All fruits and vegetables are good for you, but grapes are getting some additional props for their heart-healthy benefits.

A recent study divided mice who were specially bred to be susceptible to high blood pressure into diet-defined groups -- one got a low-salt diet, another got a high-sodium diet, a third got a high-sodium diet with the addition of a grape mixture, and a fourth got a high-sodium diet with a small dose of hydrazine (a common blood pressure medication). At the end of the study, the mice who got the grape mixture came out on top with lower blood pressure, better heart function, reduced inflammation, and less heart muscle damage.

Grapes make a convenient and healthful snack as is, but there are lots of other ways you can enjoy grapes. Freeze them for an alternative to other frozen treats. Top your salad with some red or black grapes. Or sip on a few ounces of 100% grape juice.

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My son started soccer practice last night and we were both so happy. There's a lull over the summer months where my son doesn't have any organized sports in season, and we both miss it terribly. But last night, I remembered what a time crunch it is planning for meals when there are practices to consider.

My son and I usually eat dinner at 7 p.m. -- smack in the middle of his soccer practice. It's too early for us to eat dinner before practice, so I like to make sure my son has a healthy snack before to keep him energized and curb his hunger during practice. We don't get too creative with the snacks, either. A piece of fruit -- usually an apple or a banana -- is my son's pre-practice snack of choice.

According to Healthcastle, the plain-Jane popular fruits pack a powerful nutritional punch. Check out the gallery to see the details.

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One of my favorite things to do as a kid was fill up the ice cube trays with dubious concoctions of fruit juice and soda and Kool-Aid. I always stuck in a toothpick as a handle, but it never worked. I'd end up digging the "popsicles" out of the tray, holding them, and making a mess all over the place.

But, if you get a freezer pop tray and use a healthier recipe than I did, making your own freezer treats can be a fun activity with your kids... with delicious results! Self Magazine shares some tasty options for freezer pops Ginger-Citrus pops, Mexican Chocolate Pops, Minty Grape Pops, Strawberry-Sunflower Pops, and Wildberry Pops. My son and I have already tried the Minty Grape Pops and they're delicious. I'm planning to try to Mexican Chocolate variety soon, too.

Also, be sure to check out Jacki's Tropical Fruit Pops recipe.

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Good news for health-conscious types who have been interested in getting some of the health benefits of red wine that have been all over the news recently, but aren't so interested in drinking alcohol on a regular basis. According to a new study, many of the heart and artery benefits attributed to drinking red wine can also be had by drinking Concord grape juice.

Researchers say the benefit must be in the grapes, and not in the wine itself. I believe it (it's not such a huge leap) and it's good to know that such a long-time "staple" can be even healthier than previously thought.

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