Chemical found in red wine may guard against heart disease and diabetes
Drinking a glass of red wine has long been thought of as an alternative yet unproven way to stave off a visit to the doctor, but new research suggests there is medical evidence to back this up.A study by scientists at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands has found that a substance contained in the skin of red grapes has the potential to reduce blood sugar levels and bring down blood pressure.
When taken in regularly pill form, the grape extract, known as reservatrol, had a profound effect on the body’s metabolism, particularly during sleep.
After 30 days, obese male subjects taking the supplements showed improvements in blood fat levels and blood pressure normally only achieved with a reduced calorie diet.
Lead researcher Dr Patrick Schrauwe said: "We saw a lot of small effects but consistently pointing in a good direction of improved metabolic health."
The team is hopeful that similar trials will be carried out to see if the positive reduction in blood sugar levels could lead to treatments for type 2 diabetes.
