Some 20 years ago it was noted that the French had a lower
incidence of coronary heart disease in spite of eating a diet
relatively rich in saturated fats. At that time it was
speculated that their consumption of red wine was what had
lowered the risk of heart disease. It has been reported that
when this news got out in the U.S. the consumption of red wine
increased by 44 percent. Because of the presumed benefits of red
wine in protecting against heart disease and concerns about
promoting alcohol consumption some scientists have felt it
necessary to study the potential benefits of using purple grape
juice. This article will look at a number of studies showing
various benefits from the use of grape juice. In 1999 it was
reported purple grape juice was given to 15 patients who had
been proven to have heart disease. The juice improved the
dilatation of the brachial artery and reduced the oxidation of
LDL -- the bad kind of cholesterol. (Circulation 1999) In 2001
it was reported purple grape juice cut down on the