‘While red wine is known to exert a protective cardiac function, the exact mechanism has been unclear until recently. Research shows that red wine is a potent inhibitor of a detrimental substance that wreaks havoc on blood vessels. The villain, called Endolthelin-1, causes blood vessels to constrict and fatty plaques to form. The hero, antioxidant polyphenols (found in skins of red grapes), block the formation of the harmful Endolethelin-1.
‘Argentina boasts the world’s highest vineyards. Grapes grown in Argentina’s Andes have demonstrated significantly higher levels of these beneficial polyphenols. Vines grown as high as 5,000 feet has been shown to produce wine that is twice as potent in blocking the damaging Endolethelin-1 in contrast to grapes grown in the country’s lower vineyards. In comparison to Chile, Argentinean grapes grown at lofty elevations provide more than triple the power in cardiac defense. Moreover, Bordeaux wine only afforded a mere 10% of Argentina’s high altitude strength in preventing heart disease.
‘So, what is it about elevation that makes the difference? Higher altitude vineyard sites are closer to the sun. Grapes implement a defense mechanism against the sunlight intensity by thickening their skins, resulting in higher polyphenol levels.’
www.tacuil.com.ar
