from "Rust Out" by Dr. Royce Bailey, page 176

The promotion of alcohol consumption as a preventive measure against heart disease has been a strategy of the alcohol industry for several years.  But the truth lies in the grape, not the alcohol!

A recent study showed that the flavonoids (quercetin), found in the skin, stems, seeds of the grapes and in wine processing, are responsible for the reduced “stickiness” of the blood platelets and therefore, less heart attacks.  Grape juice was as effective as red wine (with or without its alcohol content) in study participants’ platelet activity. The lining to their blood vessels was more stable (less sticky) and the blood vessel was seen to dilate, even after only short-term ingestion, thus protecting from clogged arteries.
Those who ingested  six ounces of purple grape juice were protected from oxidation (rusting effect) of their bad cholesterol (LDL), even while taking Vitamin E.  


References:
Am. Heart  Assocation’s “Circulation,” 91(4):1182-8, 2/15/95

Agewall, S., “Does A Glass Of Red Wine Improve The Endothelial Function?” European Heart Journal, Vol20, Abstr. Suppl.8-9/99;146.

Stein, J.H., “Purple Grape Juice Improves Flow-Mediated Vasodilation iI Patients With Coronary Artery Disease,” American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, Abstract 836-4.

Keevil, J.G., “Purple Grape Juice Protects LDL From Oxidation In Coronary Artery Disease Patients Taking Vitamin E,” American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, Abstract 1164-68.

Parker, C., “Oral Consumption Of Purple Grape Juice Inhibits Platelet Function And Increases Platelet-Derived Nitric Oxide Release,”  Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Feb 2000, Vol.35, Issue 2, Suppl. A, page 267.

Rendig, S.V., “Effects of Red Wine, Alcohol And The Red Wine Flavonoid, Quercetin, On Isolated Coronary Resistence And Conductance Arteries,” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Feb 2000, Vol.35, Issue 2, Suppl. A, page 245.