Does anyone know the health differences between red/purple and green grapes?!
Question:
Does anyone know the health differences between red/purple and green grapes?
I read an article that said frozen red/purple grapes make a great healthy treat and that got me to wondering why it only listed the red and purple grapes as the healthy option? Are the green grapes less healthy than the others? I would think that even so, they would be better that a sugar filled popsicle.
Answers:
Those darker colored grapes contain beneficial compounds called flavonoids, which are phytonutrients 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.
You're right, the green grapes are definitely more healthy than a sugar-filled popsicle, but in terms of overall benefit to your health, just comparing grapes, the darker color, the better for you.