Photo by Smleon.

The Greeks knew it: grapes are the food of the gods. They even named a god, Dionysus, after this ambrosial fruit. Perhaps the Greeks knew what scientists and researchers are just discovering today:

Grapes are loaded with Flavonoids, including powerful compounds called quercetin, resveratrol, and anthocyanins. These Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that give grapes, and other  colorful fruits and veggies, their lovely deep purple color. White grapes also have beneficial properties, but red grapes have a much higher content of antioxidants including flavinoids anthocyanins and resveratrol.

Grapes are also great  sources of;

• manganese
• vitamin B6
• thiamin (vitamin B1)
• potassium
• vitamin C.

If the delicious crunch of tart grapes isn’t enough, here are some more reasons to pop a grape or two next time you have a sweet tooth!

Lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack and strokes!

• Flavonoids decrease platelet aggregation and enhance Nitric Oxide release which prevents blood clots.
• Resveratrol has been shown to protect against arterial wall damage by decreasing oxidation of LDL cholesterol that blocks and damages the arteries. (LDL cholesterol is not harmful in and of itself, it only becomes dangerous once it has been oxidized, damaged by free radicals)
• Resveratrol helps to prevent hypertension by inhibiting the release of endothelin 1, a potent blood vessel constrictor.
• The flavonoids and vitamin C in Grapes help to strengthen connective tissue, preventing the rupture or leakage of blood vessels and capillaries.

Lower your risk for cancer, especially colorectal and breast cancer!

• Resveratrol has been shown to decrease tumor activity by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory substances that stimulate tumor-cell growth.
• Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in grapes appear to inhibit cancer proliferation by synergistically working together to suppress the growth of an enzyme called, human DNA topoisomerase II,  which is necessary for the spread of cancer cells.

Lower your risk for Alzheimer’s and other Neurodegenerative Diseases;

• Studies suggest that Resveratrol lowers levels of amyloid-beta peptides which are found in the plaques that are present in the brains of patients with Alzheimers disease.

I could go on and on about the health benefits but I think you get the idea!

As always, it’s always best to buy organic to reduce carcinogenic effects, toxic load on your liver and the environment, but it is even more important to choose organic  when it comes to the “Dirty Dozen”, the Top 12 foods with the highest level of pesticide residue.  If you can’t buy organic, always by grapes grown in the US, as imported grapes are among the top 12  with the most pesticide residue.

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by author.

I took this picture on a crisp New York spring day a few years ago. This is too easy but I’m going to say it: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It might just be the recognizable medical adage out there. It also might be true.

Apples are a perfect symbol of health. They’re delicious and they’re packed with;

• Antioxidants but especially quercetin. This particular antioxidant has risen to fame in its use for allergic reactions (hay-fever, itchy runny eyes etc). When in its supplement form it’s usually combined with vitamin C and bromelain, how convenient that this whole food version packs a mean punch of both.
• Vitamin C
• Pectin. This is processed and added to jam, along with sugar, to give it that sticky consistency. Also, pectin is a form of soluble fiber which can help in the prevention of cholesterol buildup in your arteries.

The highest quantities of both of these nutrients is concentrated in the skin, so get yourself a nice crunchy organic one and don’t peel the skin!

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by adjustafresh.

Imagine this.  You’re a bucket filled with water which represents all of life’s many insults on your system.  I don’t mean the underhand comment from your boss. I mean the 8 krispy-kreme doughnuts by lunch, the polluted cities we live in and the generally low quality food and water we ingest.  In essence, the bucket is full.  Now when we are living our lives in this state, the addition of a single drop of water causes the bucket to overflow.  The body is overloaded as it were, and the immune response is hyperactive, mediated by IgE immunoglobulins.  The symptomatic relief is directed at both preventing the water from spilling out, and emptying the bucket.

I used to suffer from debilitating seasonal allergies which were 100% resolved with acupuncture (heres the wonderful lady who helped me) and homeopathy.  The following over the counter products will help tame the reactive immune system and will often be needed on a continual basis during allergy season.

1. Quercetin – Antioxidant with antihistamine & anti-inflammatory properties found primarily in apples & onions.  Difficult to absorb, so usually combined with bromelain.
2. Bromelain – Proteolytic enzyme found in pineapples, useful for reducing the sinus inflammation accompanying allergies (take on an empty stomach).
3. Vitamin C - Everyone’s favorite everyday natural anti-histamine.
4. Stinging Nettles – Plant with anti-histamine properties.
5. Food sensitivities - Eliminate common food allergens during allergy season to reduce your total inflammation;  wheat, dairy, corn, soy, citrus, peanuts, tomatoes and potatoes.
6. Netti pot - Cleanse out pollen allergens from your sinus cavity with saline. (how to video posted under my videos – bottom right column of the blog)
7. Fish oil – Powerful anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
8. Air purifier – You spend SO much time indoors, and a lot of that sleeping.  At the least get one for the bedroom.  Make sure it has a HEPA filter, a little more expensive but worth it to reduce the amount of allergenic pollen floating around
9. Probiotics - Almost 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.  The correct bacterial balance will help to normalize your immune system and the subsequent immune reaction.
10. Homeopathy – safe, fast relief. Here are the most commonly used remedies and when to use them.  Look for a 6C or 30C dose.

• Allium Cepa – lots of watery discharge from the eyes with burning discharge from the nose.
• Arsenicum album – obstructed nose with burning watery discharge.  Tendency to effect the right side.  
• Euphrasia – extremely irritated eyes, with burning discharge from the eyes.
• Natrum muriaticum – whitish ‘egg white’ discharge, worse in the open air.
• Nux vomica - lots of sneezing and discharge, especially in the morning.
• Pulsatilla – terrible itching and tearing of the eyes, watery discharge which does not burn.

Some great, high quality products to get you started and relieve your symptoms today:

• Thorne Research - Quercenase
• Vital nutrients Aller-C
• Eclectic Institute Freeze dried nettles with quercetin
• Ancient Secrets Nasal cleansing pot
• Carlson Laboratories Fish oil
• HEPA filters
• Seroyal HMF forte probiotcs

Simple tips you can do everyday:

• Change into fresh cloths when you come inside.  Pollen tends to stick to your clothing.
• Eat whole fruits high in Vitamin C:  Guavas, currants, orange, lemon, grapefruit, peaches, kiwi, papaya, strawberries.
• Vacuum everyday, eliminate floor rugs and throws during this time.
• Keep windows closed.
• Change sheets frequently.
• Drink plenty of water.

For a long term holistic solution:

• Move to a desert!
• Find a Naturopathic Doctor
• Find an Acupuncturist

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.