Grapes

Grapes

 

Grapes

 

Grapes are grown in clusters. They may be seeded or seedless, depending upon their variety. There are many types of grapes including green, red, yellow, pink, and black. They are grown in temperate climates. Nutritional facts of green grapes per cup (150 grams):

 

Calories

104

Carbs

27.3 grams

Protein 

1.1 grams

Fat

0.2 grams

Fiber

1.4 grams

Vitamin C

27% of RDI

Vitamin K

28% of RDI

Thiamine

7% of RDI

Riboflavin

6% of RDI

Vitamin B6

6% of RDI

Potassium

8% of RDI

Copper

10% of RDI

Manganese

5% of RDI

 

Health benefits of eating grapes:

 

  1. Grapes are high in polyphenols, plant compounds that are classified as antioxidants. These antioxidants may protect against chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Grapes are also zipped with vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, lutein, lycopene and ellagic acid. All of these are considered as strong antioxidants which may protect against various chronic diseases.
  2. Grapes are high in potassium, a mineral necessary for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Some compounds present in grapes are known to reduce the absorption of cholesterol, hence reducing the level of total as well as LDL cholesterol.
  3. Both the sugar content and glycemic index of grapes are low, so it is a very good choice for diabetic people. According to a study, the compounds present in grapes may even reduce blood sugar levels. Additionally, resveratrol present in grapes has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity. The higher the insulin sensitivity, better will be the body’s ability to use glucose and lower will be the blood sugar level.
  4. The polyphenols present in grapes may reduce the risk of common eye diseases. Several compounds found in grapes, such as resveratrol, lutein and zeaxanthin, may protect against common eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
  5. Consumption of grapes is also linked with brain health and it may act as a memory booster. In addition grapes contain compounds that may protect against Alzheimer’s disease.However, the studies are mainly done on animals, more human-based research is needed to confirm some of these benefits.
  6. Grapes are packed with nutrients important for bone health, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin K. In studies on rats, it has been found that grapes may have protective effects on bones. Studies on humans are still lacking to link consumption of grapes with bone health. 
  7. Grapes are rich in compounds which have a beneficial impact on the immune system. Several compounds found in grapes are linked with positive effects against certain bacteria, viruses and yeast infections. Resveratrol present in grapes may also protect against foodborne illnesses. In addition, resveratrol has been shown to activate genes associated with slower aging and longer lifespan.
  8. Grapes also contain compounds which may have anti-inflammatory effects, that may protect against certain heart and bowel diseases.

Overall, grapes are delicious in taste and easy to add in diet.

 

Differences between Green Grapes, Blue Grapes, Red Grapes, and Black Grapes

Characteristic

Green Grapes

Blue Grapes

Red Grapes

Black Grapes

Color

Green

Blue

Red

Black

Size

Small to medium

Small to medium

Small to medium

Small to medium

Texture

Firm and crisp

Firm and crisp

Firm and crisp

Firm and crisp

Flavor

Tart and slightly sweet

Sweet and tangy

Sweet and slightly tart

Sweet and juicy

Seedless Options

Available

Available

Available

Available

Nutritional Value (per 100g)

       

Calories

69 kcal

57 kcal

69 kcal

69 kcal

Carbohydrates

18g

15g

18g

18g

Protein

0.7g

0.5g

0.7g

0.7g

Fat

0.2g

0.2g

0.2g

0.2g

Fiber

0.9g

0.8g

0.9g

0.9g

Vitamin C

3.2mg

6.5mg

3.2mg

3.2mg

Vitamin K

14.6mcg

14.6mcg

14.6mcg

14.6mcg

Folate

2mcg

2mcg

2mcg

2mcg

Potassium

191mg

144mg

191mg

191mg

Calcium

10mg

10mg

10mg

10mg

Iron

0.4mg

0.4mg

0.4mg

0.4mg

Magnesium

7mg

7mg

7mg

7mg

Phosphorus

20mg

20mg

20mg

20mg

Zinc

0.1mg

0.1mg

0.1mg

0.1mg

Copper

0.1mg

0.1mg

0.1mg

0.1mg

Manganese

0.1mg

0.1mg

0.1mg

0.1mg

Selenium

0.1mcg

0.1mcg

0.1mcg

0.1mcg