Grapes are the fruit of the vine, vitis vinifera. In fact, grapes are a grouping of fruits that form the cluster, which we can then collect from the plant or buy from the greengrocer. There are different types of grapes but generally the main distinction concerns the color of the berries, therefore dark red, sometimes even tending to blue, or greenish yellow. The color of the grape also determines its properties as grapes of different colors contain different substances. Today we talk, in particular, about the properties of white grapes.
White grapes, properties
White grapes contain, like red grapes, sugars and fibers. Not only that, the grapes, both white and red, provide mineral salts, such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, calcium and iron, and vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamins of group B, A and K (USDA Food Data Central). Then, the grapes provide antioxidants. However, unlike red grapes, rich in anthocyanins, the main antioxidant substances of white grapes are flavanols, which are characterized by an action against free radicals and by antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, able to support the immune, neuroprotective and cardiovascular systems (En-Qin Xia et al Int J Mol Sci, 2010 - Aron et al, Mol Nutr Food Res, 2008). In fact, numerous studies have highlighted the ability of flavanols to protect neurons from oxidative stress and to increase blood flow to the brain. For what concerns heart health, these substances reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases since they act by counteracting hypertension and diabetes (Lei Lei et al, Oncotarget, 2016 - Osakabe et al, J Clin Biochem Nutr, 2013). Despite the cardioprotective action of flavanols, the main antioxidants contained in this fruit, white grapes do not seem to reduce either total cholesterol or bad LDL cholesterol, something that has instead been observed with red grapes (Rahbar et al, Food Funct, 2015).
White grapes, a few more ideas
White grapes are excellent and can be eaten naturally, but also added to yogurt or they can be used to prepare delicious and healthy fruit salads. But do you want an extra idea for a snack rich in energy and antioxidants, also useful in supporting the brain and memory thanks to the action of almond milk (Batool et al, Brain Res Bull, 2016)? Pour 250 ml of almond milk and 200 grams of white grapes into the blender, blend and the smoothie is ready to be enjoyed! And if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, you can add a teaspoon of maple syrup, rich in minerals and phenolic compounds with anticancer and antioxidant action (Yamamoto et al, Oncol Rep, 2015).
