Cardiovascular health improves with Chardonnay marc supplementation

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Sonomaceuticals, have identified a potential new use for an overlooked agricultural byproduct: Chardonnay grape marc. Often discarded as waste after the juicing process, this material—consisting primarily of seeds and skins—is showing promise in managing risk factors associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

The Hidden Potential of Wine Waste

In a recent 16-week, double-blinded, randomized control crossover study, 24 participants with mild dyslipidemia were given capsules containing either a high Chardonnay grape seed extract blend, a high Chardonnay marc blend, or a placebo. The goal was to see if these supplements could influence plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are key components in the development of cardiovascular issues.

The findings suggest that the whole food matrix of the grape, rather than just isolated extracts, may offer superior health benefits. Participants who consumed the high Chardonnay marc blend demonstrated a significant decrease in their postprandial triglyceride response—the body’s metabolic reaction to processing fats after a meal.

Did You Know? In white winemaking, the marc is typically discarded immediately after the grapes are pressed, meaning it retains both extractable and nonextractable nutrients that are often lost during the red winemaking process.

Why Postprandial Health Matters

The significance of this study lies in its focus on the postprandial state. Humans spend a large portion of their day in a non-fasted state, and researchers believe this period is a critical predictor of cardiovascular events. If the body struggles to clear triglycerides from the bloodstream after eating, it can lead to higher concentrations of “bad” cholesterol, which may contribute to the hardening and thickening of arterial walls.

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By effectively “blunting” this postprandial spike, the Chardonnay marc blend may help mitigate some of the earliest indications of cardiovascular dysfunction. This shift in focus toward the “whole food matrix” challenges traditional research methods that have historically prioritized individual chemical extracts over the synergistic benefits of a complete nutrient profile.

Expert Insight: The move away from isolating single compounds toward utilizing the “whole food matrix” marks a sophisticated pivot in nutritional science. By treating agricultural byproducts as nutrient-dense resources, we may be looking at a future where cardiovascular health strategies are both more sustainable and more effective by leveraging the natural synergy found within the grape itself.

Looking Toward Future Applications

While these results are encouraging, they represent a pilot study in the effort to translate laboratory findings to human health. Future research may look to expand on these findings by conducting larger or longer-term trials to determine if these metabolic improvements translate into long-term reductions in cardiovascular events. If confirmed through broader studies, the recapturing of Chardonnay marc could evolve from a waste-management challenge into a viable, standardized strategy for supporting cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chardonnay marc?
Chardonnay marc, or pomace, is the solid remains of grapes—primarily skins and seeds—that are left over after the juice has been pressed for winemaking.

Why is the postprandial state important for heart health?
The postprandial state, or the time after eating, is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular events because it represents the state in which the body spends most of its time. Difficulty clearing triglycerides during this time can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and interfere with metabolic pathways.

Did the study show a change in fasting triglyceride levels?
While the study observed that fasting plasma triglycerides appeared to be trending lower with the marc blend, the results did not reach statistical significance in the fasting state.

Have you ever considered how agricultural byproducts might play a role in your personal nutritional health?