Sep 2, 2008 4:30 pm US/Pacific
Grapes Of Wrath? No, They're Very Good For You!
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
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Some of the world's best grapes are grown in California's Napa Valley.
Seedless grapes have become a favorite snack of kids and adults alike.
They are sweet, convenient, and as Americans used to obsess about, low in fat.
Seeded grapes are said to have more flavor but with convenience on the mind of most Americans, they are less popular here. Seeded grapes may also be more beneficial -- nutritionally speaking -- as you will learn as you continue reading.
Grapes do provide some vitamin C, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6, but mostly provide pleasure in their juiciness and sweetness. Red grapes also contain powerful phytochemicals (especially phenolics) that may help decrease risk of cardiovascular disease. These phenolic compounds are housed mostly in the skin of the red grapes.
Resveratrol, in particular, is a polyphenolic stilbene found in the skins of red fruits including grapes that may be responsible for some of the health benefits ascribed to the consumption of red wine. Resveratrol has previously been shown to have anti-oxidant properties and can act as an estrogen agonist. Resveratrol has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity.
Grape seeds, derived from a European species, Vitis vinifera, have also been getting attention for their antioxidant quality. Grapeseeds are a source of proanthocyanidins, rich antioxidants and bioflavonoids.
Proanthocyanidins (also called OPC's or PCO's) have been used medicinally to treat a variety of health conditions. Research indicates that proanthocyanidins may offer anti-inflammatory and antihistamine activity.
Proanthocyanidins may also help strengthen blood vessels, help to protect against atherosclerosis and they may prevent bruising and restore skin collagen. Some will say that grape seed extract promotes youthful skin and anti-aging. Research suggests that the antioxidant power of OPC's may be 20 times stronger than Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E.
Other studies show that proanthocyanidins from grape seeds help protect the body from sun damage and help improve vision.
Grape seeds have been shown to improve flexibility in joints, arteries and body tissues such as the heart. Research studies have shown that grape seed helps improve blood circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins.
Red wine, purple grape juice, grape skins and grape seeds may offer significant cardiovascular benefits . The flavonoids in purple grape juice and red wine may inhibit the initiation of atherosclerosis.
Including a serving of purple grape juice amid your 9 servings of vegetables/fruits daily could be one way to reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Or add a small handful of seeded grapes to your next batch of fresh pressed juice or smoothie. Perhaps you may go for the non-seedless variety of grapes next time, knowing that you may be receiving twice as many health benefits as before.
Raisins are dried grapes and they come in many varieties. They offer a bit more iron and fiber than fresh grapes but that is because you get more raisins in one serving than you do grapes.
Serving suggestions for grapes:
Try adding grapes to your barbeque skewers
Add grape halves to your salad
Use red wine or grape juice to poach pears
Serve grapes with low-fat cheese and nuts for dessert
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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