Although commercial grape production dates back to 1000 BC, the Concord grape made its debut in 1849 when Boston-born Ephraim Wales Bull developed the Concord grape, named after the village of Concord in Massachusetts. Since then, the variety has been an eternal favorite, from drinking the juice to enjoying the jams and jellies made from it, to eating the whole grape.
Health benefits of the Concord grape
Scientists have been investigating the benefits associated with Concord grapes and grape juice for years. The research shows that the consumption of both the fruit and juice of Concord grapes can make an important contribution both in terms of nutrition and health benefits. Here is what Concord grapes have to offer:
Promotes cardiovascular health
A substance called polyphenols is found in plant foods that act as antioxidants to help minimize the harmful effects of LDL or "bad" cholesterol and support healthy, clear arteries. Concord grapes are loaded with polyphenols that can contribute to heart health.
If you love grape juice, you're in luck, because the juice of Concord grapes has been proven to provide many of the same heart health benefits as red wine, but without the concerns of alcohol. Both wine and Concord grape juice are made from rich, dark, whole grapes that contain polyphenols naturally found in the fruit. It appears that grape juice can help keep arteries flexible and support healthy blood circulation throughout the body.
Promotes cognitive health
An emerging area that appears promising for the promotion of cognitive functions is the effect of Concord grapes on reducing memory loss in older adults. Research conducted to date shows that drinking Concord grape juice can help slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline, but further research is needed to verify this finding.
Promotes a healthy immune system
Concord grapes are a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols, both of which can play a role in supporting a healthy immune system. One study found that enriching 100 percent Concord grape juice with vitamin C increases one type of immune cell - the gamma-delta T-cell - which sends signals to the immune system to respond. There are currently very few studies that address the role of the grape and immunity in humans, so the results are preliminary pending further research.
Other benefits
Preliminary studies suggest that the antioxidants found in Concord grapes may protect against cancer. A 2010 study found that Concord grapes inhibit angiogenesis, which can promote the growth of new blood vessels to nourish and metastasize a cancerous tumor. Another study found that participants who regularly consumed Concord grape juice had more white blood cells in their bloodstream, which can help fight off viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders that threaten your health, such as cancer cells.
Include Concord grapes in a nutritious diet
It can be a challenge for many of us to include enough fruit in our daily diet. One option is to drink 100 percent Concord grape juice in moderation (about 4-8 ounces daily) to achieve the recommended daily intake of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Many people have concerns about adding sugar to the juice, but 100 percent Concord grape juice contains no added sugar. The amount of sugar in grams stated on the nutritional label refers to the naturally occurring fructose found in grapes.
Note: Read the label carefully to ensure that you are buying 100 percent Concord grape juice and not a Concord grape juice cocktail. The latter contains added sugar in the form of corn syrup with a high fruit sugar content.
from https://observer.com/2016/09/doctors-orders-concord-grapes-can-improve-your-memory-and-fight-cancer/
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