Grape juice may curb artery clogging.

Over the last decade, studies have concluded that moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages lowers the risk of heart disease. Now comes some good news for non-drinkers - at least for those who like lots of grape juice. Research conducted at the University of Wisconsin Medical School indicates that multiple glasses of grape juice may have the same anti-clogging effects that red wine and alcohol do.

According to John D. Folts, professor of medicine and director of the Coronary Artery Thrombosis Research and Prevention Lab at UW Hospital and Clinics, the finding could point to an easy way to protect against heart disease for more people, such as those who choose not to drink or should not because of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. "It's better if we can find the beneficial substance in alcoholic beverages without drinking because it will be safer for a lot of people. Alcohol abuse is a major problem in this country, and the public perception is always that if two drinks a day is good, then four or five may be better."

The beneficial substances in red wine are thought to be flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds that reduce the "stickiness" of blood-clotting cells called platelets. Flavonoids are in the skins, stems, and seeds of grapes and are removed late in the fermentation for red wine. They also are present to varying degrees in grape juice, beer, and some fresh fruits and vegetables.

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