Grape juice may reverse brain aging say researchers - March 1, 2006

Researchers have presented new evidence that drinking Concord grape juice may reverse brain aging, reports nutraingredients.com.

This native American grape variety is a rich source of polyphenols that have been shown to 'mop up' reactive oxygen species linked with the aging process. A recent study by US scientists from Tufts University studied the effects on rats fed with different concentrations of grape juice (a placebo group was given water only). After six weeks the rats were tested for motor skills, and after eights weeks cognitive testing was carried out.

The rats that consumed the 10% and 50% grape juices performed significantly better on the behavioural tests than the control group. In the cognitive tests, the researchers noted that the 10% group performed better than the control and 50% group.

Lead researcher, Barbara Shukitt-Hale, commented: 'These findings suggest it may take a higher concentration of grape juice to enhance motor performance, whereas lower concentrations may be sufficient to alter cognitive performance.'