Grapes

With a unique combination of crunchy texture and sweet, tart flavour, grapes have gained extreme popularity throughout the world. Grape is the second most popular fruit after oranges. It can be eaten as a refreshing snack as well as used in vegetable and fruit salads. It can be consumed in fresh or preserved form. It can be canned in jellies, crushed to prepare juices or wines and dried to prepare raisins. Grapes were introduced to America by the Spanish explorers approximately 300 years ago. Grape growing is one of the largest food industries in the world. Let's know some interesting facts about grapes.

General Facts

There are more than 60 species and 8000 varieties of grapes all over the world. Some common varieties of grapes are blue, black, green, red, golden, blue-black, white and purple.
The main two types of grapes are European and American. They come in seedless and seeded varieties.
American grapes are available in September and October, while European grapes are available round the year.
The Thompson Seedless is the best selling grape in the USA. Golden raisins are prepared from these types of grapes.
The production of grapes is more than 72 million tons all over the world. There are approximately 25 million acres of grapes throughout the world.
It takes about 2½ pounds of grapes to produce a bottle of wine.
Grapes consist of about 80% of water, which make them a low-calorie snack or dessert. Raisins or dried grapes consist of about 15% of water.
Grapes contain flavonoids that give vibrant purple colour to grapes, red wine and grape juice.
One grape cluster has on an average 75 grapes.
One grape vine can grow up to 50 feet long and can have about 40 clusters of grapes.
Eating too many grapes can give a laxative effect.
Fresh grapes can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days, when kept in a plastic bag or a covered container.

Nutrition

Grapes are known for having a high nutritional value. Grapes are rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. They contain low levels of cholesterol, fat and sodium. Grapes are known for containing proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid and amino acids. They contain high amounts of caffeic acid, which is a strong cancer-fighting substance. Grapes contain flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants.

Health Benefits

With a great nutritional value, grapes are known for offering a number of health benefits. Grapes can be used to cure various health problems such as asthma, heart diseases, constipation, indigestion, migraine, kidney diseases, Alzheimer's disease and fatigue. Grapes increase the levels of nitric acid in the blood and prevent the development of blood clots. It minimizes the risk of heart attacks. Grapes play an important role in curing dyspepsia. Grape juice replenishes iron content of the body and prevents fatigue. According to the latest study, purple-colour Concord grape juice is effective in preventing the breast cancer. Grapes also can prevent muscular degeneration and cataract, associated with aging. Grapes consist of a compound namely pterostilbene, which can reduce the levels of cholesterol. Grapes also have anticancer properties and antibacterial activity.

Thus, grapes play a significant role in preventing a number of health problems and hence can be used as one of the effective home remedies. After knowing these facts, one can say, "Enjoy grapes and be healthy".