Health Benefits:
Grapes actually have the power to keep us youthful! They contain high concentrations of antioxidants that protect our brain, heart and skin from inflammation and aging. The healthiest part of the grape is the skin. It's packed with 19 different types of health-supporting nutrients.
* Decrease blood pressure with grapes
Grapes contain many flavonoids, including resveratrol. This by improving the fluidity of the blood can help decrease blood pressure . Resveratrol also relaxes arterial walls, decreasing the pressure in the arteries allowing adequate circulation.
* Grapes are anti-inflammatory
containing a variety of polyphenols, grapes can reduce the inflammatory response in the body. They also have the antioxidants available to mop up free radicals in the body. This helps to keep you looking younger, longer.
* Eat grapes to stay sharp
Many degenerative diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s begin with the accumulation of foreign bodies and certain proteins and in the brain. Grapes have been shown to prevent these potentially harmful substances from accumulating. This helps keep your nervous system healthy and your brain sharp.
* Boost your immunity with concord grapes
Grapes have been shown to increase the production of the cells in our body that fight off foreign invaders and disease. Boosting these natural T-cells and killer cells will help keep your immune system in tip-top shape during cold and flu season.
* Grapes maintain healthy breast tissue
Grapes contain resveratrol, protecting the DNA in our cells against mutations that occur. Studies show that resveratrol is specifically beneficial in protecting breast tissue from the mutations in certain breast cancers.
*** Free Recipe:
Waldorf salad
Waldorf salad is usually served with a creamy dressing, but in this fabulously healthy version, the sweetness of the grapes speaks for itself. Walnut oil is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids that multiply the heart and brain benefits of the grapes.
Ingredients:
2 cups green apples, diced
2 cups red apples, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
2 cups grapes halved, remove seed if not seedless grapes
1 cup walnuts chopped
4 tablespoons walnut oil
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
1. Toss together the apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a large bowl; set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the walnut oil, apple cider vinegar and salt.
3. Toss together and serve.
Makes 6 servings.