Grapes a smart choice for health and wellness


The importance of health and wellness is top of mind for many people. There are many contributing factors to wellness such as diet, physical activity, social engagement and genetics. All are important, but a first step to wellness is choosing healthy foods to fuel the body every day, ideally foods that support health in multiple ways.

Consider grapes: They are convenient, healthy, hydrating and provide energy to help support healthy and active lifestyles. Eating grapes is also linked to beneficial impacts on the health of specific body parts and systems, including the heart, brain, skin and colon.

Most of grapes’ health benefits are attributed to the presence of natural plant compounds known as polyphenols, which help promote antioxidant activity and influence biological processes that support overall health. Grapes of all colors – red, green and black – are natural sources of polyphenols.

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Fresh grapes are refreshing by the handful, but they also lend a tasty burst of flavor to a wide range of recipes you can enjoy any time of day.

This Heart Smart Smoothie is a deliciously healthy way to start the day; pairing grapes with nuts and seeds in No-Bake Energy Bites delivers a hearty snack to enjoy midday, after school or following a workout; and Quinoa, Cauliflower and Grape Salad is perfect at any mealtime for a powerful combo of both taste and health.

No-Bake Energy Bites

Prep time: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 energy bites

1/3 cup raw almonds

1/3 cup walnuts

1/2 cup pitted dates

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh orange juice or lemon juice

1 pinch sea salt

8 seedless California grapes

1/3 cup chia or hemp seeds

In bowl of food processor, pulse almonds and walnuts 5-6 times to coarsely chop. Add dates and process until mixture is finely chopped. Add juice and process until just combined; transfer mixture to small plate.

Dry grapes. Pack 1 tablespoon date mixture around each grape, completely covering to seal. Repeat with remaining grapes and date mixture.

Roll balls in seeds to coat. Store in covered container in refrigerator up to three days.

Heart Smart Grape and Peanut Butter Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

1 cup red California grapes, chilled

2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk, chilled

1/2 cup ice cubes

1/2 small banana

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1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 tablespoon ground flax seed

2 teaspoons cacao powder

In blender on high speed, blend grapes, almond milk, ice, banana, peanut butter, flax seed and cacao powder until smooth.

Quinoa, Cauliflower and Grape Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 8

1 cup white quinoa

1 small head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into small florets

1 1/4 cups red California grapes, halved

3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

2 ripe avocados, diced 1/3 inch

Dressing

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook quinoa according to package directions and drain on two layers of paper towels. Transfer to mixing bowl. Add cauliflower, grapes, scallions and avocado pieces.

To make dressing: In small bowl, whisk vinegar, lime juice, honey, cumin, oregano and salt until blended. Gradually whisk in oil. Drizzle dressing over quinoa mixture and toss gently. Season with pepper, to taste.


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