Grapes - Nutrient Information And Other Interesting Facts About Grapes

Grapes - Nutrient Information and Other Interesting Facts about Grapes
by Audrey Thompson

Aside from the nutrient content of grapes, the flavor of the fruit makes it a favorite plant food among many people. Grapes are a delicious berry fruit from the Vitaceae plant family. The Vitaceae name is derived from the genus Vitis, which is composed of about 60 species of grapevines. Most of those species are from the Northern Hemisphere and are economically important as a source of grapes for both the consumption of the fruit and for fermentation to produce wine. Grapes grow in clusters of about 15 to 300 and range in colors from black, dark blue, crimson, pink, orange, and green. Grapes are most often eaten raw and used to make jam, juice, grape seed extract, raisins, vinegar, grape seed oil, and wine. Grapes are certainty a very delicious fruit that is utilized for several food preparations. Beyond their delicious flavor, grapes are a good source of several nutrients. They're particularly a good source of resveratrol, flavonoids, and water. They also contain some vitamin C and potassium.

Resveratrol is a potent, nutritious compound that's found in the skin of red grapes and several other fruits. It's important to note, however, that red wine contains very little of the nutrient. This is perhaps due to red wine being formed mostly from the juice of grapes, which comes from the flesh of the fruit. The potent nutrient is most concentrated in the skins of the fruit. So although some resveratrol is found in red wine and grape juice, to get the most amount of the nutrient it's better to eat grapes in their unprocessed form (along with the skins). There are several health benefits of resveratrol. Plants that contain resveratrol use the compound to protect themselves against attack by microorganisms that can harm them. So the same way that plants use the nutrient to protect themselves, is the same way the nutrient protects humans who ingest it. So resveratrol protects against micro-organisms that cause cancer and several other illnesses, and it even protects against conditions such as heart disease.

Flavonoids are nutrient compounds that, although not essential, are highly beneficial. The specific flavonoids in grapes come from the seeds and skins. They're called proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins are highly potent antioxidants that work to prevent illnesses and conditions such as cancer. They're actually considered to be several times more potent than vitamins C and E.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient needed for several functions in the human body. To begin with, vitamin C is also an antioxidant nutrient so it prevents the formation of free radicals and it neutralizes those that are already there. Vitamin C is required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums. The nutrient protects against infection and enhances immunity. Vitamin C may also reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and it may even prevent atherosclerosis. Another reason we need vitamin C is because the nutrient is essential for the formation of collagen. Collagen is the structured foundation for skin and many tissues including cartilage, bone, tendons, and muscles.

Potassium is another essential nutrient that's found in grapes, in small quantities. Potassium is a mineral nutrient that is required for several functions. The nutrient is particularly important because it regulates blood pressure at the right levels for maximum heart health. Potassium's ability to lower blood pressure is so efficient that scientists warn against potassium deficiency. Consuming a healthy diet of a variety of plant foods is the healthiest way to obtain adequate amounts of the nutrient.

To obtain all the wonderful health benefits that grapes have to offer, add some of the delicious fruit to your regular diet.

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Audrey Thompson writes about nutrition, natural health, and alternative medicine. Learning about the nutrient information in foods reminds us of why it's important to eat and drink healthy foods. All edible plant foods offer a unique set of nutrients and health benefits. For a healthy diet, it's very beneficial to learn about the essential nutrients.

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