Read more about this delicious and satisfying fruit.
There’s a reason why the Greek gods are usually depicted eating grapes. The Greeks have recognized the super qualities of these little round fruits for centuries. Grape skins, particularly red or purple, are loaded with antioxidants to help fight free radicals, and they offer a bunch of other health benefits, too! Discover tasty ways to add this superfood to your meal plan with some of our best grape recipes, and learn more about the health benefits of this healthful fruit below.
You’ll love these GRAPE RECIPES:
Banana Grape Smoothie
Chicken Salad Sandwich with Bok Choy, Red Grapes, and Walnuts
Wake Me Up, Keep Me Going Smoothie
For a complete list of superfoods, check out 50 Superfoods, the Ultimate Shopping List.
2 REASONS TO GOBBLE DOWN GRAPES:
1. Grapes Lower the Risk of Several Life-Threatening Illnesses
Red and purple grapes get their deep coloring from flavonoids, powerful antioxidants. Flavonoids prevent blood clots and help to strengthen tissues, so that blood vessels and capillaries are less prone to leakage. Grapes also contain resveratrol, which has been shown to protect against damage to the arteries and helps to prevent hypertension. Numerous studies have even shown that resveratrol has the ability to prevent certain cancers, particularly breast cancer.
2. Grapes are Packed with Vitamins and Nutrients
As if the yummy taste of grapes wasn’t enough, they are also great sources of vitamins B6, B1, and C, potassium, and manganese. This combination of healthy nutrients make grapes great for both the mind and body. Recent studies even show that grapes can help to prevent degenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s.
 Concerns:
When purchasing grapes, it’s best to go organic. Grapes have made the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen, a list of the 12 foods determined to contain the greatest amount of pesticide residue. If you choose organic grapes, you can avoid many of these toxins and reap the many rewards that grapes have to offer. For a complete list of the Dirty Dozen and 15 Clean Foods, click here.
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Be sure to buy only the organic grown grapes. I have read numerous articles that the pesticides used on grapes is difficult to wash off and may have potentially contaminated the fruit itself. In my region (Texas) you can only find organic grapes at select grocery stores like Sprouts, Sun Flower Shop and Whole Foods Market.
I soak my grapes at least 30 minutes or more in water and baking soda-one hot soak and one cool soak. The grapes emerge shiny and bright and taste so much better.
Michelle, Thanks for the tip! 🙂