Concord Grapes for Heart Health

In grapes alone, 1600 nutrients have been discovered, according to the Produce for Better Health Foundation. Does this apply to all grapes? No. Concord grapes - which are in season now, and other deep purple grapes, contain the most, and the nutrients are concentrated in the skin and seeds. This is why red wine, or purple grape juice are ten times more nutritious than white wine. They contain the crushed skin and seeds of purple grapes.

The "phyto" ("plant" in Greek) nutrient most responsible for grapes' heart benefits is anthocyanin, which provides foods with their purple color. In fact there are hundreds of anthocyanins, which have a favorable impact on artery health, blood cholesterol, inflammation, and more, according to a recent literature review in Nutrition Today.

Anthocyanins can also be found in other purple or blue foods, such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, purple leaf lettuce, and eggplant.

Only 3% of Americans eat purple produce, according to the Produce for Better Health Foundation. So, "Pump up the Purple," says the PBH, by replacing sugary beverages for 100% grape juice, slice and grill some eggplant or roast some purple potatoes.

My advice? Try drinking small amounts of red wine with meals, I know it's a sacrifice but it's great for the heart and blood vessels. Read more about grapes, grape juice and red wine... in my article which also appeared in The Washington Post.