Heard It Through The Grapevine

Research has shown that eating grapes can reduce your risk of heart disease and heart failure due to high blood pressure. In fact, grapes may be able to prevent heart disease and high blood pressure even more than a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.


A recent study indicated that a diet rich in grapes has far greater benefits than just helping to lower blood pressure. This is due to the natural antioxidants, called phytochemicals, which can actually reduce damage to the heart. The research was performed on lab rats for 18 weeks. Those who received a grape-enriched diet powder regularly had a better heart function as well as lower blood pressure than the rats that did not receive this substance.


In addition, there were also less signs of heart damage for the rats that were eating the grapes. The grape powder that was fed to the rats, according to the study, was made from green, red and black grapes. The effects of this grape powder were even more effective than blood pressure medicine, which did lower the blood pressure of the rats, but did not prevent heart damage.


The study also indicates that grapes in the diet can also prevent clogged arteries, a common precursor to heart disease. According to the study, a diet in grapes can lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, cause less fat accumulation in the aorta and also cause less oxidative stress.


Seeds vs. Skins

There are two main components of grapes: the seeds and the skin. Most of the nutrients derived from grapes are derived from these two components. Grape seeds contain powerful antioxidants and are rich in vitamin C as well as vitamin E. Grape seed extract is available at health food stores in caplet form as well as liquid. It has been hailed as an effective way to help keep your circulatory system healthy.


In addition to helping your heart by lowering your blood pressure, grape seed oil can also cut your risk of obesity, skin cancer and leukemia, according to studies. The flesh from the grapes contains resveratrol, also a powerful antioxidant. Research on resveratrol has indicated that it can increase the lifespan of human cells, can prevent the spread of cancer, lower blood pressure, protect cells from free radicals and also keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. In addition, resveratrol has also been linked to balancing anti-inflammatory response and preventing Alzheimer's disease.


The Sugar Factor

The only problem with consuming fresh grapes is that they are high in sugar and those who are overweight or have diabetes or other related conditions are often told to avoid fruits that are high in sugar. There is a way to get the benefits of grape seed oil and resveratrol without eating grapes, however. Both are found in supplement form and can help you get the health benefits of grapes without the sugar content.


In addition, red wine is loaded with resveratrol and studies indicate that those who drink a small amount of red wine a day can be doing their heart good. Dark chocolate and peanuts are also filled with this powerful antioxidant.


You can get the health benefits of grapes naturally by eating fresh grapes, or you can take supplements such as grape seed oil and resveratrol in order to get all of the benefits of this heart-healthy fruit.