Red Grapes Nutrition

When you hear about red grapes, the first thing that comes to the mind is wine! Isn't it? But there is more to it. Red grapes, besides being the sources of the world's finest wines, are also fruits packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins and vitamins. Red grapes nutrition is definitely a known fact. These grapes are best recommended for people prone to heart attacks and also for pregnant women. They can be consumed as resins (dried form) or can be crushed and made into a fresh fruit juice or a fruit punch. Or a bowl of red grapes will serve as a perfect evening snack for you!

Nutrients Present in Red Grapes

The nutritional value of red grapes is abundant. Even the grape seed extracts aid in strengthening capillary walls of blood vessels and also help in reducing the risk of blood clots. But the major nutritional benefits of red grapes are due to the pigments that are found abundantly in the skin and seeds of these grapes. Mentioned below are the two important antioxidants in this grape variety that are responsible in combating many cardiovascular and carcinogenic ailments.

Resveratrol
It is a phytoalexin (anti microbial agent) found abundantly in red grapes. One of the nutrition facts, about red grapes, is that this dietary constituent is an effective agent that combats any cancer developments in the body. Resveratrol has proven to inhibit prostate cancer cells growth. Besides it also aids in inducing apoptosis (programming cell death), influencing interleukin-6 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) and combats the effects of lymphocytic leukemia. Resveratrol also has a significant role in inhibition and regulation of nuclear transcription factor, NF-kappaB which is responsible for controlling the immune responses of the body.

Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are two polyphenolic groups, found abundantly in red grape variety. They have been proven to detoxify cancer causing agents in the body. Precisely, they strengthen the immune system further. Studies have shown that these pigments also contain anti-atherosclerotic properties that help in suppressing blood clots. And they also aid in relaxation of the blood vessels and reducing blood pressure levels considerably.

Nutritional Information Chart

Now that you know about the significance of nutrition in red grapes, this table will illustrate further on the nutrient value of red grapes (100 gms).

Carbohydrate	18 gm
Proteins	0.72 gm
Fat	0.16 gm
Dietary Fiber	0.9 gm
Potassium	191 mg
Carotene	39 mcg
Minerals	Calcium: 10mg Magnesium: 7 mg Iron: 0.36 mg Copper: 0.127 mg
Vitamins	Choline: 5.6 gm Niacin: 2 mcg Pyridoxine: 0.086 mg Vitamin C: 10.8 gm Vitamin E: 10.8 mg Vitamin K: 14.6 mcg
Energy	69 Kcal

So it is evident from the table, how red grapes nutrition is vital for a healthy body. With less fats and more minerals and vitamins, it is apparent that the nutrition in red grapes is primarily responsible for enhancing the immune system of our body. To avail the maximum benefits of the nutrients in red grapes, one should eat them with the skin. A bowl of fresh red juicy grapes will provide you with an instant energy of 60-62 calories, supplemented by carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Besides, the potassium content found in red grapes, is a natural stimulator for the nervous system. One could also call it a natural detox food that helps in complete detoxification of liver and digestive system, attributing to the high fiber content in it. Magnesium, an important mineral which is vital for regulation of blood sugar levels, protein synthesis and metabolism, is found in abundance in red grapes. The appropriate levels of phosphorus contained in this grape variety is primarily responsible for formation of nucleic acids that constitute genes.

Being low in fat content, it can be consumed by any age group. People who suffer from Alzheimer's disease are advised to include fresh red grapes in their daily diet. Nutrition in red grapes is a known fact, but many people today binge on junk food and cringe at the mention of healthy diets. But no worries, one can make yummy snacks out of red grapes too. Let me share a simple recipe with you readers:

• Wash grapes (take about 4½ cups) and peel them, but reserve the skins.
• Beat the grapes into a pulp and put the content in a sauce pan and heat it.
• Let the mashed content boil for some time and let it be cooked until the pulp becomes soft.
• Filter the seeds (if any) from the content by passing it through a food mill.
• Put the pulp back in the sauce pan with the skin and add sugar(1 cup), lemon juice (2 tsp) and cooking tapioca flour (2 tbsp) to it
• Mix the contents well and serve hot!

And am sure the children will love it. Easy to prepare and healthy to have! Isn't it?