The grape is one of the oldest cultivated fruits. "Vitis vinifera" was first cultivated over 8000 years ago in the region between the Black and Caspian Seas near northern Iran. Cultivated seeds and evidence of wine making date back to the Bronze Age in Europe–approximately 3000 BC. Hieroglyphics (pictorial symbols used in the earliest known writing systems) show that Egyptians were involved in grape and wine production, and the early Romans were known to have developed new varieties. Currently, over 50 varieties of grapes (green/white, red, and blue-black) are commercially cultivated around the world, predominantly in Western Europe, the Balkans, California, Australia, South Africa, and parts of South America.

But while grapes have been cultivated and appreciated for millennia, their outstanding nutritional profile has just recently been discovered. Grapes, particularly red and purple, are now known to contain powerful phenolic compounds that help prevent heart disease and cancer. These findings don't mean eternal health is in the bottom of a wine bottle, but studies do show that a diet loaded with high antioxidant fruits and vegetables is definitely a good idea!

What do phenolic compounds do?
Resveratrol, quercetin, other phenolics have been shown to elicit positive biological effects. Most of the effects stem from their antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds have the ability to quench highly reactive free radicals. Read on for details.

Wine for Heart Health: The French Paradox
"To a long life" may be more than just a wine drinker's toast. Within the past decade, epidemiologists have described what has been called the "French Paradox": despite the fact that the French typically consume a high fat diet, they have low rates of coronary heart disease. Many scientists attribute this phenomenon to phenolic compounds found in red wine, which is frequently consumed in France. John D. Folts of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine said research in his lab has found several compounds from grapes that seem to protect against heart disease by preventing ''the blood clot that kills.''

Grapes May Inhibit Cancer Growth
First researchers found that red wine helps keep the heart ticking. Now studies show that a substance in grapes may prevent cancer. Researchers working with cell cultures and laboratory animals have found that a substance in grapes called resveratrol can help keep cells from turning cancerous and inhibit the spread of cells that already are malignant. Hundreds of tests were conducted, looking for anti-cancer compounds in foods that are widely available and non-toxic. When added to cultures of human leukemia cells, resveratrol stopped the production of abnormal cells. The action, in effect, turned a culture of cancer cells into a culture of normal cells.

Although resveratrol is found in different fruits, as well, grapes were found to be the best source. Thomas W. Kensler of Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health said discovery of resveratrol is an important finding because it ''provides the scientific underpinnings'' for studies that have found healthful benefits from grapes and from wine.

Grape seed extract:
Concentrated from the "skin" of the seed of the grape, this extract is a rich source of catechins and proanthocyanidins, anti-oxidants more powerful than either vitamin C or E. Grape seed extract was originally developed in Europe, where it continues to be used to protect the health of the arteries and veins, to improve wound healing, to reduce inflammation and edema, and for other similar purposes.

Iron Contest - Raisins vs. Grapes
According to raisin manufacturers, raisins are made by drying freshly picked grapes in the sun for 2 to 3 weeks. No iron is added. One grape has the same amount of iron as one raisin. However, it takes about 4.5 pounds of grapes to make 1 pound of raisins. The answer to your question lies in how many raisins you eat. It's easier to eat a lot of grapes than a lot of raisins!

For more information about grapes:
www.abc.cornell.edu/courses/as625/1997term/Kobayashi/grapes.htm

www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/1999/990618.htm

www.tablegrape.com/rev99/index.htm