Some phytochemicals

appear to make blood less sticky, maintain the flexibility of blood vessels

and slow down the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. All of which can help

maintain a healthy heart and circulatory system.

Ways phytochemicals

may protect against cancer are also being studied. They may neutralize

cancer-causing agents as well as reverse the uncontrolled multiplication

of some cancer cells.

What is the

best way to capture the health benefits of phytochemicals in fruits and

vegetables? Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day

is key. Each fruit and vegetable has a unique set of phytochemicals and

nutrients that work together to promote health. Grapes, for instance,

are one of the few sources of the phytochemical resveratrol, a potent

antioxidant under study for its role in preventing heart disease and cancer.

Grapes also have many other phytonutrients, and are a good source of vitamin

C.

This delicious

recipe lets you get your grapes and three other vegetables.

Balsamic Chicken Salad

Balsamic Mustard Dressing*

4 3-ounce boneless,

skinless chicken breast

1 large sweet

onion, cut into 12 wedges

2 quarts mixed

salad greens

2 cups Welch's

Fresh (seedless) Grapes

2 tablespoons

sliced fresh basil

*Balsamic Mustard

Dressing Preparation:

Combine 1/3

cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard, 1/4 teaspoon each

seasoned salt and sugar and 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper. Makes about 1/3

cup.

Salad preparation:

Pour 2 tablespoons

Balsamic Mustard Dressing into a small bowl and brush chicken and onion

wedges with it. Let brushed chicken and onion stand 5 minutes. Grill chicken

until juices run clear. Grill onion wedges 3 to 5 minutes per side. Toss

salad greens, grapes, grilled onion, basil and remaining Balsamic Mustard

Dressing. Slice chicken and arrange over tossed green mixture. Makes 4

servings.

Nutrition Analysis

Per Serving: Calories 227; Protein 21.0g; Fat 3.3g; Calories from Fat

12 percent; Carbohydrate 30.6g; Cholesterol 47mg; Fiber 4.7g; Sodium 319mg.

The recipe

is from the California Table Grape Commission. Welch's Fresh Grapes are

from California May through December.

For more information,

see: www.WelchsFresh.com , www.5aday.com or www.aboutproduce.com .

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