Depending on the variety and size of grape, one grape has between two to four calories. You can assume there are about 60 calories in a cup of grapes weighing around 92 kg, according to the FDA. Grapes are considered to be a health fruit because of the low calories in grapes, despite the high level of carbohydrates.
The calorie count of grapes does not seem to depend on the color of the grape, although grapes are ideal for maintaining a healthy heart and minimizing the possibility of a blockage or clot, because of the flavonoids present. These flavonoids also give grapes their rich purple color. Red grapes are good for lowering blood pressure and fighting cholesterol, as they contain an antioxidant dietary fiber.
There are different amounts of calories in dried, frozen and canned grapes and there are also more calories in grapes that contain seeds. Frozen and canned grapes often have a sweetener added. Although a raisin is a dried grape, there are about four times as many calories in a raisin than in a grape.
Because grape based drinks contain additives and other ingredients, the calorie count is also different, as it is with wine made from grapes. Drinking too much wine can lead to various side effects such as obesity, diabetes and of course alcohol addiction, although drinking wine on an occasional basis does seem to have some established medical benefits.
Although grapes do contain some powerful nutrients, including iron, calcium and Vitamin C, around 90 percent of a grape consists of water. However, because of the nutrients present, grapes are beneficial for treating and preventing a variety of ailments, including indigestion, asthma, constipation, cataracts and kidney disorders. Eating grapes regularly can also lower the level of cholesterol in the body.
Because grapes contain so much water, eating them regularly can also help to minimize the symptoms of asthma. Grapes also help to lower the body's acid levels, making them ideal for anyone who has a kidney disorder. Some research also suggests that grapes are good for improving the functions of the brain and that they can help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative ailments.
Grapes do contain a high amount of carbohydrates, and while much of this is in the form of dietary fiber, the rest of it is entirely sugar and this high level of sugar is understandably a concern to many. Grapes are not good for anyone on a low carbohydrate diet, and if you are obese or suffer from diabetes, you should carefully regulate your grape intake.
Grapes can definitely contribute towards a healthier and stronger body, with their rich nutrient content and the low calories, although they will not actually help you to lose weight. There are several proven benefits to eating grapes, and these include having a more effective immune system, an overall higher level of energy and better metabolism. Grapes are also tasty of course!