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Concord grape juice concentrate, like other fruit juice concentrates, is packed full of goodness. Not only does it taste good, it provides the antioxidants to help maintain a healthy heart. Research on the cardiovascular benefits of this purple drink was popularized in the 1980’s. Many referred to this research as the “French Paradox”

The French Paradox

First, as common sense would suggest, individuals eating diets containing high amounts of trans fat (also referred to as saturated fat) tend to have higher occurrences of heart disease. In the 1980’s researchers began to wonder if this was the case, why does it appear those following the traditional French diet, one with high amounts of saturated fat, tend not to experience many heart attacks. The news of the research broke in November on the TV show 60 Minutes. The television journalist, Morley Safer, mentioned how the French, who tend to consume more wine than Americans, especially red wine, are somehow protected by something in the wine. This was referred to as the French Paradox.

Since the story broke, additional research was conducted and the focus was less on the actual alcohol content and more on the health compounds in the wine. As food technology continues to march forward, researchers tend to believe it is the polyphenols, also called flavonoids, that is part of the puzzle for maintaining a healthy heart. Other compounds are also present in the grape, including anthocyanins, that help to give the grape its signature purple hue.

Antioxidants Benefits of Concord Grapes

One of the main benefits of fruit is the presence of antioxidants. An antioxidant is a compound naturally present in the fruit and when consumed helps the body to fight free radicals. A free radical is an unstable molecular that can damage healthy cells and lead to disease. Concord grape juice concentrate is one of the leading sources of antioxidants, when compared to other leading fruit juice concentrates. 

Grape Juice Concentrate

The Buzz Word in Grapes

What is resveratrol? Resveratrol is a complex carbohydrate that helps to promote healthy cells. So enjoying concentrated grape juice is an excellent way to keep you overall body healthy, starting at the cellular level. So here is a quick checklist the benefits of grape concentrate:
•Helps to promote healthy blood flow and arteries.
•Helps with metabolism and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
•Helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Consider adding some concord grape juice concentrate to your diet. However, when enjoying a glass, make sure to read the instructions on how to reconstitute from the concentrate form into a refreshing glass of juice. One of the best ways to enjoy this purplish drink is simply with a tall glass and a few ice cubes.