Reduce Heart Disease - Drink Grape Juice

Alcohol-containing beverages damage the heart and may be related to weakening of the heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure and increased levels of blood fats (triglycerides). Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol is often associated with damage to the liver, pancreatic inflammation, and various cancers.

It is of no surprise when people become confused when they hear or read about studies suggesting that drinking one or two alcoholic beverages a day may be beneficial for the heart. However there are research studies have demonstrated that moderate consumption of wine consumption can influence cholesterol levels in the bloodstream favourably, by increasing the 'good' cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins).

These studies indicate that it is the consumption of red wine rather than other types of alcohol (eg white wine or beer) that confer the benefits. This in turn casts doubt on the idea that it is the alcohol that provides the benefits and suggests that other components in red wine known as flavonoids may have cardiac benefits.

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Flavanoids, the powerful antioxidants present in red wine, are also present in purple grape juice. In a research study (1), 15 adults with coronary artery disease consumed purple grape juice twice daily for 14 consecutive days. They were not allow to consume any alcohol during the trial. Results showed improved dilation of the arteries which permits enhanced blood flow and improvements in other indicators of heart disease.

If you'd like to get the cholesterol-lowering benefits of red wine without the alcoholic content, consider a possible alternative: purple grape juice.

(please note: a person with heart disease should not stop taking aspirin in exchange for purple grape juice or red wine. Most commonly prescribed blood thinners, including aspirin, have proven benefits, whereas the quoted findings above need further study. Patients who wish to consider drinking purple grape juice should first discuss this issue with their health care professional.)

(1) Stein JH et al. Purple grape juice improves endothelial function and reduces the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease. Circulation 1999: Vol. 100, pp1050-55.

(1) Br J Sports Med 2006; 40:679-683

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