GRAPE JUICE AS HEART HEALTHY AS RED WINE

According to a new study, fresh grape juice can have the same heart-boosting effects as much-hyped red wine. Conducted by medical researchers in France – home to some of the planet's richest grape vineyards – the study was published in a recent issue of the journal Cardiovascular Research. Fresh juice from Concord grapes, the study's authors found, contains nearly identical levels of heart-healthy polyphenols as red wine. Past research had linked polyphenols to increased nitric oxide production, which can help lower blood pressure and stimulate healthy blood vessel activity. What This Means for You, This is fantastic news for heart-conscious adults who abstain from alcohol for personal, cultural or religious reasons. Researchers plan further studies to shed light on the health benefits of grape juice.