Surely you've heard about the health benefits of wine through the grapevine by now. A compound found in wine - a polyphenol called resveratrol -- present in red wine in particular, can reduce heart disease risk and ward off some types of cancers, plus Parkinson's disease. But are grapes just as good if you're a teetotaler? New studies indicate that the majority of wine's health benefits come from the grapes themselves - the juice, pulp and skins, particularly. Because all of these parts are used in making red wine, it is considered a better choice than white if you're trying to reap health benefits from vino. Recent studies have proven that eating grapes also can lower blood pressure, colon cancer risk and aid digestion; they also have antimicrobial effects, killing off unhealthy bacteria.
Grapes make a great snack, too. They're rich in fiber, B vitamins, Vitamin C and Vitamin K. A big bunch of grapes is low in calories and tastes sweet, making them a perfect diet food. They're a water-rich food, which means they go a long way in satisfying your appetite, particularly if you're craving something sweet. However, if you're dieting, it may not be a good idea to substitute raisins for grapes. Because they're dried, their sugars become concentrated and more caloric when compared with grapes. You can eat a lot more grapes for fewer calories than a small serving of raisins, which will satisfy your hunger longer. Grab some grapes and enjoy a whole bunch of healthful benefits!