By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We constantly talk about the value of red wine, but it is often at the expense of grape juice.

French researchers have looked at the issue closely and they have found the grape can help the heart. In fact, in a study from France, they have shown grape juice seems to have the same protective effect against heart disease as red wine. Researchers found that like red wine, certain types of grape juice have high levels of polyphenols which block the production of a protein linked to cardiovascular disease.

Polyphenols in concord grape juice activates cells called endothelial cells and help them produce nitric oxide which helps protect against cardiovascular disease.