grapes

Grapes are favored for their sweet and juicy flavor. Grapes are low in calories. Grapes contain quercetin, a plant pigment that is thought to regulate the levels of blood cholesterol.

Benefits: 

• High in pectin and bioflavonoids.
• Contain phytochemicals that may reduce risk for heart disease, cancer and stokes.
• A fair source of iron and potassium.
• A low-calorie sweet snack and dessert.

Drawbacks: 

• Since they are often treated with sulfur dioxide to retard spoiling, grapes may present a problem for sulfite-sensitive people.
• Natural salicylates may provoke an allergic response.

Grapes are also made into jams and spreads, used in cooking and eaten raw as a snack food. The skin of grapes contains resveratrol, a phytochemical that is linked to a reduction of heart diseas as well as a lowered risk of cancer or stroke. Grapes also contain ellagic acid thought to protect the lungs against environmental toxins.

We don't need to drink wine to derive protection from heart disease. Red grapes offer similar benefits.