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KEEP IT HEALTHY: GRAPES
Grapes are not just your average snack so why not consider some grapes when hunger strikes.
Whether it’s hunger pangs or ravenous cravings, you know when it’s time for a snack. In today’s fast-paced world, snacks need to be quick and efficient. Snacks are something that can stave off hunger until we can get to a real food source such as a home-cooked meal or an alternative.
Luckily, nature supplies us with bite-sized morsels that can meet our immediate needs and then some. That’s where grapes come in.
Of the snacks that nature has provided, grapes may just be the best. Not only are grapes handy and easy to consume, they are also packed with nutrients. And we’re not talking about your average run-of-the-mill nutrients either. The nutrients found in grapes can help to prevent a number of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and age-associated diseases like Alzheimer’s.
So what’s in a Grape?
Not only are grapes a good source of vitamins A and C, but you’ll also find vitamin B6. And that’s not all. Minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and selenium, as well as trace amounts of copper, manganese, and zinc are also present in grapes. What’s more, you’ll also get some fibre and protein from grapes.
While these vitamins and minerals are vital to your health, the truly spectacular health benefits are found in the other compounds contained in grapes. Research has shown that the newly discovered component flavonoids has enormous benefits for the human body.
Flavonoids
Have you ever wondered how certain fruits and vegetables get such vibrant colours? The answer is flavonoids. Flavonoids are polyphenols and are also known as flavones, flavonols, flavonones, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanidins, and chalcones. Over 4,000 different flavonoids have been identified.
If you’re a little overwhelmed by all that scientific wordage then here’s a word you might be familiar with - antioxidants. Simply put, flavonoids are very powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants work to prevent and counteract the damage caused by free radicals. When it comes to antioxidants, flavonoids are your best bet.
So, how can grapes help my health?
Well, the flavonoids found in abundance in grapes show amazing promise when it comes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, age-associated disorders, and other illnesses and symptoms.
In answer to the question, what do grapes have to do with your health?
In one word – EVERYTHING!
By Nicolette Wilson
BSc Health Studies
Health and Fitness Expert
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