grapes

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Grapes Did you know that grapes and grape products contain a health-promoting phytonutrient called resveratrol that acts as a powerful antioxidant and has been found to help protect against heart disease and cancer? Recent studies show that the flavonoids, such as resveratrol, found in grapes, particularly purple and red grapes, have powerful health-promoting properties. Much of this research was motivated by what has come to be known as the French Paradox: the interesting phenomenon of the low incidence of heart disease among the French despite their eating a diet high in fats. Increasing evidence suggests that the flavonoids found in grapes, grape juice and red wine may be a key to understanding this paradox since these foods are an important part of the French diet and are also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Resveratrol has also been found to be converted by the body into an anti-cancer agent that

selectively targets and destroys cancer cells. It belongs to a group of compounds that plants produce in self-defense against environmental stressors, such as adverse weather or attack by insects or pathogenic microbes. Since grapes produce resveratrol as a defense against fungal infection, its concentration is much higher in organically grown grapes, which unlike conventionally grown grapes, are not protected by man-made fungicides. Health Benefits Grapes contain beneficial compounds called flavonoids, which are phytochemicals that give the vibrant purple color to grapes, grape juice and red wine; the stronger the color, the higher the concentration of flavonoids. These flavonoid compounds include quercitin, as well as a second flavonoid-type compound (falling into the chemical category of stilbenes)called

resveratrol. Both compounds appear to decrease the risk of heart disease by: Reducing platelet clumping and harmful blood clots Protecting LDL cholesterol from the free radical damage that initiates LDL's artery-damaging actions Grapes and products made from grapes, such as wine and grape juice, may protect the French from their high-fat diets. Diets high in saturated fats like butter and lard, and lifestyle habits like smoking are risk factors for heart disease. Yet, French people with these habits have a lower risk of heart attack than Americans do. One clue that may help explain this "French paradox" is their frequent consumption of grapes and red wines. for more go to http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice & dbid=40 Suzi What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. health/ http://suziesgoats.wholefoodfarmacy.com/ http://360./suziesgoats

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