Since the 1980s, numerous studies have been published around the world highlighting the benefits of grapes for the heart. This began when the association between moderate wine consumption and a reduction in the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease was observed.
The benefits of moderate wine consumption on the heart are widely demonstrated. However, the effects of each of its chemical components are not exactly known. Initially, it was associated with its alcohol content, but grapes and wine contain many other substances.
Many alcoholic beverages have been valued as beneficial for health. Among them, red wine stands out. Black and red grapes have a multitude of substances that can produce beneficial changes in the body.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are the second most common substances in plants. They constitute a large group of molecules, among which two main families stand out: flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Of these, the most researched substances have been resveratrol and procyanidins.
Dietary intake of polyphenols is highly variable and difficult to determine. This is due to the fact that there are many types of polyphenols and a great variability in their content in foods.
It has been shown that the consumption of polyphenols is beneficial for health. These substances act through different mechanisms. It has been proven that they are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and modulators of the body’s defenses. They also produce beneficial changes in the intestinal bacterial flora.
Beneficial effects of grapes
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Cardiovascular disease.
Multiple studies have shown that flavonoid intake reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. And not only that, people who regularly consume grapes also have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This seems to be because the components in grapes help prevent and control risk factors. In addition, these components also inhibit platelet aggregation, which reduces the likelihood of thrombosis.
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High blood pressure.
Various studies have shown that the consumption of polyphenols can significantly reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people. The same results have been obtained with the intake of grape extracts. Finally, it has also been observed that the regular consumption of red grapes is accompanied by a significant reduction in blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
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Hyperlipidemia.
The results obtained with grapes and their components vary from one study to another. It has been observed that moderate consumption of red wine produces a significant reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is believed that this is mainly due to the effect of polyphenols, which block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and reduce its synthesis in the liver. They also act by promoting the degradation of triglycerides.
The use of grape juice or extracts has shown mixed results. However, in general they tend to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
On the other hand, it has been observed that the consumption of polyphenols inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which reduces damage to the arteries. This effect has been observed with the intake of red wine, grape juice and extract, resveratrol or procyanidins.
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Diabetes.
Several studies have shown that regular consumption of polyphenols can prevent and treat diabetes. Polyphenols protect the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. They are also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, as well as improving insulin resistance and inhibiting the glycation process. Through these mechanisms, polyphenols reduce the risk of developing diabetes, help control diabetic patients and decrease the incidence of complications of the disease.
Consumption of red wine, flavonoids or cyanidins has been associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In one study, regular consumption of moderate amounts of red wine was associated with a 30% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Grape Polyphenols’ Effects in Human Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes
