SAN FRANCISCO (SWM) - British researchers said that a comprehensive study shows that moderate wine consumption - both red and white varietals - helps reduce blood pressure.

"There was evidence to suggest that a moderate increase in wine consumption was associated with a lowering of systolic blood pressure, reaching a minimum of approximately 17 units per week, said Liverpool John Moores University's Dr. Alan Nevill and colleagues in the May/June issue of Annuals of Human Biology, published this week.

"Out of those who did or did not drink wine, those that drank wine were found to have lower mean levels of systolic blood pressure, supporting recent evidence that wine drinking may be associated with lower risk of hypertension as well as coronary heart disease and stroke, Nevill said.

The researchers said the study into the activity and fitness levels of the English population have demonstrated that moderate wine drinking men and women are less likely to have hypertension, a notable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The researchers conducing the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey found that subjects who participated in vigorous physical activities and who consumed more fresh fruit, rice or pasta, and wine had significantly lower mean levels of blood pressure.

The researchers said that their findings support recent evidence "that wine drinking may be associated with lower risk of hypertension as well as coronary heart disease and stroke."

The study adds new evidence to the existing body of research demonstrating that moderate consumption does not lead to an increased risk of hypertension. The data also confirms results from the Maryland Hypertension study in 1992, where wine was associated with lower blood pressure.

The new study suggests that physical activity and other lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet and moderate wine consumption may be the best protection against hypertension.