It never ceases to amaze me how many people comment that they have not had grapes or raisins since they were children. Grapes and raisins are a superfood in many ways. While they make an excellent snack for kids, they are also extremely beneficial for adults.

Red Grapes

Red grapes are rich in nutrients and have a number of potential health benefits. Some of the potential health benefits of red grapes include:

High in antioxidants: Red grapes are a good source of antioxidants, which are compounds that can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

High in fiber: Red grapes are a good source of fiber, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and may help to reduce the risk of constipation.

May help to improve heart health: Red grapes contain a type of antioxidant called resveratrol, which has been shown to have a number of potential heart-protective effects. Some research suggests that resveratrol may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

May have anti-inflammatory effects: Red grapes contain a number of compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, including polyphenols and oleanolic acid. This may make them helpful in reducing inflammation in the body.

May help to improve brain health: Some research suggests that the compounds found in red grapes may help to improve brain function and may have a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline.

Raisins

As you are probably already aware, raisins are just dried grapes. However, like grapes, raisins are rich in nutrients and carry many of the same potential health benefits. Some of the potential health benefits of raisins include:

High in antioxidants: Like grapes, raisins are a good source of antioxidants.

High in fiber: Like grapes, raisins are a good source of fiber.

May help to control blood sugar: Some studies have suggested that raisins may help to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This may be due to their high fiber content, which can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

May help to improve bone health: Raisins are a great source of boron, a mineral that is important for bone health and many other things. Some research suggests that boron may help to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

May have anti-inflammatory effects: Like grapes, raisins also have polyphenols and oleanolic acid.

As with any food, it is important to consume raisins or grapes in moderation as part of a balanced diet. I consume a lot more than what I consider to be healthy. The side effect tends to be a slight gas increase, but I enjoy them. Thankfully, I’m getting a lot of benefits for the trouble. If you want a healthy snack, these two are simple, delicious, and very beneficial. Best of all, they are relatively inexpensive!

Dr. Robertson is a health researcher and educator, not a physician. The information provided here is not medical advice, a professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or service to you or any other individual. The information provided is for educational and anecdotal purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation, or the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers. Dr. Robertson is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or additional information, services, or product you obtain or utilize. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN.