Facts and Benefits about Grapes

Facts about Grapes

1. Grapes, "queen of the fruits" are storehouse of numerous health promoting phyto-nutrients such as poly-phenolic antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. So, include them in your regular diet, be it in the form of fresh fruits, juice or in salads!
   
2. Botanically, they are small round berries; grow in clusters on a perennial and deciduous woody vine of the genus: Vitis. Grapes are native to Europe and Mediterranean regions but now widely cultivated all over the planet.
   
3. Grapes appear in many colours: White, red, black, blue, green, purple and golden.
   
4. There are over 8,000 grape varieties worldwide.
   
5. The grape appears in the top ten of the world's favourite fruits, along with tomatoes, mangos and bananas.
   
6. The USA imports 25% of their grapes from Chile.
   
7. Grapes are botanically classed as berries.
   
8. The average person eats 3.6kg's of grapes a year.
   
9. The oldest grapevine in America is a 400 year old Scuppernong vine in North Carolina.
   
10. Dried grapes (raisins) contain only 15% water.
    
11. The production of wine from grapes started as early as 5000 BC.
    
12. 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.
    
13. The main two types of grapes are European and American. They come in seedless and seeded varieties.
    
14. American grapes are available in September and October, while European grapes are available round the year.
    
15. The Thompson Seedless is the best-selling grape in the USA. Golden raisins are prepared from these types of grapes.
    
16. 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.
    
17. It takes about 2½ pounds of grapes to produce a bottle of wine.
    
18. 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.
    
19. Grapes contain flavonoids that give vibrant purple colour to grapes, red wine and grape juice.
    
20. One grape cluster has on an average 75 grapes.
    
21. One grape vine can grow up to 50 feet long and can have about 40 clusters of grapes.
    
22. Eating too many grapes can give a laxative effect.
    
23. Fresh grapes can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days, when kept in a plastic bag or a covered container.
    

Interesting facts about grapes – health

Grapes help minimize the risk of heart attacks because they increase the levels of nitric acid in the blood which prevents blood clots.

Grapes are used to help cure asthma indigestion, migraine, kidney disease and fatigue.

Grapes contain low levels of cholesterol, sodium and fat and are rich in vitamins K and C

Grapes are a laxative if you eat too many.

Grapes are 80% water so make a good snack, low in calories.

Interesting facts about grapes - industry

On average one acre of grapes can produce around 15,000 glasses of wine.

The grape industry worldwide produces over 72 million tons a year.

The grape growing industry is the largest food based industry in the world.

Australia produces 1.4 billion litres of wine per year.

The area which has the highest concentration of wineries in the world is The Napa Valley in California, with over 200.

In the 1800's many vines in Europe were destroyed by an insect which came from America.

With a unique combination of crunchy texture and sweet, tart flavor, 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.

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, thiamin, 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-colored 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".