Getting Welchy with It

Did you know that grapes are considered a member of the BERRY family??? That’s because they grow  in clusters attached to a stem.

I learned this along with some other tantalizing tid-bits while interviewing Registered Dietitian Casey Lewis, who just so happens to be the Health and Nutrition Manager for Welch’s—the ultimate grape LoViN company.

Welch’s proves its grape adoration with the fact that they produced the world’s FIRST pasteurized juice—earning the title of Original Super Juice in 1869. Yet, this title wasn’t necessarily what Welch’s founder, Dr. Thomas Barmwell Welch, was hankering for. He was simply trying to make an “unfermented (nonalcoholic) sacramental wine” for communion service at his church. Guess he got more than he was praying for! And today, Welch’s–the world’s leading marketer of Concord and Niagara based grape products—is owned by over 1,200 family famers who make up the National Grape Cooperative.

Hence, when granted the chance to interview a fellow grape lover and Dietitian, I just had to snag the ultimate 411 on my favorite natural fruit wonder—the grape.

What’s one or two of the most exciting health benefits Welch’s researchers have recently found regarding grapes?

Beyond protecting heart health and providing you with protective antioxidants, Concord grape juice may help keep your arteries flexible. A new study has shown Concord grape juice to have a beneficial impact on nocturnal blood pressure, which reflects overall cardiovascular health. Under optimal circumstances, blood pressure will dip down at night, giving the heart and vessels a rest. And this nightly drop is referred to as nocturnal dipping. Clinical evidence suggests that those who are “non-dippers” are at an increased risk for cardiovascular health (FASCINATING! … If you ask me!). Additionally, a study in the British Journal of Medicine has shown that Concord grape juice may help support healthy brain function in  certain population groups, especially older adults with early memory decline. 

Tell me a little about the red versus green grape controversy. Healthwise, do you think red or green grapes are better for you?

Grapes in every color are a great way to increase fruit consumption and can be a part of an overall healthful diet. Dark purple and red grapes do tend to contain higher levels of plant nutrients known as polyphenols. Specifically, green grapes lack the the polyphenols known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are found in the skins of certain grapes, giving the fruit its beautiful red/purple hue. To add to that, seeded grapes (like Concord and Niagra grapes) tend to have higher polyphenol levels than unseeded grapes. The reason is that seedless grapes have minimal proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols most abundant in seeds.

As a soon-to-be Registered Dietitian, I get many questions and comments about people avoiding grapes because they’re “high carb” or “full of sugar.” As the Welch’s Dietitian, what do you think is the biggest misconception people have about grapes or grape juice and what do you say to them?

When it comes to grape juice, it’s essential to stress that not all sugar containing beverages are created equal. 100% grape juice contains sugar, but as is with all 100% juice, it is naturally sweet and does not contain any added sugar. Welch’s 100% grape juice is not an empty-calorie beverage—you get healthy promoting plant nutrients and the essential nutrient vitamin C. Moderate consumption of 100% juice in amounts that meet current intake recommendations has not been associated with overweight in children or adolescents. 100% juice can contribute several key nutrients to the diet and is a convenient way to add color and variety to the table.

What’s your favorite way to eat grapes?

And do you prefer red or green?

Note: NO offense will be taken

*Please note that Welch’s did not compensate me in any manner for posting this on my blog. I simply posted it out of my grape-loving nature.