Does
grape juice offer the same heart benefits as red wine?
Answer
from Martha
Grogan, M.D.( Mayo Clinic )
Possibly. Some research studies suggest that red
and purple grape juices may provide some of the same heart
benefits of red wine, including:
- Reducing
the risk of blood clots
- Reducing
low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol
- Preventing
damage to blood vessels in your heart
- Helping
maintain a healthy blood pressure
Grapes are rich in health-protecting antioxidants,
including resveratrol and flavonoids. These antioxidants are found
mainly in the skin, stem, leaf and seeds of grapes, rather
than in their pulp. The amount of antioxidants in grapes depends
on many factors, including the kind of grape, its geographic
origin and how it's processed. Dark red and purple grapes tend to
be higher in antioxidants than are white or green grapes.
Likewise, the level of antioxidants such as resveratrol found in
wine varies, with higher levels in red wine.
Besides grape juice, other grape products may
offer health benefits, including dealcoholized wine, grape
extracts and grape powder.
Keep in mind that it's also beneficial to eat
whole grapes — not just grape juice. Some research suggests that
whole grapes deliver the same amount of antioxidants that are in
grape juice and wine but have the added benefit of providing
dietary
fiber.
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