My name is Casey Lewis and I'm Welch's Health and Nutrition Manager. I'm a registered dietitian, with experience managing nutrition projects in the US and abroad. I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's of science in Nutritional Science and received my master's in Nutrition Communication from Tufts University. Below are some recently-asked queries from other healthcare professionals. Be sure to check out all of our Health FAQs and Product FAQs for more information, and if you don't find what you're looking for, you can always ask me directly. If you have an immediate concern, please call our Consumer Affairs Department at 1-800-340-6870, Monday through Friday 9AM - 4PM EST.
To hear my answers to previously asked questions, click here.
Q. Can you help me explain free radicals and antioxidants?
A. Free Radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that have one or more unpaired electrons. They are a normal part of everyday life, and are produced during activities like exercising or digestion (when our bodies convert food into energy). Free radicals are highly reactive, but our bodies have a natural defense system, so in small numbers, they are not a big problem. However, exposure to certain environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation can also trigger the formation of free radicals. And, when there are too many free radicals for our bodies to protect against, they can set off a damaging chain reaction, which can result in oxidative stress.
Antioxidants are compounds in foods and beverages that can help protect healthy cells from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, a condition which has been implicated in a number of chronic disease. Vitamins C, E and A (as beta-carotene), and the mineral selenium, as well as certain phytonutrients (such as polyphenols) can act as antioxidants.
Q. How can you measure the total antioxidants in particular foods?
A. Certain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polyphenols, can be measured in foods and beverages. However, there currently isn’t a measure for total antioxidants. There is a test tube measure of a food’s antioxidant power called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). The higher the ORAC score, the higher its antioxidant power.
Q. Do you get the same amount of antioxidants in Welch's Light and in Welch's 100% Grape Juice?
A. No. Welch’s 100% Grape Juice made from Concord grapes has higher antioxidant power per serving than Welch’s Light Purple Grape Juice Beverage. Welch’s Light contains 28% juice. In comparison, Welch’s Grape Juice contains 100% juice and for that reason Welch’s Grape Juice delivers more of an antioxidant power punch.
Welch’s Light Purple Grape Juice Beverage contains 100% Daily Value of vitamin C and delivers 2/3 fewer calories than Welch’s 100% Grape Juice. So, for those looking for a drink with fewer calories than 100% grape juice, Welch’s Light is a delicious and refreshing choice.
For more information on Welch’s 100% Grape Juice and its antioxidant power, please visit
If you have a grape or Welch's health & nutrition question that you’d like to ask Casey, let us know.
This tasty section contains a variety of heart healthy recipes that use Welch's 100% Grape Juices made from Concord or Niagara grapes as well as Welch's Dried Fruit.
Healthy Recipes
