Eating grapes significantly improves heart health in men

Eating grapes significantly improves heart health in men with metabolic syndrome


(NaturalNews) In past research studies, scientists have vindicated the
health promoting benefits of eating grapes to lower the risk of chronic
diseases ranging from cancer to dementia and diabetes. Grapes of all
varieties contain potent natural compounds known as polyphenols that
provide critical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support for many
cellular and metabolic functions throughout the body. New evidence has
now emerged to show how eating grapes or taking standardized supplements
of grape extracts can improve essential biomarkers to dramatically
improve heart health in those individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Researchers from the University of Connecticut have published the result of their research in the Journal of Nutrition
to explain how grape consumption is heart protective in those high risk
individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The study team observed a
reduction in key risk factors for heart disease in men with metabolic
syndrome, most notably lowered blood pressure, improved blood flow and
reduced inflammation.

Grapes lower deadly levels of inflammatory compounds to lower heart disease risk

Metabolic
syndrome is a major public health concern defined as a cluster of
conditions that occur together: increased blood pressure, a high blood
sugar level, excess body fat around the waist or low HDL (the good
cholesterol) and increased blood triglycerides. All these factors are
known to significantly increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and
diabetes. Any natural compound that can minimize or reduce the effect of
any of these dangerous markers without the need for pharmaceuticals
should become part of a protocol for millions of at-risk individuals.

To conduct the study, participants were randomly assigned to consume grapes,
in the form of a freeze-dried whole grape powder, or a placebo powder,
for four weeks. After a three week period designed to 'wash out' the
metabolic effects of the grape extract, the protocol was alternated
between the two groups, allowing the researchers to compare the response
of each individual to consumption of both the placebo and grapes.

Metabolic syndrome effects are diminished with regular consumption of polyphenol-rich grapes

The
researchers found that for each of the study's participants, grape
consumption resulted in statistically significant decreases in blood
pressure, improved blood flow (measured by increased vasodilatation),
and decreases in a compound associated with inflammation (C-Reactive
Protein or CRP). The lead study author, Dr. Maria Luz Fernandez
concluded "These results suggest that consuming grapes can improve
important risk factors associated with heart
disease, in a population that is already at higher risk... this further
supports the accumulating evidence that grapes can positively influence
heart health and extends it to men with metabolic syndrome."

Although
this research did not specifically distinguish between grape varieties,
most prior studies have targeted polyphenol-rich red grapes over
traditional white grapes. Regular consumption of three to five servings
of red grapes each week or supplementing with a standardized extract
derived from the skins and seeds of the fruit can help shield against
the damaging effects of metabolic syndrome, especially in men.

Source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/036857_grapes_heart_health_metabolic_syndrome.html