Are Green Seedless Grapes Good For You?

The green, or white, grape comes from the Vitis vinifera plant first cultivated in about 6,000 B.C. in the area that is today known as northern Iran. The most popular green grape variety in the United States is the Thompson seedless. An English settler introduced it in California in the late 19th century. The grapes are oval, sweet and juicy. The harvest season for this healthy low-calorie fruit is from June through December.

Potassium

The potassium content in 1 cup of green seedless grapes is 288 mg, or 8 percent of the FDA daily requirement. Your body's requirement for potassium is higher than the FDA recommendation if you consume a diet high in sodium. A potassium deficiency is associated with high blood pressure because it regulates the body's fluid balance. The body also needs potassium to contract muscles in the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

Vitamin C

The vitamin C content in 1 cup of green grapes is 16 mg, or 27 percent of the daily requirement. You need to include foods that contain vitamin C in your diet each day because the vitamin is water soluble and any excess you consume is flushed out rather than stored. Your body needs vitamin C to repair wounds and maintain the health of your skin and blood vessels.

Fluoride

The fluoride in 1 cup of grapes is 12 mcg. The FDA does not include fluoride in its nutrient recommendations because the body needs a low level of the mineral. The body primarily uses fluoride to strengthen bones and teeth and for protection against cavities. The primary source of fluoride for most people is the water supply that is enriched with the mineral is most areas of the United States. Foods comprise a smaller but still essential component of fluoride intake.

Low Calories

The green grape is a low-calorie food. A 1-cup serving provides only 104 calories, or about 5 percent of a 2,000-calorie diet. You can prevent weight gain by ncluding flavorful, convenient, nutritious and low-calorie foods like seedless green grapes in your diet. An example of a snack that includes a balance of protein, healthy fats and carboydrates is one cup of green grapes and a piece of whole grain toast with almond butter.