Grape polyphenols and vascular health
by Newsletter Editor
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high levels of body and circulating fats.
In one study, 24 men, aged 30 to 70, with metabolic syndrome took freeze-dried whole grape extract powder or a placebo.
After 30 days, compared to placebo, men who had taken grape extract had fewer signs of cellular inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improved blood flow. Average systolic blood pressure—the maximum vascular pressure as the heart pumps blood out to the body—was 128 mmHg for placebo compared to 122.6 mmHg for grape extract.
Doctors said grape extract may promote vascular relaxation, which lowers blood pressure, and may reduce circulating cell-adhesion molecules, which reduces inflammation and improves vascular function.