The enhancement of mental functions is due to the antioxidant action and flavonoids contained in the skin and juice of grapes.
Consumption of grape juice helps improve cognitive abilities and enhance memory and concentration, US scientists say.
Grapes are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, calcium, phosphorus and flavonoids , which have strong antioxidant properties and are responsible for the color of grapes.
The study by the University of Cincinnati involved 12 volunteers aged between 75-80 years. All participants have some form of cognitive impairment and memory loss.
The volunteers in the study were divided into 2 groups. Those in the first group consumed 100 ml of freshly squeezed grape juice every day for 12 weeks. The other participants do not change their diet and do not drink extra grape juice.
Volunteers are subjected to daily tests of mental functions and the ability to remember.
The researchers found that those who drank grape juice showed better test results than the control group.
According to scientists, the good results and the strengthening of the mental functions of the participants are mainly due to the antioxidant action and flavonoids, which are contained in the skin and juice of the grapes.
Flavonoids free the body of free radicals, thus protecting cells from damage .
Drinking grape juice is an easy-to-use method that helps protect and improve memory, confirms Dr. Robert Krikoryan, head of the study.
Grapes have a number of other health benefits, much of which is due to phytochemicals - natural antioxidants found in its fruits and seeds. Regular consumption of grapes has a beneficial effect on lowering blood pressure , improving heart function and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The results of a study published in Experimental Biology show that a diet rich in grapes reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome , which is one of the factors in the development of type 2 diabetes.
It turns out that regular grapes have significantly lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as better heart function, compared to people who do not include the fruit in their diet.