Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Superfood Red Grapes



Grapes have long been cherished for their versatility, especially red grapes. Delicious fresh off the vine as a snack or dessert, and used to produce wine as far back as humankind can remember, this fruit has long been a popular and high-demand food. Only recently, however, have researchers begun to discover the power in the humble grape. More particularly, in the darker coloured varieties as unlike the green grapes the red grapes have many more added extras

Health Benefits of Red Grapes

They’re bursting with Vitamins - One serving of red grapes offers 16 mg of vitamin C, which is about 27 percent of the daily value, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. It also contains 22 mcg of vitamin K and 0.4 mg of thiamin, which is about 28 percent and 27 percent of the daily value, respectfully. Red grapes also contain small amounts of vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, folic acid, beta carotene and alpha carotene.

Source of Lutein - The lutein in red grapes helps protect your vision. This naturally occurring carotenoid helps prevent macular degeneration, an eye disease that often appears in the elderly and causes serious damage to the vision.

They’re Antibacterial and Antiviral - Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties to help protect against many infections, including poliovirus and herpes simplex virus. Researchers have discovered that an agent made from grape pumice extract (grape seeds, skin and stems) is an effective antimicrobial agent. Scientists have also found considerable antimicrobial powers against staph and the E. coli.

Source of Resveratrol - The resveratrol is that polyphenolic flavonoids that gives the red color to the grapes. Many red grapes health benefits are due to the resveratrol as it helps in controlling the heart disease and also prevents the cancerous growths and thus helps in controlling the cancer also. The dark grapes are more beneficial as they contain more content of the resveratrol. It is also used as an anti-ageing, longevity supplement.

They’re filled with Minerals - Red grapes are also rich in several minerals. A 1-cup serving of red grapes contains 288 mg of potassium, 0.2 mg of copper, 0.1 mg of manganese and 0.5 of iron - 10 percent of the daily value of potassium and copper, 5 percent of the daily value of manganese and 1 percent of the daily value of iron. Red grapes also contain small amounts of calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium.

Source of Flavonoids - Foods with flavonoids help prevent development of heart disease. Eating red grapes regularly will help you impede the development of plaque buildup in your arteries, keeping your arteries open for a strong flow of blood to all of the organs of your body.

Contain Cholesterol Lowering Agents - Grapes contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has the capacity to bring down cholesterol level. Saponins present in grape skin can also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it

They’re full of Water - The amount of water you consume is an important factor that determines the quality of your health. A 1-cup serving of grapes contains an estimated 3/4 cup of water. Eating grapes can contribute to the eight glasses of water per day required for maintaining everyday biological processes, such as blood flow and the excretion of toxins.

Low in Calories - A cup and a half of fresh red seedless grapes is fat-free and only 60 calories. Grapes have no sodium, so they are a good snack choice for those with high blood pressure. Eating whole grapes, including the skin, is a better choice than drinking grape juice for those watching their weight. Juices tend to have more calories per unit and are less filling than the whole fruit, which has more fibre, making it more satisfying.

Beneficial as a Wine - Red wine, made from seedless red grapes, is a special standout for heart health. The alcohol and antioxidants in red wine can help prevent clots in your blood vessels and may contribute to increasing levels of healthy cholesterol. Red grape juice may have the same healthful prop

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