Scientists from Hokkaido University and the University of California found that two types of red wine made from Zweigelt grapes on the island of Hokkaido reduced arterial stiffness in middle-aged men, potentially reducing their cardiovascular risk. The research was published in the journal nutrients.
The authors studied two red wines produced from Zweigelt grape varieties in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2015 and 2018. Ten healthy men between the ages of 50 and 70 participated in the study. Their vascular functions were measured and then they were randomly divided into three groups. The first two drank 240ml of red wine from 2015 or 2018, while the second drank sparkling white grape juice. The study was repeated two to four hours later. Seven days later, the groups switched places.
Scientists found that Zweigelt red wines produced in 2015 and 2018 reduced arterial stiffness in subjects. 2018 wine also significantly lowered blood pressure.
The 2018 red wine contained almost twice as much hydroxytyrosol as the 2015 wine. This phenolic substance is found in red wines and olive oil.
Hokkaido, Japan, has a shorter, cooler summer than the rest of Japan, but wines made here produce nearly the same vascular responses as southern wines. This is most likely due to higher concentrations of phenolic compounds.
Studies with larger numbers of participants are needed to confirm scientists’ findings. Further studies will provide a better understanding of how wine growing conditions influence the cardiovascular effects of wine consumption.
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