|
 A
new source of polyphenols -- Concord grape juice -- has
been discovered to greatly lower two markers of inflammation in
patients with stable coronary artery disease and significantly increase
their levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), according to a new
study.
Scientists found great decreases in the production of a free radical,
superoxide, and soluble CD40 ligand, a contributor in the development
of atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation when patients drank
Concord grape juice.
The increase in HDL levels also pleases researchers, as it gives
patients another option, other than red wine, and opens the door
to explore non-alcoholic grape products.
Scientists studied 20 patients with an average age of 63 who had
been previously diagnosed with coronary artery disease and were
on typical medications, including aspirin. Because patients were
already taking aspirin, scientists said, the drop in platelet inhibition
was significant when they were tested with grape juice.
EurekAlert
November 16, 2004
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