NR review supports benefits in grape polyphenols

A growing body of research data suggests that consuming foods rich in polyphenols from grapes, including red wine, helps reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a review article in the November issue of Nutrition Research.

The review of the evidence suggests that grape polyphenols work in many different ways to prevent cardiovascular and other inflammatory-mediated diseases. These natural antioxidants are found in grapes and some other plant foods. Their types and actions vary, depending on where in the grape they are found. Grape seeds, skin and juice contain several types of polyphenols, including resveratrol, phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavonoids.

So far, most of the evidence on grape polyphenols comes from laboratory experiments and animal studies. However, a few studies support the disease-preventing benefits of grapes in humans. Studies in patients treated with grape seed extracts have shown improvements in blood flow and cholesterol levels. In other studies, drinking Concord grape juice has improved measures of blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease and lowered blood pressure in people with hypertension.