In botanical terms, grapes are classified under berries. They are either consumed fresh as table grapes or are used in the preparation of multiple products like wine, jam, juice, jelly, grape seed extract, raisins, vinegar, and grape seed oil.

Different varieties of grapes are cultivated all over the world making them a commonly available fruit. Grapes are rich in potassium, which helps to reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and prevents painful gout attacks.

Grapes are rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes) which show antioxidant properties (University of Maryland Medical System). Usually, symptoms like pain, heat, redness, and swelling are observed during inflammatory process that is usually triggered in arthritis patients.

Abnormalities of the joints of the spine, associated muscles, tendons, ligaments and bone structural abnormalities can all result in pain. Even today, these patients need to rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to get relief from these symptoms. Unfortunately, these drugs can provide only a temporary relief but cannot cure the problem (Maroon, et al.). Moreover, the patient becomes dependent on these drugs. Such dependency can be avoided by the consumption of grapes.

Role of Grapes in Joint Support

Grapes help in the natural maintenance of healthy joints. Uric acid crystals are usually formed as a result of lowered kidney function. Grapes help to dissolve these crystals in alkaline urine. As a result, the crystals get eliminated from the blood stream and are prevented from being deposited in the joints of gout patients. This lessens the pain in these patients. Grapes are rich in Bioflavonoids, Quercetin, Antioxidants and Vitamin C which have a potency to control inflammation. Thus they are capable of relieving painful rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (Susan Laverie).

The red wine grapes are rich in a polyphenol called Resveratrol. This molecule shows anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and DNA protective actions. Animal studies have shown that resveratrol can protect the cartilage and reduce the inflammatory reaction in case of knee osteoarthritis (Maroon, et al). It suppresses the inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis.

Animal studies have also ascertained that grape seed extract can improve bone formation and bone strength. When grapes are consumed as juice smoothie or blended with other fruit juices, they maintain the alkalinity in blood. When urine and blood are maintained at slightly alkaline levels, the elimination of acid wastes becomes easier, which reduces the attacks of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and painful gout recurrences.