A new study shows that red wines are a significant source of saponins, which are believed to promote heart health by binding to cholesterol and preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the blood. The plant compounds are also thought to play a role in inflammation, which could have beneficial effects in reducing heart disease and cancer risks.
Saponins are believed to come from the waxy skin of grapes and dissolve into the wine during the wine making process. Aside from wine, other sources of saponins include olive oil and soybeans. Until now, most of red wine's healthy effects have been attributed to resveratrol, an antioxidant compound found in grapes. But researchers say saponin may be just as important in reducing the risk of heart disease.