Non-alcoholic red wine was found to lower blood pressure in men at high risk of heart disease, researchers from Spain reported in the journal Circulation Research. The authors explained that the men who drank non-alcoholic red wine daily for four weeks had higher levels of nitric oxide in their blood. Nitric oxide helps lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure- the molecule helps blood vessels relax, allowing more blood to reach the body’s organs, including the heart.
Prior research has suggested that red wine polyphenols lower blood pressure in animals, but the effects of ethanol and polyphenols on blood pressure in humans had not yet been shown.
In the current study, the team wanted to examine the impact red wine and non-alcoholic red wine have on blood pressure and nitric oxide in people at high cardiovascular risk.
Investigators analyzed 67 males with diabetes or three or more cardiovascular risk factors who all consumed a similar diet plus one of these drinks: non-alcoholic red wine, 10 ounces of red wine, or 3 ounces of gin. Participants were randomized into three treatment periods, each lasted four weeks so all participants could try each diet/beverage combination.
Equal amounts of polyphenols were found in the red wine and nonalcoholic wine. Polyphenols are antioxidants that are known to have a variety of health benefits, including decreasing blood pressure, preventing cancer, and decreasing chances of heart disease, by eliminating free radicals that can potentially cause damage to the body.
When the subjects were drinking the red wine, they saw very little reduction in blood pressure, and while drinking gin, there was no change at all.
However, during the non-alcoholic red wine phase, the guys experienced an increase in their levels of nitric oxide, which responds to the body’s need for either an increase or decrease in blood flow by triggering blood vessels to open and close. The chemical relaxes the vessels and lets more blood to flow to the organs. This resulted in a decrease of the men’s blood pressure of about 6mmHg in systolic and 22mHg in diastolic.
The authors point out that this could also reduce the risk of heart disease by 14% and stroke by 20%.
The alcohol in red wine disables the body’s ability to lower blood pressure. However the polyphenols, which are still present even when the wine is non-alcoholic, are likely the key ingredient in wine that can make people healthier. Experts suggest a daily consumption of non-alcoholic red wine is beneficial in preventing high blood pressure.
Written by Sarah Glynn