Looks like grape juice really is good for you and your heart…

Red wine and certain types of grape juice have high levels of polyphenols, which block the production of a protein linked to cardiovascular disease — the number one killer in many Western countries. Heart and vascular problems develop when endothelial cells that make up blood vessels do not work properly. Schini-Kerth and her team found that polyphenols in Concord grape juice activate endothelial cells to produce nitric oxide which helps to protect against cardiovascular disease and to maintain healthy blood vessels and blood pressure. Polyphenols work the same way in red wine and in grape juice.

This is good news for me in particular due to the fact that I have a really mean alcohol allergy. SweetMoniMons can vouch for my reaction to booze, but I’ve always wanted to participate in the “red wine a day keeps the heart a ticking club”. Looks like I’ll be buying some Concord grape juice this weekend.