Nutrition Tip: The Mighty Grape

More and more new research is confirming the fact that grapes are some of the healthiest foods you can eat. If you're trying to lose weight, get more fiber into your diet, prevent cancer, or just be healthier... start eating more grapes!

From ZonePerfect:

If grapes and grape juice are among the foods you enjoy, here's some good news: researches are discovering that red and purple grapes, pack a surprisingly powerful amount of health-giving nutrition into a very tasty package. And they may be an especially good choice for people with diabetes.

Grape juice and grape-seed extract contain potent antioxidants, two flavanoids, proanthcyanadins and catechins, that may help to protect our bodies from certain degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and perhaps some forms of cancer. Resveratrol is the antioxidant found in purple grape juice.

Evidence is growing that these compounds may contribute to cardiovascular health because they may inhibit blood clot formation, improve the elasticity of blood vessels, and delay the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (the so-called bad cholesterol).

If you have diabetes, you should know that grapes and grape juice contain a lot of natural sugar. One-fourth cup of grape juice has the same amount of carbohydrate as one-half cup of orange juice. Juices cause a rapid rise in glucose and have routinely been used to treat hypoglycemia.

Whether you prefer your grapes seeded or seedless, they are available year-round and make a tasty, low-calorie dessert or snack. One serving of 20 fresh grapes contains just 70 calories, while a one-half cup serving of grape juice provides between 65 and 80 calories.

When buying grapes, look for bunches with firm, plump fruits that are tightly attached to moist flexible stems. Store unwashed grapes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, and they will keep for about a week. Before serving, wash them under cold water and remove any damaged fruit. Whole or sliced, grapes will give an unexpected and delicious twist to your favorite chicken or pasta salad.

Oh, good things do come in small packages!

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