Contents
Uses
People throughout history have consumed grapes for their potential health benefits. In the beginning of the 20th century, a grape diet was thought to prevent or cure cancer and other illnesses. This belief may have stemmed from the findings of Johanna Brandt, a South American dietitian who claimed to have cured her stomach cancer by following the diet. However, no scientific evidence has proven that eating grapes, either as part of a grape diet or in conjunction with other healthy foods, can prevent or cure cancer or other illness. Despite this fact, red grapes do have several health benefits and make a nutritious snack.
Benefits
While red seedless grapes aren’t a great source of minerals, they do provide 176 milligrams of potassium, or five percent of the DV, per one-cup serving, as well as smaller amounts of magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium and phosphorus. Potassium is important for keeping your heart beating regularly, muscle and nerve function, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Grapes, grape juice and wine all contain antioxidants called polyphenols, including flavonoids and resveratrol. These antioxidants may help lower your risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood clots and heart disease, according to an article published in “The Journal of Nutrition” in July 2009, although further research is still needed. MayoClinic.com notes that red or black grapes provide more benefits than green grapes since they contain higher antioxidant levels.
Cautions
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
n/a
References
Source:Healthyeating, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-fresh-red-seedless-grapes-5309.html
LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/509099-nutrition-benefits-of-red-grapes/