Muscadine Grapes

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Muscadine Grapes

Muscadine grapes have been called America’s first grape. They were found growing wild when the first settlers came over from Europe in the 1500’s and started to cultivate them.

Only recently have we come to realize the true power and potential of this little fruit. The muscadine not only has one of the highest ORAC scores of any fruit, it also has a better blend and higher level of antioxidants. This makes it a very powerful tool in our arsenal for fighting free radicals.

The Science is Growing

We now know that this little grape is an outstanding source of multiple protective antioxidants and also boasts a unique range of

vitamins,
fiber,
proteins,
nutritious sugars,
potent phenolic compounds (antioxidant phytochemicals) and
beneficial oils

Because of this, many scientists and researchers are now studying their nutraceutical benefits and the results are very promising. In fact, they say they have only scratched the surface of this tiny fruit’s potential.

They have found high concentrations of antioxidant phenolic compounds, including the highly-publicized compound, Resveratrol.

These compounds, (also referred to as phenolic phytochemicals) are produced by plants in defense against predators and disease causing biological agents or pathogens and have shown promising health benefits for humans.

Still…, a grape is a grape is a grape! …. Or is it?

You might be surprised to learn that the Muscadine is …

Unlike any Other Grape in the World

They (vitis rotundifolia) grow in very harsh conditions were the every day variety of table grape (vitis vinifera) cannot survive.

Apparently, they have some protective strategies that enable them to survive where other varieties can’t and have adapted well to the warm, humid weather of the southeaster United States.

They are about 1 – 1.5 inches in diameter
have thick, tough skin and
several hard, oblong seeds.

A thick skin protects them from heat, humidity, UV radiation, insects and fungi.

A Cancer Fighter

The phenolic compound Ellagic Acid is a powerful antioxidant, a known anti-cancer compound and, unlike traditional grapes, is found in the Muscadine grape.

And Ellagic Acid isn’t the only compound working for you. The fact is, every phytochemical in these grapes work in synergy, contributing to your health and healing. This natural mixture does much more than any one phytochemical could do by itself.

Strangest of All!

They also contain 20 sets of chromosomes instead of the standard 19 found in other grapes.

This has scientists wondering, why the extra genetic material? Is it the key to their remarkable potency against inflammation, tumor growth and diabetes?

For further information about ORAC scores, antioxidants, and the power of the muscadine grape to fight for your good health, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of the new book, “Muscadine Health” by Diane K. Hartle, Ph.D., Phillip Greenspan, Ph. D., and James L. Hargrove, Ph.D.

This book is great for explaining how their special chemistry can affect your body. It covers phytochemicals and cancer, heart disease, diabetes and longevity. There are lots of pictures and diagrams to better explain the content.

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Return to The ORAC Wars from Muscadine Grapes