Grape Leaves

The freshly plucked from grapevines, grape leaves can supply your body with a wide range of beneficial nutrients, from omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to magnesium and calcium. To enjoy the nutritional and health benefits of grape leaves, turn these tasty leaves into delicious rolls filled with rice or vegetables, or use them in salads.

Red Vine Leaf Extract: A Natural Remedy for Varicose Veins?

A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study published in the March 2004 issue of the journal Drugs in R & D examined the effects of red vine leaf extract on cutaneous microcirculation, transcutanous oxygen pressure, and leg edema in men and women with chronic venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency, a medical condition in which the veins have trouble pumping blood back to the heart, is often characterized by the presence of varicose veins, spider veins, or chronic leg swelling.

The results were promising: After the six-week trial period, patients who received red vine leaf extract showed improved microvascular blood flow, improved oxygen levels, and a decrease in leg circumference.

A source of Heart-Healthy Omega-3 Fatty AcidsThere are a few green leafy vegetables, including grape leaves, that make it to the list of suppliers. Fresh grape leaves contain about 2% fat, a surprisingly large amount for a green vegetable, and a substantial share of that fat is omega-3. 

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects

Whole grapes are a wonderful source of antioxidants, but grape leaves are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds as well. A wonderful piece of research published in the International Journal of Food Properties in early 2013 compared the antioxidant properties of grape leaves collected in May, August, and September. 

This study found that the grape leaves plucked in September had the highest levels of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, and stilbenes, all of which are known for strong antioxidant properties. In addition, this study found grape leaf extract to possess antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Infantis, Stapylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Campylobacter jejuni. 

Grape Leaves Are Loaded with Calcium and MagnesiumThese tasty leaves are also brimming with calcium and magnesium, along with a number of other health enhancing minerals. Just one ounce provides 10% of the daily value for calcium and 7% of the daily value for magnesium.Both calcium and magnesium are essential for bone health, but this mineral combination  also plays a key role in healthy muscle and nerve function.