The muscadine grape is high in the antioxidant reservatol, and it may have health benefits, including the ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Tagged by the USDA as "America's first grape," the muscadine grape was discovered as early as the 16th century by explorers reaching the southeastern area of the British colonies. Muscadines can be bronze, red or purplish-black, and they are used to make red wine, the flavor of which can range from dry to sweet.
Red Wine
The best varieties of wine to choose for their potential health benefits are, according to Yale-New Haven Hospital, dry reds. Supposedly, the dryer the flavor of the red, the more health benefits it may have. Although the best reds noted are cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit syrah and pinot noir, muscadine wine cannot be discounted, due to its performance in some health-related studies. When choosing a muscadine wine, the driest varieties appear to be the best.
Muscadines and Cholesterol
Betty Ector, a nutritionist at Mississippi State University, credits the skins and pulp of muscadine grapes with significant quantities of the antioxidant reservatol, as well as dietary fiber. Ector found that rats fed muscadine powder had lower levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol and higher levels of HDL, or "good," cholesterol than rats in the control group who received no muscadine. Although this research is promising, more studies showing the impact of muscadine grapes on humans are needed.
Alcohol and Heart Health
MayoClinic.com notes that moderate amounts of alcohol, not just in wine, may boost heart health by increasing levels of HDL cholesterol and lowering levels of LDL cholesterol. Alcohol may also help to reduce the formation of blood clots, thereby helping to improve the risk of blocked blood flow and heart attacks.
Considerations
Red wine may be helpful for your heart and cholesterol levels, but you shouldn't rely on wine for good health. The potential harm posed by alcohol is greater than the potential health benefits. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, cancer, liver disease and high blood pressure. Always consult your doctor before attempting a dietary change. Some people, such as pregnant women or those with weakened heart muscles, should not drink alcoholic beverages at all.
