Grapes are so wonderful, especially when icey cold or better yet frozen and they seem like a dessert!

One thing to remember about grapes is that they are a big NO-NO for dogs as they can cause kidney failure-same goes for raisins.  In both cases we are talking about large quantities-but nobne-the-less don't be tempted to toss your pooch a grape to chase.  Keep those juicy globes for your self.

Grapes have been treasured since the Bronze Age and especially once the ancient Egyptians and Romans realised they could produce excellent wines from fermented grape juice. It has been said that wine can only be as good as the grape from which it is made.

• Grapes are good for your heart. A growing body of research suggests that the polyphenols in wine, grape juice and fresh grapes are largely responsible for the benefits. In a recent study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, researchers at the University of Connecticut found that California grapes protected the heart and blood vessels against oxidative tissue damage, similar to the well-known effects of red wine.

• Grapes are loaded with phytonutrients such as resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanin and catechin. Resveratrol, found primarily in the skin of grapes, has been found in preliminary studies to fight breast, liver and colon cancers. Resveratrol is also believed to play a role in the reduction of heart disease and has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

• Grapes are a great source of potassium and have unique cleansing properties.

• They make great snacks as grapes contain almost 80 per cent water. For those who wish to lose weight gently and detoxify at the same time, a day-long grape-fast every ten days is recommended.

• Dried grapes, or raisins, are more concentrated in calories as they contain only 15 per cent water but are a useful source of iron and fibre. Raisins are also high in glucose and fructose, providing an instant energy boost for active people.

Any way you like them -- fresh, juiced, dried, or fermented - have grapes as they are a storehouse of nutrients which keep you healthy.

My husband always says he gets his fruit requirements each day....in a glass

And actually there are health benefits to drinking wine-especially red wines.

Does red wine protect against heart disease? It seems to be a strong possibility from research into this matter. Many studies investigated the benefits of red wine suggested that moderate amount of red wine (one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men) lowers the risk of heart attack risk  for people in middle age by ~ 30 to 50 percent. It is also suggested that alcohol such as red wine may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered from one.

 Other studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming. Red wine may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. Indeed, studies showed that people from the Mediterranean region who regularly drank red wine have lower risks of heart disease.  Remember these are the same people consuming a loy of that gorgeous olive oil as well!