Oligomeric procyanidins (AKA oligomeric proanthocyanidins… or OPCs) may be what gives red wine much of its heart-protecting power, according to a recent study from the UK. Researchers found that procyanidins in red wine suppress production of a protein that constricts blood vessels. They also found that wines from southwest France — where people have higher average longevity — have significantly higher oligomeric procyanidin levels than most other red wines.
To help protect your heart and boost your overall health, you might want to try to consume more of these healthy substances, already considered to be among the most powerful antioxidants. Unlike the other promising “red wine” chemical resveratrol, procyanidins are present in high-enough concentrations in red wine to have a significant impact. OPCs are also found in fresh grapes, grape juice, most berries, and an increasing variety of dietary supplements (sometimes labeled as “pycnogenol” or “grape seed extract“).
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