New research by the University of Leeds in the UK suggests that drinking Concord grape juice daily can benefit certain aspects of memory and everyday tasks in people with stressful lifestyles – specifically working mothers.
In the study, 25 healthy, 40-50 year old working women with pre-teen children were enrolled in a randomised, double-blind, crossover trial in which they drank Concord grape juice and a grape-flavoured, sugar-sweetened drink (the placebo) for 12 weeks each.
During the study, the women participated in a series of tests designed to assess their cognitive performance, including a 25-minute driving simulator challenge in which they were asked to match the speed and direction of a lead vehicle. Statistically significant improvements in a memory measure (immediate spatial memory) and driving performance were both seen when the mothers drank 355mL of Concord grape juice daily versus when they consumed the placebo. This is the first time it has been found that the cognitive benefits associated with drinking Concord grape juice extend beyond older adults.
The paper was presented at the recent biennial International Conference on Polyphenols and Health and adds to the growing body of evidence for the role of Concord grape juice in healthy lifestyles.
In another paper presented at the conference, results of a preclinical study suggest that the plant nutrients, or polyphenols, present in Concord and Niagara grape juices may aid in slowing down the body’s absorption of naturally occurring sugars in juice. This suggests that, compared with consuming a sugar-sweetened beverage, drinking 100% grape juice may result in a modestly lower glycaemic response.
While the research is preliminary, the work indicates that after drinking Concord grape juice, blood sugar levels may rise less dramatically than would be expected. Moderating blood sugar response from foods and beverages may translate to improved blood glucose control in support of health.
This initial research, conducted at Purdue University, further reinforces the distinction between sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% grape juice, which delivers naturally occurring fruit sugars in combination with health-promoting polyphenols.
Casey Lewis, Welch’s Dietitian and Health and Nutrition Lead, said: 'The findings presented at the International Conference on Polyphenols and Health add to the nearly 20 years of science linking Concord grape juice to heart health and suggest possible novel benefits in the areas of cognitive function and blood sugar control. While more research is needed to add to this work, these new studies are promising, especially given the growing interest in the role of nutrition in cognitive wellbeing and the ongoing dialogue around beverages and health. This work builds on years of research that suggests Concord grape juice can be part of a healthy diet and is a nutritious beverage choice.'
Welch’s is one of America’s oldest juice companies with nearly 150 years of experience growing Concord grapes and transforming them into 100% grape juice. Native to North America and grown by Welch’s nearly 1000 family-farmer owners, the dark purple Concord grape is renowned for its distinctively sweet and bold flavour and is one truly American ‘superfruit.’
Under an exclusive distribution agreement with Netherlands-based Wild Juice, Concord grape juice concentrate is now available for companies across the EMEA region to use in branded and private label beverages.
