Can Out-of-date Grapes Make You Sick? (+11 Benefits)

Can out-of-date grapes make you sick? (+11 benefits)

In this article, we will answer the question “Can out-of-date grapes make you sick?”, and how to keep grapes fresh?

Can out-of-date grapes make you sick?

Out-of-date grapes may or may not make you sick. But they taste bad. It is not recommended to eat deteriorating grapes. Eating out-of-date grapes that have mold growing on them will cause food poisoning reflected in diarrhea, stomach pain,, and nausea.

How long do grapes last?

(Whole)	Counter	Refrigerator	Freezer
Grapes	3-5 days	5-10 days	3-5 months

Ways to keep grapes fresh

Choosing fresh grapes

Buy grapes with firmly attached stems. Reject clusters that are losing grapes. Prefer buying fresh grapes from the farmer’s market.

Ideally, green grapes should have a yellow-green to light green color while red and purple grapes should have a light red, deep or black-purple color. Avoid any grapes with brown spots and loose stems. Buy fully plump grapes.

Reject any grapes that give off a vinegar-like or acidic smell instead of a sweet scent.

Avoid buying grapes that have white or grey furry or moldy patches or feel overly soft on the touch.

Storing the grapes

Keep the grapes sored in their original packaging. Wash them just before you are ready to eat. If you removed the grapes from their original packaging, make sure It provides enough ventilation.

Remove moldy, mushy, or grapes that are browning from the rest of the cluster.

Ideally, grapes should be kept at 32 °F (0 °C) with 90-95% humidity. A humidity drawer will do for this purpose. If you do not have that, put them at the back of the fridge.

Health benefits of grapes

Packed with nutrients, especially Vitamin C and K

One cup (151 grams) provides the following nutrients.

Calories	104kcal	Vitamin k	28% of the RDI
Carbs	27.3g	Thiamine	7% of the RDI
Proteins	1.1g	Riboflavin	6% of the RDI
Fats	0.2g	Vitamin B6	6% of the RDI
Fiber	1.4g	Potassium	8% of the RDI
Vitamin C	27% of the RDI	Copper	10% of the RDI

High anti-oxidant content may prevent chronic diseases

Anit-oxidants protect the cells against oxidative damage that produces free radicals. Oxidative stress lays the foundation of many chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. The skin and seeds of grapes are rich in anti-oxidants. Resveratrol, present in grapes, reduce the risk of heart disease, lowers blood sugar, and prevents the development of cancer. Powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, lutein, lycopene and ellagic acid are also present in grapes.

Plant compounds may protect against certain types of cancer

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the compound resveratrol, present in grapes, helps protect against cancer. Moreover, compounds like quercetin, anthocyanins, and catechins also have proven anti-cancerous properties. Grapes have been found to prevent the growth and development of breast cancer cells.

Beneficial for heart health

Helps lower blood pressure

A single cup (151 grams) of grapes provides about 288 mg of potassium, equivalent to about 6% of the RDI. potassium plays an important role in fluid balance and regulating blood pressure in the body.

Help reduce cholesterol

Red grapes have been found to reduce levels of total and LDL aka bad cholesterol in the blood.

May decrease blood sugar levels and protect against diabetes

Grapes have a low glycemic index (GI) of 53, providing about 23 grams of sugar per cup (151 grams). Resveratrol, present in grapes, has been found to increase insulin sensitivity and the number of glucose receptors on cell membranes.

Promotes eye health

In a study, reservation has been found to protect retinal cells of the eye against UVA light. It may also reduce the risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic eye disease. Grapes contain certain antioxidants like antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that protect the eyes against blue light.

May improve memory, attention, and mood

Grapes have been linked to reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. They uplift mood and improve cognitive functions.

Good for bone health

Grapes contain plenty f the minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and vitamin K which are crucial to bone health.

Anti-micobrial proeprties

Grapes are a rich source of vitamin C which has proven benefits for strong immunity. Resveratol prevents food-borne illnesses. Test tube studies have shown grapes block the spread of herpes virus, chickenpox, and yeast infections.

Ani-aging properties

Resveratrol triggers the SirT1 gene and stimulates the release of certain proteins called sirtuins, which have been found to possess anti-aging properties.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation lays the foundation of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. The anti-inflammatory compounds present in grapes reduce the risk of chronic diseases.