It was a refreshing afternoon of learning and discovery as media people and other guests attended the relaunch of Welch’s 100% Grape Juice at Ayala Malls The 30th last Saturday.

It’s been ages since I’ve attended a blog event, but I was glad I came because I went home with a happy heart, literally and figuratively. Well, after having gone into hibernation, I got reconnected with blogger friends, plus I carried with me a treasure trove of information on how to make the right choices for a healthy heart and a healthy life.

MOMS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH WELCH’S
The event kick-started with a panel discussion with two moms who shared their Welch’s experience, Dr. Gia Sison and Mommy Louisa Mercado. Dr. Gia is a cancer survivor and a Makati Medical Center consultant while Mommy Louisa is a mom and fitness blogger and one of the founders of Mommy Bloggers Philippines.

Dr. Gia and Mommy Louisa talked about when they discovered Welch’s, why they remain loyal to the brand through the years, and their Welch’s bonding moments with their families.

AN EXPERT TALKS ABOUT THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WELCH’S
After the panel discussion, Ms. Paz Sales of the Nutritionists-Dietitians Association of the Philippines gave an informative talk on the health benefits of Welch’s 100% Grape Juice. Made from Concord grapes, Welch’s 100% Grape Juice helps promote a healthy heart. It has no sugar added, no cholesterol and no preservatives.

Grapes contain polyphenols. These are compounds found in plant-based foods that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body against free radical damage that may lead to cancer and other health conditions. Purple grapes, like the ones used in Welch’s 100% Grape Juice, have the highest total antioxidant capacity, which makes it a healthy choice for the whole family.

HEALTHY SNACK RECIPES USING WELCH’S 100% GRAPE JUICE
Chef Trisha Ocampo of CCA, Manila also demonstrated easy-to-prepare healthy snacks for the family.

All the snack recipes included one special ingredient: Welch’s 100% Grape Juice.

Don’t these Grape Berry Crunch Muffins look tempting?

IMPORTANT HEALTH FACTS: NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY OF FILIPINOS
Despite the many food choices we have today, it is quite surprising that many families are not meeting their daily nutrient requirements to help ward off chronic ailments. The latest Food Consumption Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology in 2013 revealed that 69.3% of Filipino households did not fulfill their dietary energy requirements – higher by 2.4% than the previous survey in 2008.

Further, Filipinos are only able to meet 39% of the daily 400 grams of fruits and vegetables suggested by the World Health Organization. With less of the important naturally occurring nutrients from fruits, like polyphenols from grapes that help the heart – many of us are exposed to risks of lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disorders.

SOLUTION TO THIS HEALTH PROBLEM
Believe it or not, there’s a convenient, nutritious and delicious way to stay healthy that matches our busy lifestyle, and that’s drinking 100% fruit juices. Admittedly, whole fruits are a great source of fiber, but 100% fruit juice also contains essential vitamins and minerals needed by the body to function properly and prevent diseases. As a matter of fact, drinking 8 ounces of pure fruit juice, such as Welch’s 100% grape juice, is equivalent to a whole cup serving of fruit.

What’s more? Drinking 100% fruit juice from grapes may actually give us more polyphenols than eating the fruit, without weight gain. That’s because making pure grape juice involves crushing the fruit, together with the seeds and dark purple skin, which releases more polyphenols. Research likewise suggests that 100% grape juice can help support a healthy heart.

Welch’s advocates for better nutrition for Filipino families by providing a wide range of juice products that are refreshing, delightful and healthy.

“At Welch’s, we value what’s REAL, we value family, we value health and wellness and we value in sharing what’s good. For over 140 years, Welch’s has been providing families around the world with products that bring a happy balance of goodness and deliciousness,” says Erika Evaristo Rodriguez, VP Marketing of Welch’s Philippines.

Welch’s 100% juice drinks are available in retail outlets nationwide.

To know more about the science behind 100% grape juice, visit www.welchs.com and follow Welch’s PH in Facebook and IG. #ShareWhatsGood #DiscoverWhatsReal