* ♡ * Grapes Improve Your Health * ♡ * Grapes are popularly called as the Queen of Fruits and are categorized into three variants based on their color - Reds, Greens and Blacks/Blues. They belong to the family of Vitaceae. Grapes can be consumed in many ways, they can be eaten raw, canned (* YUMMY recipe below) or they can also be used in making juice, wine, jelly or Grape seed oil. * Although tiny fruits, grapes have numerous nutrients, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins which keep us healthy, fit and fine. They have a tart flavor, which is the main reason why these small berries are amongst the popular snack fruits (raisins - dehydrated grapes ;) ). They have a crisp texture, attractive color and very refreshing moisture. Apart from their good taste and color, did you know that grapes are very good for your health? * 1. Stimulates weight loss Many studies so far have shown that Resveratrol found in grapes positively affects the melting of pounds in 2 ways - it drastically reduces the possibility of cells to store excess fat and significantly stimulates the breakdown of fat. * 2. Protects your heart Resveratrol has the ability to increase the flexibility of blood vessels, thus facilitating blood circulation. Also, grapes lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. This allows easier transport of oxygen to all parts of the body, dramatically reducing the risk of heart attack. * 3. Mop Up Brain Damaging Plaques Studies at the University of Switzerland proved resveratrol’s brain-protecting ability. They found that resveratrol mopped up brain-damaging plaques and free radicals, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. So powerful is this important nutrient that it has even been referred to as “Reverse-it-all” by many health practitioners. In a British study, students given resveratrol increased blood flow to their brains by 200 percent. Scientists believe resveratrol can help speed our mental responses. * 4. Fight Diabetes Prediabetics given resveratrol had a 10 percent drop in blood sugar levels, according to research by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. * 5. Turn Down Inflammation Resveratrol works as an anti-inflammatory, which may be one of the reasons it may be effective for heart disease. * 6. Supports Muscle Recovery As a potent antioxidant, it supports the cells and organs in eliminating uric acid and other toxins from the body, supporting muscle recovery for athletes. * 7. Protect Your Skin from Cancer and Radiation In numerous studies, resveratrol has had a positive effect on cancer. Research also shows that resveratrol protects the skin from damaging UVB rays of the sun, thereby protecting it against skin cancer. What’s more, this potent nutrient has even been shown to protect the body against radiation therapy when used as an adjunct to radiation treatment of cancer. * Be sure to buy organic versions of the dirty dozen: the fruits and vegetables that, when grown conventionally, are loaded with pesticides and chemicals: Grapes, apples, lettuce, bell peppers, carrots, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, pears, kale, and celery. ~ Suzanne Somers * Have you ever had a pickled grape? Would you ever want to? Be brave, They’re delicious! They make fantastic martini olive replacements, cheese plate adornments, and interesting foils for barbecued and roasted meats and fish. Garnish a deli sandwich. Toss them into salads. Use them as you would chutney….. Lots of ideas! * Most recipes use typical pickling spices - mustard seed, peppercorns, bay and vinegar. I have found a few that add more complexity with cinnamon sticks and cumin seed. We dabbled further and added …. well, here’s our new beautiful recipe. * BEAUTIFUL PICKLED GRAPES * * Ingredients: 3 clean glass pint jars 3 pints of red seedless grapes 1 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup water 3/4 cup maple syrup 1 tbs whole peppercorns 1/2 tbs whole mustard seed 1/2 tbs whole cumin seed 6 cloves of garlic, peeled, and left whole 24-30 whole cloves 3 dried ancho chile peppers Peel from 1 large orange (no white pith allowed), peeled in to large curls 3 cinnamon sticks 3 bay leaves 12 slices fresh peeled ginger 1/2 tsp salt * Instructions: 1. Divide grapes evenly among the jars. 2. Add remaining ingredients to a sauce pan. 3. Heat the liquid mix until the maple syrup is incorporated. 4. Cool the liquid. 5. Pour the cooled liquid into the 3 jars, dividing evenly among them. 6. Into each jar, place one cinnamon stick, a chile pepper, and ⅓ of the orange peel curls. 7. Divide remaining liquid mixture evenly among the 3 jars. 7. Close the jars with their lids. Let sit ar room temperature for 1 hour. 8. Put the jarred grapes in the fridge for at least 24 hours. 9. Best if eaten within one or two weeks, but they can keep for quite a while.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 18:36:21 +0000
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