and supple.
5. Helps lighten scars
The combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C in grapes can help reduce the appearance of scars and increase blood circulation to the skin and scalp.
6. Promotes hair growth and improves volume
The linoleic acid present in grapes and grape seed oil is known to strengthen hair follicles and improve hair growth.
7. Prevents hair loss
Grapes can be extremely beneficial when it comes to combating hair loss. Their seeds contain antioxidants that help stimulate blood flow and encourage hair growth. They also contain oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), which prevent dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production — a major factor in hair loss — and stimulate hair growth.
8. Boosts shine in dry, brittle hair
Sun exposure and other environmental factors can leave hair feeling dry and brittle. Grape seed oil can help restore shine by locking in moisture to prevent frizz, split ends, and breakage.
9. Fights dandruff
Grape seed oil is full of emollients and nutrients that can help treat dandruff and other conditions caused by a dry, flaky scalp.
Important to note: grape seed oil is most effective on fighting dandruff caused by a dry scalp. It cannot cure dandruff caused by skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or fungal irritation.
10. Brightens eyes
Healthy eyesight and bright, sparkling eyes require many of the vitamins and nutrients found in grapes.
Grapes also contain the antioxidant lutein, which helps fight against cataracts and degenerative diseases.
Grapes already have a bit of a cult following in the natural skincare industry, and for three good reasons:
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol most often sourced from red grapes, but is also found in berries, pomegranates, and even peanuts.
When it comes to using grapes for skin health, resveratrol can help protect the skin’s surface, combat negative environmental influences, and brighten a dull complexion. It also has significant calming properties that may help reduce redness and inflammation.
Resveratrol fights free-radical damage and minimizes signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation — which is why it’s become such a popular ingredient in beauty products for mature skin.
Grape seed oil is made from the pressed seeds of grapes, which (along with the skin) may be one of the healthiest parts of the fruit. It is packed with potent antioxidants, healthy fatty acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and moisturizing properties that make it a popular ingredient in natural skincare products.
When it comes to the beauty benefits of grapes, grape seed extract is a big one.
Derived from the ground-up seeds of red grapes, this extract contains powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage from free radicals.
These days, it seems like there’s a new beauty oil being sworn in every other day (we see you black seed oil, rosehip oil, and tea tree oil).
This is where grape seed oil benefits for skin come in. Grape seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which have been shown to have significant benefits for skin health.
The following grape seed oil uses for skin have made it a popular topical treatment for a variety of skin issues.
Because of its proven antimicrobial properties, grape seed oil can be used to treat acne outbreaks. Painful pimples, rashes, and other symptoms may be soothed by the oil’s strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Although it’s not strong enough to replace sunscreen entirely, grape seed oil has been shown to offer some protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This review found that the powerful antioxidants in grape seed oil helped to protect skin from absorbing the full damage of UV rays.
Research has shown that grape seed oil improves skin’s moisture, softness, and elasticity. Its antioxidant properties destroy free radicals that degrade collagen production, which keeps skin looking young and healthy.
Grape seed oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, a fatty acid that integrates into cell membranes to strengthen the skin barrier and hold onto moisture. It also contains Vitamin E and antioxidants that prevent skin from drying out.
Because of grape seed oil’s restructuring qualities — it can repair damaged and stressed skin tissues — it can also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
This study found grape seed oil to be an effective wound healer. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the oil are thought to be responsible for promoting angiogenesis in wounds, a process which creates new blood vessels and cell growth.
When it comes to massage oils, grape seed oil is light and nearly odorless. It has a smooth, silky texture without being greasy and rarely causes reactions, even in sensitive skin types.
Grape seed oil can greatly decrease the chance of razor burn by lubricating the skin’s surface between the hair and the razor, making for a much easier and smoother cut on the shaft of the hair follicle.
For beauty, grape seed oil is a simple and relatively inexpensive treatment to add to your routine. The grape seed oil benefits for skin specifically indicate that this oil shows promise as a natural beauty product.
In addition to its status as a game-changing skincare oil, grape seed oil is also a common pantry staple. It’s extremely versatile, reasonably priced, and virtually flavorless (which allows other top-notch ingredients to shine).
Grape seed oil has a clean, uncomplicated flavor, which makes it a multi-purpose MVP in the kitchen. It’s great in vinaigrettes and also has a high smoke point, which makes it a solid substitute for olive oil or vegetable oil in high heat cooking (like sauteing or stir-frying).
Because grape seed oil absorbs easily, it can also make a great addition to your natural beauty regimen. Simply use it on its own or mix it into your favorite moisturizer or night cream (just make sure to do a spot test first to ensure you don’t have a reaction).
Unlike heavier oils that may clog pores or only suit certain skin types, grape seed oil is lightweight and noncomedogenic. That means it is suitable for most skin types — including sensitive and acne-prone. Of course, you should discontinue use if irritation strikes.
Whether you prefer to add grape seed oil to your salad or slather it on your skin, there are many reasons to use this all-natural ingredient on the daily.
Nutritionally, red and green grapes are almost identical. Both have a substantial amount of antioxidants and nutrients (and make for a great snack!) — but due to higher concentrations of resveratrol, red are the best to use in a natural beauty regimen.
There is also a third option: black grapes. Like the red variety, black grapes contain resveratrol and are also known to increase skin elasticity and improve circulation.
When it comes to the grape seed oil and other grape derivatives found in your favorite beauty products, they were most likely made from red or black grapes.