Health Benefits of Muscadine Grapes
Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are purple-black or reddish-bronze fruits native to the southeastern regions of the United States. These grapes have historically been used to make wines and grape juice, and now researchers are discovering the various health benefits of muscadine grapes.
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Features
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Muscadine grapes contain high levels of resveratrol, an antioxidant. This fruit is also low in fat and high in carbohydrates.
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Benefits
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Resveratrol helps to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and lowers the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the "bad" cholesterol. Resveratrol might also reduce the risk of cancer development.
Other Benefits
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Muscadine grapes are high in dietary fiber, and a high fiber diet helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels. Fiber also helps prevent constipation and reduces the risk of digestive conditions.
Food Sources
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Muscadine grapes are used in grape juice, wine, jam, jellies, sauce, syrups and purees. These grapes can also be used as an ingredient in baked goods, such as muffins and pies.
Considerations
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Just 2 oz. of muscadine grape juice, one medium muffin or one serving of muscadine jam contains the same amounts of resveratrol as 4 oz. of red wine.
Fun Fact
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Muscadine grapes were the first indigenous grapes to be cultivated in the United States. Muscadine hull pies were a popular dessert in the old American South.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Allie_Caulfield
