It's Delicious, it's unassuming and it's a secret grown right in America's own back yard.
"America's First Grape," the muscadine, was already growing wild in America before European settlers arrived back in the 1500's and they started cultivating it soon after that. Since then, generations and generations of Americans have grown them, but only in the last few years has the true power and potential of this treasure really been discovered. Fact Sheet...
Muscadine has one of the highest ORAC scores of any fruit produced by Mother Nature.
Provides a superior content of specific antioxidant compounds, which means both a higher level and better blend of antioxidants to fight the free radicals that enter the human body.
One of nature's best sources of resveratrol, and studies on resveratrol have linked it to a healthy heart and blood vessels.
Muscadine Information
For the Rest of Us!
Polyphenolic?
Anti-glycation?
Free radicals?
ORAC scores??
Do you ever feel lost when it comes to the information you should know
when it concerns nutrition and your health? Well, we want to make it
simpler for you.
ORAC Wars
In simple terms, ORAC ratings measure antioxidant activity. This is
significant because antioxidants are necessary to fight free radicals in our
bodies.
Free radicals are loose oxygen molecules that damage cells. This damage is
often elevated in human conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Researchers have
found that antioxidant molecules found in many foods have the potential to
reduce diseases thought to be triggered by free radicals at the cellular level.
Having a high ORAC Score is such a hot trend right now, that companies
are doing whatever they can to “pump up” the ORAC scores of their
products. However, it’s important to note that not all ORAC scores are the
same. Without getting too technical (we’ll leave that to the scientific
journals!), just knowing the ORAC score is not enough. Research shows
that it’s even more important to understand the range of chemicals that
contribute to that ORAC score. The ORAC score is only as meaningful as
the benefits provided by the antioxidant compounds that make up that
score.
As it turns out, muscadine grapes are an outstanding source of multiple
protective antioxidants. There is a growing interest among academic
scientists and researchers in the study of the nutraceutical benefits of
muscadine grapes because of their unique range of vitamins, beneficial oils,
fiber, nutritious sugars, proteins and potent phenolic compounds
(antioxidant phytochemicals).
Phenolic Compounds
Phenolic compounds (also referred to as phenolic phytochemicals) are
plant-based materials that appear to function primarily in defense against a
plant’s predators and pathogens (biological agents that cause disease) and in
providing reproductive advantage. These compounds have demonstrated
promising health benefits for humans.
Muscadines have high concentrations of antioxidant phenolic compounds,
including the highly-publicized compound, resveratrol.
The benefits of the phenolic compound resveratrol have been well
published. Previous studies with resveratrol suggest that the compound has
anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential and may help prevent the
negative effects of high-calorie diets.
One phenolic compound in muscadines that distinguishes them from other
grapes is ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is not only a powerful antioxidant, but it
is also a known anti-cancer compound.
However, every phytochemical in the muscadine grape contributes to health and healing,
and the natural mixture does much more than any one phytochemical alone.
To learn more about ORAC scores, antioxidants, and the power of the
muscadine grape to fight for your good health, get a copy of the new book,
“Muscadine Health” by Diane K. Hartle, Ph.D., Phillip Greenspan, Ph. D.,
and James L. Hargrove, Ph.D.
In 80 information-packed pages, this concise booklet will introduce you to a
nutraceutical power food that could revolutionize your life.
438701 Muscadine Health Booklet
The tale of a grape…
The fascinating history and secret power of the Muscadine grape is a story
everyone should know.
Unlike any other grape in the world
Muscadines grapes (vitis rotundifolia) grow in the harshest of conditions; conditions in
which common table grapes (vitis vinifera) cannot grow. They grow in the southeastern
United States and are well-adapted to warm, humid climates. So, what protective
strategies does this survivor grape contain that allows it to thrive where others can’t?
Muscadine fruits are 1 – 1.5 inches in diameter and are armed with thick, tough skin and
several hard, oblong seeds. Their thicker skin allows it to protect itself against heat, UV
radiation, humidity, insects and fungi.
Muscadines also contain 20 sets of chromosomes compared to 19 in other grape varieties.
So scientists wonder, what is this grape doing with the extra genetic material? Perhaps
this is the key to its remarkable potency against inflammation, tumor growth and
diabetes.
The All-American Grape
Muscadines are a Native American grape and may be the only fruit that originated in the
United States and nowhere else. Native Americans clearly used the wild muscadines as a
food source and processed them for winter stores.
Could it be that a powerful defender of our health can be found in our own backyard?
The Muscadine Is A Natural “Phyter”
Our country’s current epidemic levels of chronic disease have reached alarming rates.
Presently, 109 million Americans (more than a third of the population) suffer from a
chronic disease, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders like
rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring substances found in fruits and vegetables that
have some type of biological activity. Research shows that muscadine grape species are
rich in total phenolic compounds (a class of phytochemicals) and are a virtual
powerhouse when it comes to their nutraceutical value.
A “Phyter” for Cardiovascular Health
(Chapter 4 – Muscadine Health)
Reduces inflammation in blood vessels to reduce the threat of
atherosclerosis
Reduces oxidative stress on the heart and blood vessels
Inhibits LDL cholesterol oxidation
Maintains the health of the lining of blood vessels to keep blood pressure
normal
Decreases inappropriate blood clotting
A “Phyter” against Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes
(Chapter 5 – Muscadine Health)
Slows sugar absorption
Increases activity of insulin
Tends to reduce blood sugar
Has potential to help with weight control
A “Phyter” against Cancer
(Chapter 6 – Muscadine Health)
Contains anti-cancer compounds including ellagic acid, resveratrol and
flavonoids
Blocks the activity of enzymes involved in the spread of cancer
Blocks pathways involved in prostate cancer development
A “Phyter” for Longevity and Anti-Aging
(Chapter 7 – Muscadine Health)
Helps avoid early development of chronic diseases
Effects adaptive changes in gene expression that help defend the body
against ill effects of aging
Phytochemicals improve DNA repair by activating a pathway that
increases lifespan in human cells
Muscadines have evolved over hundreds of years to withstand the harsh conditions of
their environment. Clearly, their unique nutritional properties separate it from other
grapes and researchers believe that they have only scratched the surface of the potential
of muscadine grapes.
Heartland Select is a premier juice blend featuring muscadine grape juice and pomace
powder as its primary ingredients. It has been carefully formulated to maximize physical
vitality and minimize imbalances and irritations in our bodies.