The concept of “medicinal food” emphasizes that food can be a source of health. Dietary therapy, also known as “food therapy,” refers to the rational selection and preparation of food based on the characteristics of the ingredients, guided by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, to nourish the essence and qi, balance yin and yang, and prevent diseases. As the saying goes, “Food supplements are better than medicinal supplements.” Regular consumption of food can strengthen the body, allowing for dietary therapy for minor ailments and food therapy for major illnesses. Health begins with what we eat. Let us enjoy healthy food with our families and build strong bodies through diet.
Next
Let’s follow Dr. Zheng Aihong, Deputy Director of the TCM Department,
to explore the miraculous effects of
grapes, which can be used both as food and medicine in TCM.
Grapes originated from the Western Regions. During the Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian brought back grape seeds from his mission to the Western Regions, leading to the widespread cultivation of grapes, which became a delicious dish on the tables of common people. Grapes are hailed as one of the four major fruits in the world, not only for their rich nutrition, versatility, beautiful color, fragrant aroma, and delicious taste but also because every part of the grape is valuable; the fruit, roots, and leaves can all be used medicinally.
As early as in the “Shennong Bencao Jing,” grapes were described. Grapes are sweet and neutral in nature. They are used to treat dampness and obstruction in the muscles and bones, can replenish essence and qi, enhance strength and willpower, and long-term consumption can strengthen the body, increase endurance, dispel internal wind and cold pathogens, lighten the body, and prolong life. Eating grapes raw or making wine from them can also promote urination and hasten the emergence of rashes.
Modern medical research has proven that grapes can combat viruses and kill bacteria, showing excellent efficacy against hepatitis viruses, poliovirus, and more. They can prevent cancer, inhibit the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones, and suppress the spread of already malignant cells. Regular consumption of red wine can be beneficial for treating malignant anemia, reducing gastric acid, promoting bile secretion, and treating gastritis, enteritis, and vomiting; they also nourish and stimulate brain nerves, effectively treating neurasthenia and alleviating excessive fatigue; they help the body accumulate calcium, promote kidney function, and regulate heart rate. Additionally, the roots and leaves of grapes have excellent diuretic, anti-edema, and anti-miscarriage effects, treating symptoms such as pregnancy sickness, vomiting, and edema.
Five Types of Grapes and Their Nutritional Values
1. Kyoho: Anti-inflammatory and Lipid-lowering
The mature Kyoho grapes are purple-black, with thick skin and soft flesh, offering a sweet and sour taste. They are rich in resveratrol, which aids in lowering blood lipids and has anti-inflammatory effects. Fresh Kyoho grapes have a layer of white powder on their surface, which falls off when touched; thus, grapes without this powder may have been picked over, and those with hard stems or rusty spots may have been treated with growth agents. Large Kyoho grapes are not necessarily better.
2. Rose Fragrance: Antioxidant
Rose Fragrance grapes are purple-black when ripe, sweet but not cloying, with a strong rose aroma. It is recommended to eat them with skin and seeds, either fresh or juiced. The skin of Rose Fragrance grapes is rich in proanthocyanidins, which have strong antioxidant properties, helping to eliminate free radicals and resist aging. Fresh Rose Fragrance grapes have firm stems, and if the grapes are stored for a long time, the fruit will shake off the stem easily.
3. Seedless: Promotes Digestion
Seedless grapes (scientific name: Vitis vinifera) have small berries, and when ripe, their skin is yellow-white and thin, with translucent light green flesh. Seedless grapes are often used to make green raisins, containing tartaric acid, which aids in gastrointestinal digestion. Additionally, the dietary fiber they contain can absorb toxins from the intestinal wall, promoting detoxification. When selecting, taste the bottom grape; if it is sweet, the whole bunch is likely good.
4. Red Globe: Vascular Softening
Red Globe grapes are red or purple-red when ripe, with thick skin, firm and crisp flesh, juicy and sweet. The enzymes they contain have been shown to protect the heart by slowing cholesterol accumulation on blood vessel walls and increasing vascular elasticity. Red Globe grapes sold in supermarkets are usually in preservation bags; when buying, smell them; spoiled grapes will have an alcoholic odor.
Many women worry about premature aging and seek various skincare products. Instead of relying on these products, it is better to eat more grapes to delay aging. For example, Kyoho grapes are recognized as anti-aging and antioxidant foods, and women can benefit from consuming them.
5. Mare’s Milk: Sugar Supplementation
Mare’s Milk grapes have oval-shaped berries, larger than seedless grapes, with seeds inside, and thin green skin. The flesh is green and firm, and they can be eaten with the skin for a sweet and juicy taste. The glucose they contain is easily absorbed by the body; when blood sugar is low, drinking Mare’s Milk grape juice can quickly alleviate symptoms. When selecting, open a grape; if the seeds are brown, it indicates higher ripeness.
Precautions When Eating Grapes
1. Excessive Consumption Can Cause Internal Heat
According to the “Yilin Zuan Yao”: “Excessive consumption causes internal heat.” Grapes are high in sugar, providing energy to the body, so overeating can generate internal heat.
2. Excessive Consumption Can Cause Diarrhea
As stated in the “Bencao Fengyuan”: “Eating too much causes diarrhea.” Grapes have a moistening effect on the intestines, and excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea, so those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold should avoid overeating. Additionally, one should not drink a lot of water immediately after eating grapes, as this can accelerate intestinal peristalsis and cause diarrhea.
3. Grapes Should Not Be Eaten with Milk
Grapes contain organic acids that can cause the proteins in milk to coagulate, affecting absorption and potentially leading to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, grapes should be consumed at least one hour after drinking milk.
4. Grapes Should Not Be Eaten with Seafood
Eating grapes with seafood can cause symptoms such as vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea, as the tannins in grapes can coagulate the proteins in seafood, forming substances that are difficult to digest.
5. Diabetics Should Avoid Grapes
Grapes contain a large amount of glucose, which is easily absorbed by the body and can raise blood sugar levels, so diabetics should avoid them.
Grape Pudding
Ingredients:300g bread, 70g eggs, 30g raisins, 200g milk, 100g toast
Seasoning: 45g white sugar, 5g vanilla, 15g vegetable oil, 20g starch (pea)
1. Remove the crust from the bread, tear it into pieces, soak it in water, and also soak the raisins.
2. Beat the eggs, gradually adding 30g of sugar, milk, vanilla, and lard while mixing well.
3. Squeeze out the water from the bread and mix it with the soaked raisins into the beaten mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
4. Grease the mold, pour in the mixture, cover with microwave film, and steam on high for 4 minutes, then remove and invert onto a plate.
5. Mix milk and 15g of sugar, heat on high until boiling, quickly add the dry starch to thicken, and pour over the pudding.
Expert Profile
Zheng Aihong Deputy Director of the TCM Department, Associate Chief Physician
Specializes in the integrated treatment of common internal diseases and chronic diseases using both TCM and Western medicine. Treats common chronic conditions such as menopausal syndrome, dizziness, headaches, depression, insomnia, and constipation with classical and contemporary formulas. Focuses on TCM constitution identification for disease prevention and treatment, as well as the regulation of sub-health states.
Source: TCM Department Zheng Aihong
Editor: Wu Tingting
Initial Review: Ding Jianfeng
Final Review: Zhang Shuguang
Saving Lives, Caring for Health
Patients First, Honest Service
China Medical University Tacheng Hospital
WeChat ID: tcdqrmyy
Address: No. 22 Wenhua Road, Tacheng City, Xinjiang