Most headlines these days tout wine as the best source for the incredible heart benefits of grapes. Recent research, however, may be changing that viewpoint.
A study published in Circulation reported that participants who already showed signs of cardiovascular disease and who drank a glass of grape juice everyday showed a significant reduction in cholesterol levels after only 15 days. Additionally, these participants also displayed positive changes in their artery walls, improving circulation.
One drawback for wine may be that you may not be getting enough. “Wine only prevents blood from clotting [when it is consumed] at levels high enough to declare someone legally drunk,” states Jane Freedman, M.D., a researcher at Georgetown University. “With grape juice, you can drink enough to get the benefit without worrying about becoming intoxicated.”
Another drawback to wine consumption is that alcohol actually generates free radicals, increasing free radical damage caused in the body. Alcohol may also increase the breakdown rate of antioxidants in your body. A study conducted at the University of California, Davis, reported that volunteers who drank grape juice versus those that drank wine enjoyed longer antioxidant protection.
But wine does have one benefit that grape juice does not. Alcohol has been shown to increase HDL—the good kind—cholesterol levels.
Hearing It on the Grapevine
If you’re looking for health benefits, look no further than your local grocer’s produce aisle. Specifically, look for healthful grapes. Not only are these little morsels packed with wholesome goodness, they’re also relatively cheap—especially when you consider what you’ll pay if you don’t take advantage of these great health benefits.