Grape leaves are such a good health food that the US Department of Health and Human Services has placed them on the list of suggested healthy dietary foods for consumers to buy. These luscious leaves are packed full of vitamins and minerals, are super low in calories (14 per 5 leaves), have very low amounts of sugar and sodium and contain no fat.

Grape leaves act as an anti-inflammatory which decreases the risk of contracting many diseases. Their low glycemic load means they are an excellent choice for a diabetic diet. The properties contained in grape leaves also work to strengthen the blood and they are especially beneficial for alleviating edema.

You can buy grape leaves canned or bottled, or blanch or steam raw grape leaves to add to dishes and salads. The Greeks prepare a dish called dolmas which is a mixture of meat, rice and onions wrapped in grape leaves and then baked.