Grape Powder May Help to Counter Metabolic Syndrome

Characterized by central obesity, hypertension, and adverse glucose and insulin metabolism, Metabolic Syndrome is a condition associated with increased risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Maria Luz Fernandez, from the University of Connecticut (Connecticut, USA), and colleagues enrolled 24 men with Metabolic Syndrome, in a month-long study that randomly assigned the participants to receive either freeze-dried grape polyphenol powder, or a placebo. A three-week washout period followed, and then the subjects crossed over to the other intervention. The researchers found that systolic blood pressure decreased in the grape extract group, with the average resting systolic blood pressure standing at 122.6 mmHg, as compared to 128 mmHg in the placebo group.  As well, concentrations of key cellular inflammatory markers, most notably soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) was lower in the grape extract group, compared to placebo. The study authors conclude that:  "These results suggest that grape polyphenols may potentiate vasorelaxation and reduce BP and circulating cell adhesion molecules, resulting in improvements in vascular function.”