Grape leaves, the leaves of the grapevine plant, are used in the cuisines of a number of cultures. They may be obtained fresh, or preserved in jars or cans.[rx][rx] The leaves are commonly rolled or stuffed with mixtures of meat and rice to produce dolma, found widely in the Mediterranean, Balkans, and Middle East.[rx] They may also be used in various other recipes and dishes.[rx] When cut into smaller pieces they are used as a savory addition to soups that include greens and cabbage.[rx]
| Grape Leaves Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Grape Leaves |
| Colors | Bright to deep green, orange or red heart-shaped |
| Shapes | Cordate, or heart-shaped, medium to large |
| Taste | Tangy |
| Calories | 13 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Vitamin A (27.57%) Manganese (17.39%) Vitamin K (12.67%) Copper (6.44%) Calcium (5.10%) Iron (4.63%) |
Grape leaves are the leaves of the grapevine plant which is used in various cuisines. It is picked fresh from the vine and stuffed with a mixture of meat, rice, and spices, and then boiled or steamed. Stuffed grape leaves are served as a main dish or appetizer.
| Name | Grape Leaves |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Bright to deep green, orange or red heart-shaped |
| Shape & size | Cordate, or heart-shaped, medium to large |
| Taste | Tangy |
| Season | Mid-summer through early winter |
| Major Nutritions | Vitamin A, RAE 193 µg (27.57%) Manganese, Mn 0.4 mg (17.39%) Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 15.2 µg (12.67%) Copper, Cu 0.058 mg (6.44%) Calcium, Ca 51 mg (5.10%) Iron, Fe 0.37 mg (4.63%) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.056 mg (4.31%) Total dietary Fiber 1.5 g (3.95%) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.05 mg (3.85%) Magnesium, Mg 13 mg (3.10%) |
| Calories in 1 cup (14 g) | 13 K |
Grape leaves are medium to large, cordate, heart-shaped have multiple lobes. Leaves are smooth, vibrant, and grow in alternate patterns with serrated, toothed edges and pointed tips on each lobe. It grows on climbing vines that could reach to 17 meters in height. Grape leaves are tender with a light citrusy, green, and tangy taste.
Grape leaves are predominant in Mediterranean cuisine and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is found bottled or canned. Red vine leaf helps to improve conditions associated with poor blood circulation such as varicose veins and related symptoms. It is also used for treating symptoms of diarrhea, chronic fatigue syndrome, bleeding, diarrhea, sores, etc.
Nutritional value of Grape leaves, raw
Calories 13 Kcal. Calories from Fat 2.7 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 10.26 g | N/D |
| Energy | 13 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 55 kJ | N/D |
| Protein | 0.78 g | 1.56% |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 0.3 g | 0.86% |
| Ash | 0.23 g | N/D |
| Carbohydrate | 2.42 g | 1.86% |
| Total dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 3.95% |
| Total Sugars | 0.88 g | N/D |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 51 mg | 5.10% |
| Iron, Fe | 0.37 mg | 4.63% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 13 mg | 3.10% |
| Phosphorus, P | 13 mg | 1.86% |
| Potassium, K | 38 mg | 0.81% |
| Sodium, Na | 1 mg | 0.07% |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.09 mg | 0.82% |
| Copper, Cu | 0.058 mg | 6.44% |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.4 mg | 17.39% |
| Selenium, Se | 0.1 µg | 0.18% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.006 mg | 0.50% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.05 mg | 3.85% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.331 mg | 2.07% |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.032 mg | 0.64% |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.056 mg | 4.31% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 12 µg | 3.00% |
| Folate, food | 12 µg | N/D |
| Folate, DEF | 12 µg | N/D |
| Choline | 1.8 mg | 0.33% |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 1.6 mg | 1.78% |
| Fat-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A, RAE | 193 µg | 27.57% |
| Vitamin A, IU | 3853 IU | N/D |
| Beta Carotene | 2267 µg | N/D |
| Alpha Carotene | 88 µg | N/D |
| Beta Cryptoxanthin | 1 µg | N/D |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 245 µg | N/D |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.28 mg | 1.87% |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 15.2 µg | 12.67% |
| Lipids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.047 g | N/D |
| Myristic acid 14:00(Tetradecanoic acid) | 0.001 g | N/D |
| pentadecanoic acid (15:00) | 0.001 g | N/D |
| Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) | 0.034 g | N/D |
| Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) | 0.004 g | N/D |
| Arachidic acid 20:00 (Eicosanoic acid) | 0.002 g | N/D |
| Behenic acid (docosanoic acid) 22:00 | 0.001 g | N/D |
| Lignoceric acid (tetracosanoic acid) 24:00 | 0.002 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.011 g | N/D |
| Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid) | 0.005 g | N/D |
| Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) | 0.005 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.149 g | N/D |
| Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) | 0.021 g | N/D |
| Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) | 0.12 g | N/D |
| Phytosterols | 3 mg | N/D |
| Beta-sitosterol | 3 mg | N/D |
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Health Benefits of Grape leaves
- Lower inflammation
Grape leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties. People with inflammation problems such as tonsillitis, arthritis, and chronic gastritis may find grape leaves to be helpful. It contains omega-3 fatty acids as well as antioxidants which are responsible for the inflammation process. It lowers inflammation and treats chronic illness.
