Learn grape facts and nutrition information in this overview about grapes and grape leaves. Discover the health benefits of grapes and why they make such a great addition to a healthy daily diet.
The health benefits of grapes are numerous, with published studies indicating benefits for various aspects of good and improved health. Grape facts and nutrition information show how beneficial grapes can be as part of a healthy daily diet.
Grapes Facts
Some scholars believe that grapes have been cultivated since the times of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome for eating and winemaking. Their use and growth spread to Europe, North Africa and the United States, with California now consistently producing up to 98% of the entire U.S. grapes crop.
According to the Concord Grape Association, one cup of pure Concord grape juice has 75% of the amount of potassium found in one banana. Concord grapes are the grape type most commonly used in grape jellies, jams and juices in America.
Grapes Nutrition
The nutritional content of various types of grapes is as follows:
Concord Grapes, 1 cup: 62 calories; 0.3g fat; 2 mg sodium; 15.8 g carbohydrates; 0.6 g protein; 13 mg calcium; 9 mg phosphorus; 0.3 mg vitamin C; 0.08 mg thiamine.
Red or green grapes (European type such as Thompson seedless), 1 cup: 104 calories; 0g fat; 3 mg sodium; 27g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 2% daily value vitamin A; 27% vitamin C; 2% calcium; 3% daily value iron.
American type grapes (slip skin), 1 cup: 62 calories; 0g fat; 2mg sodium; 16g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 2% daily value vitamin A; 6% daily value vitamin C; 1% daily value calcium; 1% daily value iron.
Health Benefits of Grapes
Numerous studies have been published related to the health benefits of grapes. Various studies on concord grape juice show potential health benefits in the way of protection against breast cancer, blood pressure reduction and slowed LDL oxidation.
Studies of ‘purple grape juice’ showed possible benefits for those with urinary tract infection, improved arterial elasticity in heart disease patients, heart healthy effects, reduction in artery narrowing and the reduction of the cardiovascular effects of second hand smoke.
Grape Leaves Facts
Grapes themselves are not the only part of the plant that may be consumed. One common ingredient in Greek food is grape leaves. They are harvested while young and may be frozen or preserved in brine.
Dolmades (also known as Dolmas and Dolmathes) are stuffed grape leaves that contain rice and seasonings, and may include meat in the stuffing mixture. Variations of this food are found in other types of cuisine, primarily coming from the Mediterranean region.
Grape leaves contain riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, copper and manganese.
Grape Leaves Nutrition
The nutritional content of the different forms of grape leaves is as listed below:
Raw grape leaves, 1 cup: 13 calories; 0g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 1mg sodium; 2g carbohydrates; 1g protein; 77% daily value vitamin A; 3% daily value vitamin C; 5% daily value calcium; 2% daily value iron.
Canned grape leaves, 1 leaf: 3 calories; 0g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 114mg sodium; 0g carbohydrates; 0g protein; 4% daily value vitamin A; 1% vitamin C; 1% daily value calcium; 1% daily value iron.
Summary
As more research is conducted, grape facts and nutrition data will be added to as more positive benefits of grapes and grape leaves are uncovered. In the meantime, grapes are a low calorie, zero cholesterol addition to a heart-healthy diet.
References
Nutrition Facts: Grapes, red or green (European type, such as Thompson seedless), raw. Nutrition Data. https://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1920/2
Nutrition Facts: Grapes, American type (slip skin), raw. Nutrition Data. https://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1919/2
Grapes Nutrition Facts. https://health.learninginfo.org/grapes.htm
Grapes. https://grapesweb.com/
Benefits of Concord and Purple Grape Products. Concord Grape Association. https://www.concordgrape.org/
Nutrition Facts: Grape leaves, raw. Nutrition Data. https://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/3038/2
Nutrition Facts: Grape leaves, canned. Nutrition Data. https://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/3039/2
