White grape juice increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduces body mass index and abdominal and waist circumference in women.

OBJECTIVES

Grape juice is a drink that is rich in phenolic compounds, which are important natural antioxidants that reduce the incidence of diseases linked to oxidative stress including cardiovascular disease. Studies on the effects of purple grape juice supplementation have already been conducted; however, there are no data on the effects of the consumption of white grape juice (WGJ) to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of WGJ supplementation on body mass index, waist and abdominal circumference, blood pressure and glucose, insulin, oxidative damage, and lipid profile in women.

METHODS

A total of 25 women, ages 50 to 67 y, were included in this study. The volunteers were instructed to consume 7 mL/Kg/d of WGJ (Vitis labrusca) without other changes in diet energy consumption or habitual lifestyle. The supplementation occurred over 30 d. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Supplementation with WGJ reduced the women's body mass index and waist and abdominal circumference (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in blood pressure before and after the consumption of WGJ. In addition, no changes in blood glucose, insulin, and levels of oxidative damage were found. Women who supplemented with WGJ showed an increase of 16% in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that the consumption of WGJ can improve metabolic parameters in women, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.