(Family Features) 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 the first step to wellness is choosing healthy foods to fuel the body every day, ideally foods that support health in multiple ways.
Consider grapes from California: 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.
Find more nutritious recipes at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
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
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
2 teaspoons cacao powder
In a blender on high speed, blend grapes, almond milk, ice, banana, peanut butter, flaxseed, and cacao powder until smooth.
Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 8 g protein; 53 g carbohydrates; 14 g fat (36% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 220 mg sodium; 7 g fiber.
Source: California Table Grape Commission
