Health Benefits of Muscadine Grapes

Scientifically known as Vitis Rotundifolia grapes, muscadine grapes are native to the southeastern United States, and can be found in the wild, as well as growing in the backyard of many homes. These grapes are different from other varieties in a number of ways.

The most noticeable difference is the skin of the grapes, which is much thicker. It is the skin which gives them natural resistance to diseases, fungi, and insects.

Most of their antioxidant power is also found in the skin. The skin is so thick that 40% of the weight comes from the skin itself. Muscadine grapes also have an extra set of chromosomes, which contain genes that allow them to produce a unique balance of phytonutrients, which are absent in other varieties.

The most important health benefit is amount of antioxidants present in these grapes. Antioxidants destroy excess free radicals before they wreak havoc on the body. Insufficient amounts of antioxidants leads to free radical damage, resulting in reduced stamina and energy levels. Free radicals also harm the immune system of the body, and can cause premature aging.

The skin and seeds of the grape contain resveratrol, which is also very beneficial for the body. Hence, it is advised to consume either wine made from these grapes, or dried muscadine grapes.

This variety also contains an extra pair of chromosomes, due to which ellagic acid, which is not seen in any other variety, can be found. Hence, this variety is also considered a super grape. There are numerous studies underway that are investigating the role of ellagic acid in cancer prevention.

According to some reports, this acid may prove to be useful in chemoprevention, which means to chemically prevent cancer from occurring, growing, or metastasizing in the body.

There is a lot of interest in chemoprevention; it may become the best way to fight cancer, as it will stop cancer from growing before it reaches a level which can prove to be problematic to cure.

Some of the research points to the fact that these grapes contain certain organic substances which resist microbial attacks, which help in keeping the immune system working at an optimum level. An activated immune system keeps the body healthy and reverses any damages caused to the heart, thus restoring heart health, arthritis problems, etc.

Consuming these grapes also helps in treating autoimmune diseases, which cause inflammation, erosion, pain, stiffness, and swelling of the bone joints. It can also be used to treat patients who suffer from similar ailments caused due to rheumatoid arthritis.

To derive all the health benefits of these grapes, they can be consumed either in the form of wine, juice, or vinegar. Wine and vinegar made from muscadine grapes can be stored for years. The beneficial compounds present in these grapes can also be preserved in a dried form (raisins) for a long period of time.