Benefits of Grapes
51. Prevention of cataracts
Flavonoids present in grapes have antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals cause things like the development of cataracts, as well as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and various agerelated problems. This is somewhat linked to macular degeneration, as they usually occur around the same time in life. Fortunately, antioxidants also have certain antiaging qualities, which not only help you look younger, but also feel younger by staving off agerelated conditions like cataracts.
52. Grapes Into Wine
It takes about 2.5 pounds of grapes to make one bottle of wine. There are basically three categories of grapes: the greens, the reds, and the blue/blacks. Good color is the key to good flavor. The sweetest green grapes are yellowgreen in color; red varieties that are predominantly crimson/red will have the best flavor; and blue/black varieties taste best if their color is deep and rich, almost black. If you object to seeds, look for seedless varieties. Store grapes unwashed in the refrigerator. Theyandll keep up to a week.
53. Grapes Making Raisins
Raisins are dried, sweet grapes. The drying happens naturally when the grapes are left in sunlight. Grape juice is an excellent way to take advantage of the health benefits of grapes without the alcohol content of wine. Studies have shown that juice made from concord grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants when compared to other juice products.
54. Concord Grapes
These plump blue grapes get their name from Concord, MA, where they were developed. They have a distinctive taste and can survive colder climates. Grapes should be stored in the refrigerator and washed right before eating. To keep them fresh longer, grapes can be frozen by arranging them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and placing them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, they can be stored in a plastic bag. Frozen grapes make a delicious snack, especially on a hot day.
55. Many Colors
Grapes come in many colors, including green, red, black, yellow, pink, and purple. andWhiteand grapes are actually green. Grapes contain a phytonutrient called resveratrol, which is an antioxidant that helps fight cancer and heart disease. Resveratrol is being researched for a possible role in protecting and maintaining brain and nerve health. Grapes also contain additional phytonutrients such as catechchins, anthocyanins, and quercetin, which are also antioxidants.
56. The Grape Family
There are more than 8,000 grape varieties from about 60 species. The main types are American and European. Some varieties of grapes are available yearround. When buying grapes, look for clusters with plump, wellcolored fruit attached to pliable, green stems. Soft or wrinkled grapes or those with bleached areas around the stem are past their prime.
57. They are Berries
Grapes are a kind of berry. They have a leathery covering and a fleshy inside, similar to blueberries. Grapes, one of the oldest cultivated fruits, are unique because they grow on vines. This bitesize fruit is popular with everyone, especially kids (but be sure to peel and slice them lengthwise for young children to avoid choking).
58. Calories and Nutrition
One cup of grapes, with about 100 calories, provides more than a quarter of the daily recommended values of vitamins K and C. Grape seeds, which are edible, are chockfull of antioxidants. grapes are healthy and one of Mother Natureands most convenient snack foods. Rich in compounds that protect against cancer and high in potassium, grapes are great foods while trying to lose weight.
59. Health Benefits
Grapes may not be packed with traditional nutrients, but they do contain a collection of phytochemicals that researchers are just beginning to appreciate. Among them is ellagic acid, a natural substance also found in strawberries that is thought to possess cancerpreventing properties. Grapes also contain boron, a mineral believed to play a role in bone and joint health.
60. Love Your Heart Eat Grapes
Eating a variety of grapes may help support a healthy heart by improving blood flow, arterial flexibility and blood vessel function. Grape consumption may also help prevent platelet aggregation, which can lead to clot formation. Grapes also promote healthy arteries by helping prevent the oxidation of bad andLDLand cholesterol, which is a key contributor to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.