London, Dec 13 (ANI): A glass or two of champagne is good for heart and blood circulation, say researchers.

According to Reading University researchers, the fizz made with black grapes has the potential to reduce strokes and heart disease risk.

"We have found that a couple of glasses a day has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels - which suggests champagne has the potential to reduce strokes and heart disease," the Guardian quoted lead researcher Dr Jeremy Spencer as telling Observer.

"It is very exciting news," Spencer added.

Previous studies have shown two glasses a day of red wine helps ward off heart and circulation problems.

Most of that effect comes from chemicals called polyphenols, which affect circulation by slowing down the removal of nitric oxide from the blood. In turn, elevated levels of nitric oxide cause blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure and reduces risks of heart problems and strokes.

Polyphenols are also found in champagne, which is made from two varieties of black grape, pinot noir and pinot meunier, and one of white, chardonnay.

The team found that champagne had a far greater impact on nitric oxide levels in the blood than did a polyphenol-free alternative of alcohol and carbonated water.

In short, its polyphenols have the ability to improve blood pressure and reduce heart disease risks.

"Our data suggests that a daily moderate consumption of champagne wine may improve vascular performance via the delivery of phenolic constituents," said the researchers.

The study is to be published in the British Journal of Nutrition. (ANI)