Health Information - Grapes May Reduce Hypertension

Grapes May Reduce Hypertension

In a new research study, lab rats were fed a high salt diet and grapes. The grapes helped to lower the rats blood pressure despite the increased sodium intake.

Scientists have long thought that grapes would offer a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. These study results help to prove those thoughts correct.

During the 18 week study, one group of rats were fed grape powders from red, green and purple grapes in conjunction with a diet of increased sodium levels. The second group pate the same grape powders but in conjunction with a lower sodium diet. There were rats in a third group that ate a high salt diet but did not include the grape powders.

At the end of the study, the rats who consumed the grape powders showed improved heart function, lower blood pressure screenings and a reduction in overall body Inflammation when compared to the rats who did not consume the grapes. Researchers think the flavonoids in the grapes, similar to the flavonoids in other beneficial food choices like cocoa and green tea, are to blame for the reduction in blood pressure.

In order for humans to see the same benefits marked in the rat study, they would have to consume a diet comprised of 3% grapes. That means the average human would have to consume 135 grapes per day.