Grapes
Juicy Trivia
There are approx. 8000 varieties of grapes in the world. Did you know that grapes with black skins are dried to make raisins but it's the grapes of dried green seedless grapes that make sultanas. Grapes are approx. 80% water whilst raisins are only approx. 15%.
Jason Says...
Grapes add a beautiful sweetness to a juice, they are also great to snack on. They are very high in antioxidants, more-so darker varieties.
Juice or Smoothie?
Juice: Grapes can also be added to smoothies. When juicing, there is no need to remove the stalk, just pop the whole bunch into the funnel and remember to pack tightly for maximum extraction.. You can also freeze grapes and then add them directly to a smoothie.
Juicy Benefits
Grapes are best known nutritionally for their beneficial effects on the heart. How often do we hear that 'a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart?' (which is also reputed by doctors!) However, let's not get fooled here, it is of course the grapes that are used to make the wine that hold the significant health properties! Promoting the fact that 'a glass of freshly extracted grape juice per day is excellent for the heart' is not quite so press worthy or as important to promote by those keen to justify their daily wine intake!
Red, purple and black grapes in particular contain unique chemical pigments called oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which are known to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol ('bad' cholesterol) and therefore helpful in preventing damage to the arteries. When LDL cholesterol is oxidated in the body, it creates inflammation which is what can harm the arteries and lead to blood clots. These unique pigment compounds have also been shown to relax the muscles that line the blood vessel walls, meaning they can widen the blood vessels and therefore reduce the blood pressure.
Grapes also contain the antioxidant resveratrol, which is known to help reduce the build-up of plaques within the artery walls and therefore reduces the risk of clot formation.
Research
The University of Wisconsin found that drinking 3 glasses of purple grape juice per day reduced platelet aggregation by 40% (platelet aggregation increases the risk of blood clotting). They found purple grape juice to be 66% more effective at treating heart disease than red wine and as effective as aspirin for people at risk of heart disease.
Vitamins, Minerals and Extras
Vitamins A, B, C, E, Folate and Beta Carotene.
Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
Pectin.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.