Red Grapes Vs. Green Grapes

Both red and green grapes are different species of grapes, which belongs to the genus of fruits known as Vitus and are found in abundance, all over the world. Green grapes are also known as white grapes and wine made from red and green grapes is extremely popular and consumed worldwide. Grapes as a fruit is also consumed popularly as a snack between meals, or added to desserts and salads as a garnishing ingredient. While comparing both these species of grapes, the question most frequently asked is the difference between red and green grapes. Let us first individually know both these species of grapes before we compare them.

Red Grapes

The reddish black color of red grapes is due to the flavonoids, an antioxidant compound that it contains. Red grapes are known to have a number of health benefits due to the high content of nutrients like vitamins, especially vitamin C and B vitamins, proteins, copper, anthocyanins, manganese, potassium, etc. that it contains. It is also low in calories and high in the content of dietary fiber. A cup of red grapes will have just 61 calories which makes it an ideal snack, especially for those looking to lose or maintain their weight. Red grapes also contain an important flavonoid, known as resveratrol, which imparts important health benefits and is also found in red wine.

Green Grapes

They are the species of grapes that is available all year round and also has a high nutritional value. It is rich in carbohydrates and vitamin C and vitamin K, low in calories, saturated fat and sodium and absolutely free of cholesterol. Flavonoid antioxidants known as Catechins are also present in the white or green grape species. Some amount of iron and potassium are also found in green grapes and white wine.

Difference between Red Grapes and Green Grapes

Now that we know about some of the difference between red and green grapes, comparing them on the basis of their nutritional value and health benefits will become easier. Most nutritionists and health experts would recommend consuming more of red grapes than green grapes. The reason for this would be the high content of antioxidants that red grapes contain, as compared to the green ones. Also, if we compare the calories the latter contains a slightly higher amount of calories as compared to the former. Green grapes also lack anthocyanins, which red grapes contain in high amounts.

As mentioned before, red grapes contain flavonoid antioxidants like Resveratrol, Catechins and Quercetin while green grapes contain just small amounts of catechins. Flavonoid antioxidants is what gives red grapes the reddish-purple color and darker the color, higher the concentration of flavonoid antioxidants. Of these, Resveratrol and Quercetin are the most important antioxidant compounds and they have important health benefits which include lowering high blood pressure, prevention of heart related disorders and protecting good cholesterol. Resveratrol is known to aid the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and also has antifungal and anti-cancer properties.

Resveratrol is also known to be the reason behind the French Paradox, which refers to the fact that though the French consume a diet high in fat content they have a low heart disease risk due to the regular consumption of red wine. Quercetin has anti-histamine properties required for the treatment and cure of various allergies, and the anthocyanin imparts anti-inflammatory properties to red grapes. So all in all, when it comes to green grapes vs. red grapes, red grapes wins due to the high content of the different antioxidant that it contains.

In conclusion to the argument, I'd like to say that since both are good for health and taste good too, why not enjoy the benefits of both rather than choosing one over the other.