Juice obtained from purple grapes and apples may prevent arteries from becoming clogged, according to a recent study.
Researchers from the University of Montpellier fed hamsters on a fatty diet supplemented by either the fruits, their juice or water.
Hamsters on a fruit-based diet had the lowest risk of developing artery problems, according to the findings published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.
The scientists suggest that the benefit of the juice comes from the high level of antioxidants present in the fruit. Antioxidants in various foods have been regularly cited as being beneficial to heart health.
They looked at how being fed various kinds of fruit affected the hamsters' risk of developing atherosclerosis - the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
The amount of fruit the hamsters consumed was equivalent to three apples or three bunches of grapes daily for a human. Hamsters given juice drank the equivalent of four glasses daily for a person weighing 70 kilograms (154 pounds).
The apples and grapes had about the same phenol (an antioxidant) content, while the purple grape juice had 2.5 times more phenols than apple juice.
Compared with animals given water, those given fruit or fruit juice had lower cholesterol levels, less oxidative stress, and less fat accumulation in their aorta, the main vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the body.
The team, led by Kelly Decorde, said their findings "provide encouragement that fruit and fruit juices may have a significant clinical and public health relevance."
Researchers from the University of Montpellier fed hamsters on a fatty diet supplemented by either the fruits, their juice or water.
Hamsters on a fruit-based diet had the lowest risk of developing artery problems, according to the findings published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.
The scientists suggest that the benefit of the juice comes from the high level of antioxidants present in the fruit. Antioxidants in various foods have been regularly cited as being beneficial to heart health.
They looked at how being fed various kinds of fruit affected the hamsters' risk of developing atherosclerosis - the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
The amount of fruit the hamsters consumed was equivalent to three apples or three bunches of grapes daily for a human. Hamsters given juice drank the equivalent of four glasses daily for a person weighing 70 kilograms (154 pounds).
The apples and grapes had about the same phenol (an antioxidant) content, while the purple grape juice had 2.5 times more phenols than apple juice.
Compared with animals given water, those given fruit or fruit juice had lower cholesterol levels, less oxidative stress, and less fat accumulation in their aorta, the main vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the body.
The team, led by Kelly Decorde, said their findings "provide encouragement that fruit and fruit juices may have a significant clinical and public health relevance."
