Scientifically, Muscadines are known as Vitis Rotundifolia Grapes or more technically, berries. They are native of Southeastern USA and have naturalized as far as South Delaware. You may have eaten Muscadines all your life, that is, if you live in the Southeast. These berries are open individually within a loose cluster and are not synchronized like bunch grapes. They are big, delicious and are individually harvested.
Muscadine grapes are different from common grapes (vitis vinifera) as they are grown in the hot, humid, disease-prone climate and the growing conditions make them different. Common grapes are grown in cooler, milder and less stressful climates. Like our immune system which provides more disease-fighting phenolic compounds (antioxidants), when under attack, Nature’s Pearl Premium Muscadine Grapes produce more phenolic compounds when under stress from fungal disease.
Studies have revealed that the highest levels of these potent compounds are in the seeds.
Phytochemical Power of Muscadine Grapes, Skin, Seed and Extracts
Muscadines have the most powerful antioxidants which are concentrated in the skin and seed, but the contributing mixture of phytochemicals differs in these two parts. The antioxidants in grape skin act as natural sunscreen, ward off insects and prevent infection by viruses, bacteria and molds and the pulp and juice also have nutraceutical (nutritional) value in addition to high Vitamin C content.
Nature’s Pearl Premium Muscadine Grape Seeds have TWO more chromosomes than wine grapes, (40 in Muscadines). They have more functional genes and therefore have a greater range of possibilities which is distinguishable from other grapes. This underwrites their vast range of immune-supporting phenolic compounds that are not present in wine grapes. The extra chromosomes make Nature’s Pearl Premium Muscadine Grapes genetically “The Smarter Grape” with maximum nutraceutical potential.
Muscadine Anti-Inflammatory Power
Muscadines have anti-inflammatory power. We all know that when you get arthritis and your joints hurt, that is inflammation. The phytochemicals in Muscadines are not just antioxidants, they are also anti-inflammatory. Experiment shows that with Muscadines, an extract of grape skin, was compared with a powerful pain reliever for the ability to prevent bad cholesterol from becoming oxidized. The Muscadine extract was more powerful than the medication.
