Grape juice is a highly nutritious beverage. Grapes, particularly dark red and purple grapes, contain high concentrations of antioxidants, such as resveratrol and flavonoids, which are found in the skin, seeds, leaf and stem. They reduce the risk of blood clots, lower LDL cholesterol, prevent damage to your blood vessels and help you maintain normal blood pressure. Drinking grape juice also improves brain function and lowers the risk of certain medical conditions.
Cognitive Function and Aging
Grape juice enhances your cognitive function. Cognition is among the most important functions of your brain. Cognitive function includes paying attention, verbal communication, solving problems, and making decisions. Scientists found that greater intake of grapes may enhance cognitive and motor function, according to research published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in September 2009. The scientists reported that grapes contain antioxidants that decrease vulnerability to oxidative stress that occurs during aging and enhances communication between nerve cells in the brain.
Memory
Memory involves the storage and retrieval of information. Grape juice contains polyphenol compounds that have antioxidant properties that influence nerve cell signaling associated with memory. Consuming Concord grape juice slows down memory decline in older adults, according to research published by scientists in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in March 2010. The scientists report that compared with controls who took placebo, older adults who drank grape juice experienced significant improvement in verbal and spatial recall.
Alzheimer's Disease
Drinking grape juice may reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible progressive brain disease that slowly affects your ability to think, remember and fulfill simple activities. The development of Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the formation of amyloid plaques and tangled fibers that build up in the brain and a loss of connections between nerve cells. Scientists at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia found that the polyphenols in grape seeds inhibit the development and buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain in mice, according to research published in "Neurotoxicology Research" in January 2009. The scientists conclude that this finding suggests the possible use of grape seed extract to delay development of Alzheimer‘s disease.
Mood and Appetite
The brain influences mood and appetite. However, grape juice does not affect brain function with respect to mood or appetite. Scientists at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana found that grape juice decreases mood and appetite in smokers, but this did not differ significantly from smokers taking placebo, according to research published in "Food Nutrition Research" in 2008.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Does Grape Juice Offer the Same Heart Benefits as Red Wine?; Martha Grogan; July 23 2011
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Grape Juice, Berries, and Walnuts Affect Brain Aging and Behavior; James Joseph, et al.; Sep 2009
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Concord Grape Juice Supplementation Improves Memory Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment; Robert Krikorian, et al.; Mar 2010
- National Institute on Aging; Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet; 2010
- "Neurotoxicology Research"; Consumption of Grape Seed Extract Prevents Amyloid-Beta Deposition and Attenuates Inflammation in Brain of an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse; Yan-Jiang Wang, et al.; Jan 2009
- "Food Nutrition Research"; No Acute Effects of Grape Juice on Appetite, Implicit Memory and Mood; Sara Hendrickson; 2008
