10/08/2019
Muscadines are antioxidant powerhouses, surpassing even nutritional superstars like blueberries and pomegranates in their antioxidant content?
According to Ashley Cobb, clinical dietician at WakeMed, muscadines are especially high in the antioxidants resveratrol and ellagic acid.
Sound familiar? Resveratrol is the antioxidant that is responsible for red wine’s heart-healthy reputation, and Cobb says that the mighty muscadine has nine times more antioxidant power than the red grapes used to make California’s red wines. They also contain six times the fiber, and muscadine wines may contain three to four times the amount of phenolic compounds (which have antioxidant properties), plus a higher ellagic acid content than your average red wine.
“Resveratrol helps to decrease cholesterol, fight cancer, and some newer studies show that it may reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, high-blood pressure, Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, and more, and ultimately may lengthen one’s lifespan,” said Cobb. “Ellagic acid is another type of antioxidant that is being investigated in cancer prevention research.”
And while the antioxidant power of the muscadine is pretty impressive, that’s not the only nutritional positive these fruits have going for them.
“Muscadines are also fat-free, high in fiber, low in sodium and an excellent source of manganese — they’re a perfect addition to a healthy diet!” said Cobb.
That is some serious nutritional power!