Grapes may prevent salt-induced hypertension (high blood pressure),according to a new study. US researchers at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center studied the effect of regular table grapes – a blend of green, red and black grapes – that were mixed into lab rats’ diet in a powdered form, as part of either a high- or low-salt diet. After 18 weeks, rats that received the grape-enriched diet powder had lower blood pressure, better heart function, reduced inflammation and fewer signs of heart muscle damage than rats that ate the same salty diet, but did not receive grapes. Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant known to benefit heart health, is found in grape skins.
Source: The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences63:1034-1042 (2008)