Concord Grapes Nutritional Value

Concord grapes, a slip-skin variety of grapes, are commonly used for juice and wine-making. Primarily concentrated in California, the U.S. grape industry offers beneficial products to consumers while employing over 1.1 million full-time equivalent jobs, according to HealthyConcordGrapes.com, the website of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. A low-calorie, natural whole food, Concord grapes contain powerful nutrients that may benefit your health.

History

Concord grapes, named after Concord, Massachusetts, where they were originally cultivated, first appeared in 1854. Cultivated by Ephraim Wales Bull, Concord grapes emerged as a hardy variety, able to withstand cold northern temperatures, according to the Concord Grape Association. Bull experimented with grapes to develop a variety that would not only survive the cold, but also ripen early and present a rich, deep flavor. In 1869, Dr. Charles Welsh produced the first fresh, unfermented grape juice from Concord grapes, according to the Concord Grape Association.

Nutrition

Concord grapes contain 62 calories per 1-cup serving. They contain 16 g of carbohydrates, nearly all of which come from natural sugars. Concord grapes have 1 g of fiber and 0.5 g of protein per serving. They contain trace amounts of various vitamins and minerals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Data Laboratory, such as potassium and vitamin K. One cup of Concord grapes provides 6 percent of the daily recommended intake for vitamin C and 2 percent of DRI for vitamin A.

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients, nutrient components found in plant foods, may promote and protect health, according to the USDA Agricultural Research Service. They strengthen the immune system, kill cancer cells and repair damaged DNA, the USDA reports. Concord grapes contain polyphenols, a type of phytonutrient found in plant foods. The polyphenolic compounds and high antioxidant composition of the grapes offer health benefits such as enhanced cognitive function and reduced inflammation and blood pressure, according to HealthyConcordGrapes.com.

Considerations

Concord grapes contain 75 g of water per 92 g, or 1-cup, serving. With a water content of over 80 percent, the grapes are considered a low energy density food. Concord grapes possess few calories for a large serving, and are a lower concentrated food source. Choosing low energy density foods such as Concord grapes increases satiety and may benefit weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com.

Benefits

Concord grapes offer health benefits such as breast cancer protection, reduced blood pressure and increased vasodilation, or opening of blood vessels, according to the Concord Grape Association. The flavonoids found in Concord grapes protect against free radical damage and chronic diseases, according to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." The healthy nutrient composition of Concord grapes makes them a solid source of nutrition in a well-balanced diet.