Red grapes make a delicious, sweet snack but you may not realize that they are a significantly nutritious food with plenty of healthful vitamins and minerals. Eating red grapes enables you to both nourish your body and fill up at the same time.
Nutrients in Red Grapes
In a single serving of 3 oz. of red grapes, there are approximately 6.5 mg of vitamin C, 6.6 mg of calcium, 5 RE of vitamin A, and 2 g of fiber. Red grapes also contain small amounts of resveratrol, a compound often associated with longevity and fighting aging. Although you can consume resveratrol in red wine, you can also get the non-alcoholic benefits from resveratrol by eating red grapes.
Benefits to Health
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can support your body in fighting off infections and illnesses. It is also beneficial in maintaining healthy skin and promoting skin cell turnover. Calcium increases bone density and helps to keep bones and joints strong. Vitamin A increases collagen in the body and increases red blood cell production. Vitamin A also contains beta carotene, which promotes healthy eyes and night vision. Fiber leads to a healthy digestive tract and increases volume in bowel movements. Resveratrol has been associated with a reduced risk for certain cancers and heart disease.
Methods of Consumption
Red grapes are naturally sweet and refreshing, making them highly edible right off of the grapevine. Eating red grapes when they are raw and fresh enable you to consume the most nutrients from the grapes. Red grapes can also be dried in a food dehydrator and turned into raisins. Red grape raisins can be added into baked goods, oats or eaten as a snack by themselves.
Considerations
When you are selecting red grapes from a grocery store or supermarket, consider buying organic red grapes instead of the standard version. Organic grapes are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides that are harmful to human health. Eating red grapes that contain harmful chemicals may compromise any health benefits the grapes contain.
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