The Good Luck Grapes

Grape Wallpaper Downloaded From: (link)

Happy New Year!! Wow, what a year 2020 has been. I for one am glad to usher it out and ring in 2021! As with every new year, traditions of luck and prosperity are observed to start the year out with the best of intentions. Our spotlight this month is on grapes, so how fitting that a New Years tradition exists around eating grapes for luck!

The tradition goes that as the clock is counting down to ring in the new year, one should consume 12 grapes as the clock chimes midnight to welcome prosperity and luck for the New Year.

While grapes may not always equal good luck, they do equal some important steps in good health. Grapes are packed with vitamins and nutrients including:

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Thiamine

Vitamin B6

Potassium

Copper

Manganese

In addition to the vitamins, antioxidants are also plentiful in grapes.

Antioxidants are substances which are found in plants and work to repair the damage that oxidation (the chemical reaction which occurs when an element is exposed to oxygen) causes to the cells within the body. Oxidation has been linked to long term disease processes such as cancer and diabetes.

Grapes also contain insoluble fiber which can help with intestinal health and regulation as well. The shape of grapes in a bunch or cluster look like the alveolar sacs in the lungs, and since grapes contain anthocyanins and flavonoids along with other valuable health compounds that benefit the lungs and promote wellness, it’s no wonder why people love grapes!

To get the best of what grapes have to offer, they should be consumed in their most natural form. Eating them whole or added to a fruit salad can be a great way to incorporate them into your diet. Try them frozen as they can taste like a nice cool treat on a warm day! I enjoy eating frozen grapes which are so delicious!

While there are many different kinds of grapes, in general to get the best bang for your buck, look for grapes which are darker in color such as red grapes since the skin of the grape contains the antioxidants.

2020 did have one perk. I got to try Moon Drop grapes which I purchased from Wegmans. They were fantastic!

Have a blessed January