Named America's first grape by the United States Department of Agriculture, muscadine grapes have been enjoyed since the 1500s. Native to the southeastern United States, muscadine grapes are now being studied for their nutrient content and potential heart health benefits. The grapes range in color from greenish bronze to pinkish red, purple and nearly black, according to California Rare Fruit Growers. Their low-calorie, high-fiber content can be a smart addition to a healthy diet.
Calories
When comparing bronze-skinned muscadine grapes to dark-skinned muscadine grapes, bronze-skinned have slightly fewer calories per serving. A 100g, or 10- to 12-grape, serving of bronze-skinned muscadine grapes provides about 68 calories, while a similar sized serving of dark-skinned muscadine grapes provides about 76 calories, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
Other Nutrition Information
The North Carolina Department of Commerce states that both bronze- and dark-skinned muscadine grapes contain 5g of protein and no fat or cholesterol. The bronze-skinned grapes contain about 12g of carbohydrate per serving, compared to the dark-skinned, which contain about 14g. With regard to vitamins and minerals, bronze-skinned grapes contain 17mg of calcium, and 163mg of potassium. Dark-skinned grapes contain 24mg of calcium and 167mg of potassium. Both varieties contain 5 to 7mg of magnesium and vitamin C as well.
Fiber
Fruits and vegetables are often noted for their fiber content, and muscadine grapes are no exception. A 10- to 12-grape serving provides approximately 3g of fiber, one of which is considered soluble fiber. The National Institutes of Health states that not only can fiber can help to make you feel full faster, it can also help with weight control, aid in digestion and prevent constipation. The soluble fiber found in muscadine grapes can help to prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends consuming about 25g of fiber each day.
Resveratrol
According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, muscadine grapes contain approximately 163 to 167mg of resveratrol per serving. The USDA states that resveratrol is a phytochemical found in grapes and other plants. Studies have found that purified resveratrol from grape sources exhibit anti-carcinogenic activity. Combined with compounds in muscadine grapes, resveratrol may also help to inhibit the start of cancers caused by certain chemicals.
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