Though studies have shown that a daily glass or two of red wine reduces heart disease risk, Dutch researchers now say that red wine doesn’t seem to specifically lower blood pressure – according to WebMD.
The researchers say that, although the antioxidants called polyphenols in red wine make wine “heart-healthy,” the polyphenols don’t benefit the heart by lowering blood pressure.
Lead researcher Ilse Botden, MD, a PhD student at Erasmus Medical Center n Rotterdam, Netherlands, presented the findings last week at the American Heart Association's High Blood Pressure Research 2011 Scientific Sessions.
Borden said this doesn’t suggest that wine isn’t “heart-healthy,” just that red wine doesn’t lower blood pressure.
Among other benefits, research shows that drinking red wine in moderation helps to block the signals of molecules that can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
And there is evidence that red wine significantly increases one's levels of good cholesterol, which often help defend against heart disease.