- Control glucose level
Grape leaves have a low glycemic load. This makes a perfect diet for diabetic patients to manage blood glucose level. Also, it contains high dietary fiber which lowers blood glucose levels.
- Digestion
Grape leaves have a high content of dietary fiber which helps to promote digestive function and absorb nutrients.
- Prevention from constipation
Grape leaves have dietary fiber in them that assist in preventing the chances of constipation. The fiber helps to digest food so that waste can be moved out from the body easily.
- Protect intestinal mucosa
Grape leaves consist of minerals such as zinc that helps to repair and protect intestinal mucosa. It assists the intestine to recover fast at the time of mucosa damage such as diarrhea.
- Anemia prevention
Grape leaves are rich in iron which is a mineral known to prevent anemia. It has a crucial role in the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is also supported by Vitamin C that assists the absorption of iron so that anemia could be prevented.
- Strengthen immunity
Grape leaves have ample amounts of Vitamin C that is known to enhance the immune system. It stimulates antibodies in alert mode to combat bacteria and viruses in the body.
- Combat free radical effects
Availability of Vitamin C helps to combat free radicals in the body. It acts as an antioxidant that prevents the body from various diseases.
- Cancer prevention
Grape leaves prevent the mutation of cancer cells and inhibit the growth of tumors. It acts through its mechanism to combat the free radicals.
- Joint health
As a source of manganese, it has an imperative role in the formation of cartilage. It lubricates joints to lower friction that may result in arthritis.
- Healthy heart
Potassium is crucial to maintain the normal contraction of the heart. It supports pumping blood to all body parts effectively.
- Strong bones
Grape leaves also contain calcium which is vital for the formation of bones. It helps to strengthen the bone and makes it healthy.
- Teeth health
Calcium also strengthens the teeth. These minerals assist information and maintenance of healthy teeth.
- Lower cramps
Magnesium found in grape leaves helps to lower muscle cramps. It acts as a muscle relaxant in all body parts.
- Formation of collagen
The body requires copper for forming collagen which is a must for the creation of young and healthy skin.
- Healthy skin
Grape leaves have ample amounts of Vitamin E must for maintaining healthy skin. It is required as a nutrient for skin. When consumed regularly as tea, it makes skin look younger and brighter.
- Nervous system
Grape leaves have Vitamin B that protects the nervous system. It protects each end of the nerves from any damages. It lowers the symptom of numbness or tingling sensation.
- Improve cognition
Grape leaves have Vitamin B6 which has a crucial role in the central nervous system. It protects the brain and promotes the cognitive function of the brain. It prevents the chances of dementia.
Culinary uses
- Grape leaves are used to wrap meat and rice dishes.
- Add it raw to salads.
- Grape leaves could be canned and preserved.
- Pair it with pine nuts, bulgar, yogurt, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, onions, fennel, garlic, and meats such as beef, minced lamb, lemon, pork and eggplant.
Traditional uses
- Ancient people used grape leaves to cope with various health problems such as stomach aches, diarrhea, canker sores, heavy menstrual bleeding, arthritis and liver inflammation.
- Grape leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties that helps to lower edema.
Precautions
- Discontinue using if any allergic reactions are experienced.
- People with health problems should consult the health practitioner before use.
References