My mother always told me not to eat grapes because they were full of sugar. Nutritionists for a long time seemed to agree with my mother. Now, though red grapes are considered almost a super food because they are very high in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are defined as flavonoid pigments found in many varieties of vegetables and fruits. They are a good source of antioxidants.
Anthocyanins are thought to protect the body from cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, the anthocyanins will keep them from moving to other parts of the body. If tumors appear, the anthocyanins try to destroy them. Medical research has shown that the anthocyanins are helpful in reducing the likelihood of premature memory loss.
Research has indicated that eating grapes can help prevent clogged arteries. A recent medical study compared people who ate grapes to people who drank a sugar solution. The results showed that just three hours after eating the equivalent of 1 and 1/4 cups of grapes, the grape eaters had better blood flow through their arteries than did the sugar solution drinkers. Blood-flow benefits continued to improve after three weeks of daily grape-eating.
Grapes may even help protect your blood vessels from the damaging effects of a fatty meal. Generally the damage to your body occurs immediately after consuming the fat. Early research suggests that grapes may help protect your blood pressure from salty foods also.
Grapes have only 75 calories in a 1 and 1/4 cup serving. Grapes consist of about 80 percent water, making them a good low-calorie snack. Grapes also add fiber to the diet and are naturally low in sodium. Raisins, or dried grapes, contain only about 15 percent water. Since nutrients and calories are more concentrated in raisins you are really better off sticking to fresh grapes.
Besides the anthocyanins, grapes are an excellent source of several different vitamins and mineral that help you stay healthy.
Vitamin C – Grapes contain high levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that assists your body in ridding itself of free radicals within the body.
Vitamin B1 – B1 Is a good vitamin for getting extra energy plus it helps keep your nervous system working right.
Potassium – Potassium is excellent mineral for helping you lower your blood pressure. Potassium also helps fight your body’s chances of undergoing a stroke. Sometimes lack of energy indicates a potassium deficiency.
Manganese – Grapes are a good source of manganese. Manganese helps the body build stronger bones and also builds the connective tissue throughout your body. It also assists the body in calcium absorption, which is very important for those looking to build healthy bones.
If you are trying to lose weight you have to watch your portions on grapes. Since grapes do have some sugar, you have to be careful not to eat too many. In other words do not eat a whole entire bag of grapes all at once. Because they are small it is easy to overdo. Pre-packaging your grapes prior to eating them is a great way to ensure that you are limiting the amount that you eat.