《黄帝内经·素问》有言“司岁备物，则无遗主矣”，道出饮食当顺应四时阴阳之变的养生智慧。葡萄作为浆果类水果的代表，其成熟采收与节气更迭息息相关。现代研究表明，不同品种的葡萄虽成熟期跨度较大，但以立秋时节（公历8月7-9日）前后采收的鲜食品种品质最为上乘，此时果粒糖酸比趋近黄金比例，花青素、白藜芦醇等活性物质含量亦达峰值。值此夏秋之交，人体易受“秋燥”侵扰，葡萄特有的滋阴润燥，生津止渴之效恰合时宜，故将立秋时节新采的葡萄作为应季养生果品，是中医“顺天之时，因地之宜”的鲜活诠释。

《素问·脏气法时论》提出“肺主秋……肺收敛，急食酸以收之”，故立秋后养生宜“省辛增酸”。葡萄味甘微酸、性平，归肺、脾、肾经，正合秋季收敛之需，兼具补肝肾，益气血，生津液，利小便之效。《神农本草经》载其“主筋骨湿痹，益气倍力，久食轻身不老”，《随息居饮食谱》亦称其“补气，滋肾液，益肝阴，强筋骨，止渴，安胎”。夏季湿热内蕴，立秋后食用葡萄可借其酸甘化阴之性，生津润燥，利小便以排湿热余毒，且葡萄富含铁、钙、钾及多种维生素，尤宜缓解秋初口干、咽干及暑湿残留的困乏。现代研究显示，葡萄中的生物活性物质如原花青素、类黄酮等，具有抗肿瘤、降胆固醇、调节免疫等作用。

葡萄作为应季水果，不仅果肉甘甜多汁，其皮、籽等部分也蕴含丰富的营养与药用价值，堪称“全身是宝”。葡萄皮富含白藜芦醇、花青素、鞣酸等活性成分，具有显著的抗氧化作用，可清除自由基，延缓衰老。其中，白藜芦醇能降低血脂、抑制血栓形成，预防心脑血管疾病。此外，葡萄籽提取物含原花青素、类黄酮等强力抗氧化剂，可改善皮肤弹性、减少皱纹，并保护胶原蛋白。葡萄籽还能降低胆固醇、增强血管弹性，辅助预防高血压和动脉硬化。综上，立秋食用葡萄应注重“连皮带籽”，以达到润燥、补益与防病的多重效果。

The Huangdi Neijing, Suwen, states, “To govern according to the season and prepare accordingly is to leave nothing undone,” highlighting the wisdom of adapting one’s diet to the seasonal changes of Yin and Yang. Grapes, as a representative berry, have their maturation and harvest closely linked to seasonal changes. Modern research shows that, although different grape varieties have varying maturation periods, those harvested around the Start of Autumn (August 7-9) have the best quality. At this time, the sugar - acid ratio in berries approaches the ideal level, and the content of active substances like anthocyanins and resveratrol peaks. During the transition from summer to autumn, the body is prone to being affected by “autumn dryness.” Grapes’ unique ability to nourish Yin, moisten dryness, generate body fluids, and quench thirst makes them particularly suitable for this period. Therefore, consuming freshly harvested grapes at the Start of Autumn as a seasonal health - preserving fruit perfectly illustrates TCM's concept of “adapting to the heavens’ timing and the local conditions.”

The text Suwen: Discussion on the Viscera and Qi According to the Time states, “The lung governs autumn... As the lung gathers and consolidates, one should promptly consume sour foods to aid in this process.” Therefore, after the Beginning of Autumn, it is advisable to “reduce pungent foods and increase sour ones” as a means of health preservation. Grapes, with their sweet and slightly sour taste and neutral nature, enter the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. They are well-suited to the autumnal need for consolidation and also offer benefits such as nourishing the liver and kidneys, enriching qi and blood, promoting the production of body fluids, and facilitating urination.The Shennong Bencao Jing records that grapes “treat damp bi-syndromes of the sinews and bones, enhance energy and strength, and with long-term consumption, lead to a light body and longevity.” The Suixiju Dietetic Manual also states that grapes “supplement qi, nourish kidney fluids, benefit liver yin, strengthen sinews and bones, quench thirst, and stabilize pregnancy.”After the heat and dampness of summer, consuming grapes after the Beginning of Autumn can leverage their sour and sweet properties to transform yin, produce body fluids, moisten dryness, and promote urination to expel residual damp-heat toxins. Moreover, grapes are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and various vitamins, making them particularly suitable for alleviating dry mouth, dry throat, and fatigue caused by lingering summer dampness at the start of autumn.Modern research has shown that bioactive compounds in grapes, such as proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, possess anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, and immune-regulating effects.

As a seasonal fruit, grapes are not only sweet and juicy in their flesh but also rich in nutrients and medicinal value in their skin, seeds, and other parts, making them a “treasure trove” of benefits. The skin of grapes is abundant in active compounds such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, and tannins, which have significant antioxidant effects. These compounds can neutralize free radicals and delay aging.Resveratrol can lower blood cholesterol, inhibit blood clot formation, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, grape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants like proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, which can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and protect collagen. Grape seeds can also lower cholesterol levels and enhance blood vessel elasticity, aiding in the prevention of hypertension and arteriosclerosis. In summary, when consuming grapes during the Start of Autumn, it is advisable to eat them “with skin and seeds” to achieve multiple benefits, including moistening dryness, nourishing the body, and preventing diseases.