Health Benefits of Grapes

http://www.welchs.com/products/recipe-box/heart-healthy-recipes

The Protective Polyphenol
Polyphenol antioxidants are a particular type of plant nutrient naturally found in fruits, vegetables and plant-derived beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine and our personal favorite, grape juice.
100% Grape Juice has higher antioxidant power per serving than other popular 100% fruit juices – more than twice as high as orange juice. Welch's 100% Grape Juice made from Concord grapes is a great complement to whole fruits and vegetables, and is a delicious and convenient way to consume more fruit, and in particular, more purple fruit, as part of a balanced diet. Preliminary research suggests that 100% grape juice made from Concord grapes:

Helps protect cardiovascular health.
Helps control the way bad cholesterol may lead to damaging the arteries. Studies have shown that the polyphenol antioxidants in Concord grape juice may help slow the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, in the arteries – which may help minimize damaging effects – allowing blood to flow where it's needed and promoting healthy, clear arteries.

Encourages flexible arteries.
A recent study showed that Concord grape juice works in a similar fashion to red wine in stimulating nitric oxide production in the lining of the arteries - important for greater blood vessel flexibility.

Contributes to healthy blood pressure.
Because of its positive effect on arterial health, many researchers believe that drinking Concord grape juice contributes to healthy blood pressure. In fact, two preliminary studies showed a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

May help support a healthy mind.
Emerging research suggests that what is good for the heart may also be good for the mind. A recent pilot study found that drinking Concord grape juice may provide benefit for older adults with early memory decline, and this indicates there is a potential for Concord grape juice to help maintain a healthy mind. 8 This supports previous scientific studies that appear to indicate that a diet rich in antioxidants, such as those found in fruits, vegetables and their juices, may help slow and possibly even reverse age-related cognitive decline.

Contributes to a healthy immune system.
Polyphenol antioxidants and vitamin C help protect the body against free radicals that can damage healthy cells and may weaken the immune system. 100% Grape Juice is abundant in the antioxidant vitamin C, an essential nutrient which helps promote a healthy immune system. In addition, new research found that healthy participants who drank 100% Grape Juice daily showed a significant increase in a specific type of immune cell -- the gamma delta T-cell -- that can help ready the immune system to protect against potential invaders. Gamma delta T-cells play an important role in immune surveillance to detect potential pathogens and alert the immune system that a response is necessary.

Recipes
PURPLE COW SHAKES
1 (6 oz.) can frozen grape juice concentrate 1 c. milk 2 c. vanilla ice cream
Pour the juice concentrate and 1 cup of milk into a blender container. Scoop in 2 cups of ice cream. Cover and blend on high speed 30 seconds. Serve right away.
Note – Instead of using grape juice concentrate and having the milk act as the liquid for the grape juice, you could use powedered milk and reconstituted (regular strength) grape juice as the liquid for the milk – or plain water for the liquid for both.
ORANGE COW DRINK
3/4 c. cold water 1 egg
1 (6 oz.) can unsweetened frozen orange juice 1/2 c. nonfat dry milk
1 tsp. vanilla 10 ice cubes
Blend, cover and process. Garnish with 1 slice of orange.
More smoothie recipes on the blog.