Grapes: Cancer, Heart & Eye Health

We have known for years that grapes contain vital nutrients that benefit our health, but what do these nutrients do? Researchers have studied the juice, seed, and skin of grapes collectively and separately to unlock the treasures these fruits provide. With many health-promoting compounds in grapes, it is the flavonoids, particularly resveratrol, which has gained international attention as a powerhouse antioxidant. Resveratrol is concentrated in the skin, seeds, and stems of grapes and may be a key ingredient in dark purple grape juice and red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad one) and inflammation, and prevents blood clots. Purple and other dark-colored grapes contain greater concentration of flavonoid compounds than light-colored grapes.

​Other laboratory research points to resveratrol’s ability to slow the growth of cancer cells and inhibit the formation of tumors in lymph, liver, stomach and breast cells. Resveratrol has also triggered the death of leukemic and colon cancer tumors.

In one series of studies, resveratrol blocked the development of skin, breast and leukemia cancers at all three stages of the disease (initiation, promotion and progression).
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With research showing the benefits of grape seeds are beneficial for your health, they contain powerful antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins, which science is finding may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts. Human studies have found grape seed extract can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
So drink up! Dark colored grape juice tastes great and it’s great for your health too!