Health Benefits of Grape Juice
Recent research indicates that grape juice derived from Concord grapes has the same heart-health benefits as red wine. Research also indicates that drinking Concord grape juice improves circulation and aids in brain function and health. Concord grapes are a variety of purple grapes that are endemic to North America and are solely used for making juice.
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Flavonoids
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Grape juice has high levels of polyphenols called flavonoids, naturally-occurring compounds found in plant-based foods. Flavonoids increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL), lower the risk of clogged arteries and potentially lower blood pressure.
Antioxidant Benefits
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Flavonoids, like other polyphenols, are examples of antioxidants. Antioxidants such as those found in grape juice are substances that can prevent damage to body cells and repair cell damage that has already occurred.
Resveratrol
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Resveratrol is a flavonoid found in the skin of red and purple grapes. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that grape juice derived from Concord grapes has more heart-healthy flavonoids than red wine, cranberry juice or orange juice.
Heart-Health Benefits
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A study published in the journal "Circulation" indicated that drinking Concord grape juice helps with blood clotting and reduces the production of superoxide, a particularly damaging free radical in the body.
Blood Circulation Benefits
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A different study published in "Circulation" indicated that people diagnosed with coronary heart disease who drank 2 servings of purple grape juice per day showed improved blood circulation and reduced levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Brain-Health Benefits
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Drinking purple grape juice may also help brain function. A recent study conducted at Tufts University on laboratory rats indicated that substances found in grape juice may improve strength, memory and coordination.
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- Photo Credit National Cancer Institute/Renee Comet
