RealAge.com is reporting that grape juice lowers blood pressure after seeing a study on that very subject.

The 12-week study was put on by Kevin Maki, Ph.D., Director, Nutrition and Metabolism Research Unit, Radiant Research, in Chicago, and was published in Experimental Biology 2003.

Dr. Maki stated “In our study, blood pressure was measured as part of the basic health information of the study participants. When we reviewed the data, we saw reductions of nearly six points in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements among the hypertensive men drinking Concord grape juice. Those on the calorie-matched placebo showed virtually no change.”

Both red and purple grapes may reduce your risk of heart disease by relaxing your blood vessels, allowing your blood to more easily flow. This benefit is most due to the antioxidants, like resveratrol, found in the skin and seeds of grapes.

Resveratrol and OPC’s are also found in grape juice — especially juice made from dark purple Concord grapes, or other northern grown grapes. The benefits of red wine have been known for some time, it’s good to now grape juice lowers blood pressure, too.

Recent studies have suggested 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

Health Benefits of Grapes

Both red wine and grape juice also contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to increase your high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol and lower your risk of clogged arteries (atherosclerosis), and may help lower blood pressure.

Eating whole red or purple grapes has benefits, as well. Some research suggests eating whole grapes also delivers the same antioxidants that are in grape juice and wine. You also get the benefit of the fiber if you eat whole grapes.

These findings that grape juice lowers blood pressure are good news for people who want the cardiovascular benefits of red wine without the alcohol. Remember, if you do choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation — no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.
Author: Dan R Morris