Learn how daily grape juice consumption can significantly lower oxidized LDL cholesterol, according to a University of Lowell study, potentially reducing your risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
A recent study from the University of Lowell in Quebec, Canada, has revealed that drinking grape juice daily may reduce the proportion of oxidized “bad” cholesterol in the blood, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This type of cholesterol plays a significant role in the development of heart and blood vessel diseases. LDL transports cholesterol and fat from the liver to cells through the bloodstream, and LDL can be exposed to oxidation by free radicals present in the blood due to its richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
This process results in oxidized cholesterol accumulating in the arteries, potentially leading to increased plaque formation and the development of atherosclerosis.
The study suggests that drinking grape juice affects this process, as the juice is considered a natural and rich source of antioxidants that protect blood vessels and the heart by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
The research spanned 12 weeks and involved 30 men in their fifties. Participants consumed three servings of Concord grape juice daily, with varying concentrations of calories. Each serving was consumed for a period of four weeks. Researchers took blood samples at the beginning and end of each of the three periods during which grape juice was consumed.
The research showed promising results, indicating that drinking grape juice leads to a noticeable decrease in the proportion of oxidized LDL cholesterol in the blood compared to its levels before and after grape juice consumption. The researchers concluded that daily grape juice consumption contributes to reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart and blood vessel diseases. They advocated for the consumption of calorie-reduced grape juice, available in all stores.
The study was recently published in the British Journal of Nutrition, adding to the growing body of research highlighting the antioxidant compounds found in grape juice that enhance the body’s defense mechanisms, prevent cellular damage, and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
