HEALTH BENEFITS OF GRAPES

Health Benefits

Grapes have long been classified as a low glycemic index 

food, with values ranging between 43-53. Better blood sugar 

balance, better insulin regulation, and increased insulin 

sensitivity have now been connected with intake of grape 

juices, grape extracts, and individual phytonutrients found in 

grapes. One cup of grapes will give you over a quarter of 

your daily requirement for vitamin C. The elusive vitamin K 

is also high in grapes. Grapes also contain the hormone and 

antioxidant melatonin, as well as elements that have anti-

bacterial properties. Combine grapes with a complete protein 

amino-acid source for a very nutritious dish. Many weight 

conscious people swear by nibbling on grapes to satisfy the 

urge to snack while providing hydration and nutrients.

Fun Fact

It has been long believed that grapes have healing 

properties. Before scientific research backed up the disease-

fighting properties of grapes, ancient China healers mixed 

grape wine with snakes and frogs to cure illnesses and 

diseases. Truth is, they probably could have left out the 

critters and gotten the same cures. Grapes are about 80% 

water, which explains why it is so satisfying as a low-calorie 

snack or dessert.

How to Eat

This is one fruit that you would do well to buy in the organic 

section of the grocery store. In 2011 a study was done that 

found conventionally grown grapes to be one of the most 

problematic fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticide 

residues. When you consider that it's estimated that in the 

United States we each eat 8 pounds of grapes a year, that's a 

lot of pesticides to be concerned about.

For the best tasting grapes with high concentrations of 

antioxidants select those that are fully ripe, which means 

they should be plump and free of wrinkles. Since grapes tend 

to spoil and ferment at room temperature, they should 

always be stored in the refrigerator. While freezing detracts 

from some of their flavour, frozen grapes are a wonderful 

snack and particularly intriguing to children. To freeze 

grapes, wash and pat them dry, then arrange in a single 

layer on a cookie sheet and place in freezer.

Grapes are more than an easy go-to snack. We now know 

that grapes belong at every course of a meal. Use grapes in 

salads, salsas, and sandwiches. Cook them, freeze them, or 

eat them right off the vine. Oh, and don't forget the raisins, 

and the wine! The versatile grape deserves your attention.