Grapes: A Primer on the Different Varieties, Healthiest Types & Other Important Grape Facts
by www.SixWise.com
Grapes have been a part of human civilization since ancient
times. They're mentioned in biblical stories as "the
fruit of the vine," are featured in Egyptian hieroglyphics,
and were treasured for winemaking in ancient Greek and Roman
civilizations.
Grapes contain healthy compounds that can fight heart
disease and cancer and even extend your lifespan.
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Today, grapes are the sixth most popular fruit in the United
States (after bananas, apples, watermelon, oranges and cantaloupe).
Though there are thousands of different grape varieties, about
20 of them represent the majority of table grapes consumed.
Table Grapes Vs. Wine Grapes
Table grapes refer to those that are traditionally eaten
as is, as a snack, in salads or entrees. Wine grapes are the
varieties used to make wine, and there are also raisin grapes,
which are primarily used to make the dried fruit.
Grapes are classified as either American or European, with
American grapes having skins that are looser than European
varieties, which are known for their tight skins.
In the United States, the most popular table grapes are the
Thompson Seedless variety, which are the red or green seedless
grapes that you've probably seen at your local supermarket.
Grapes: A Health-Promoting Treat
Kids and adults alike love grapes for their sweet, crunchy,
juiciness, and their "popability." But there are
many more reasons to eat grapes than taste alone. Along with
being rich in manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B1, potassium
and vitamin B6, here is a sampling of the incredibly healthy
aspects of grapes.
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Flavonoids, the phytonutrients in grapes that
give them their color, appear to decrease the risk of
heart disease
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Resveratrol, a flavonoid in grape skins protects
the heart, may fight against cancer, reduces the risk
of stroke, lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and
may even extend your lifespan.
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Sapponins, phytonutrients found in grape skins,
lower cholesterol and fight inflammation.
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Grapes contain pterostilbene, an antioxidant that
fights cancer and lowers cholesterol.
Consuming grapes in the form of red wine is also often heralded
as a healthy habit. Red wine, which has concentrated levels
of the antioxidants found in grapes, has been found to benefit
the heart and even extend life, but there is some debate as
to whether its alcohol
content negates some of the benefit.
Imported grapes are among the 20 most pesticide-contaminated
fruits and veggies. Either seek organic varieties or
wash them thoroughly with Wash
dem Veggies.
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While all grapes are healthy, some are even more potent than
others. The muscadine grape, for instance, contains higher
levels of antioxidants than other grapes. It's used not only
for making wine, but also for snacking and recipes like jelly
and jam.
When it comes to wine, a study in the journal Nature found
that red wines made from grapes grown in southwest France
or Sardinia, and particularly from Nuoro province in Sardinia,
and the Gers departement in the Pyrenees, contain up to 10
times more of the beneficial compounds, including procyanadins,
than wines from Australia, South Africa and the United States.
How to Best Enjoy Grapes
Grapes make a delicious addition to fruit salad, green salads,
and chicken and tuna salads, and also cooked into sauces,
rice and main entrees. For a great summertime treat, try freezing
them; frozen grapes are especially popular with kids!
Because grapes do contain sugar, you should enjoy them in
moderation (a serving of grapes is about 1/2 cup, or 18 grapes)
and avoid grape juice drinks, which have added sugar. When
it comes to wine, anything more than a glass or two a day
is overdoing it from a health perspective.
Keep in mind also that imported grapes are one of the 20
fruits and veggies that are most
contaminated with pesticides, so it's best to seek out
organic varieties or thoroughly
wash conventionally grown grapes before eating them.
Recommended Reading
The
20 Fruits and Vegetables With the Most Pesticides, the 20
With the Least ... and What to Do About It
14
Fruits and Vegetables That Provide the Best Protection Against
Arthritis
Sources
Times
Online
The
World's Healthiest Foods