It is said that grapes are good for you, but what vitamins do grapes contain and what benefits are derived from adding grapes to your diet? In other words, exactly why are they good for us?
Beneficial Impact of Grapes on Health
More than 100 studies have researched grapes and products like wine which are made from grapes to study the health benefits derived from the phytonutrients found in these succulent clusters of fruit. These phytonutrients include three kinds of polyphenols which are beneficial for our health. These include:
- Flavonoids: A few recent studies looked at flavonoids and Alzheimer's disease. They determined that flavonoids available in grape and green tea reduce brain pathology. In some instances cognition was improved.
- Phenolic acids: Contains natural antiseptic properties
- Reversatrol: Primarily available in the skin and seed of grapes. It promotes heart health and is an anti-inflammatory.
What is so interesting about these phytonutrients is that for the most part, they are concentrated in the skin, stems and seed of the fruit. Polyphenols have been shown to decreased risk of heart disease through the reduction of platelet clumping and by shielding LDL cholesterol from harm brought about by free radicals.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is a supplement that provides many of the health benefits found in grapes and is said to protect living tissue including cell membranes. Because of this benefit, people looking for nutritional options for physical conditions have taken grape seed extract to help the following and more:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Blood clots
- Cataracts
- Cholesterol
- Circulation
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Edema
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hair loss
- Heart disease
- Leg cramps
- Macular degeneration
- PMS
- Skin elasticity
- Varicose veins
- Wound healing
- Wrinkles
What Vitamins Do Grapes Contain
Along with the phytonutrients found in grapes, what vitamins do grapes contain? One cup of grapes contains the following vitamins.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Thiamin (B1)
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
Along with the above vitamins, grapes also provide necessary minerals including:
- Calcium (15.1 mg in 1 cup)
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Manganese
- Selenium
- Fluoride
Grapes Make a Great Snack
If you're looking for a healthy snack that feels like a real treat, wash grapes, remove from the stem and let dry in a strainer. Place dry grapes in a freezer bag or container and freeze. Frozen grapes make a healthy alternative to a frozen treat like ice cream, and they are loaded with all things good for you.
