UK university study links Concord grape juice consumption to better memory

ANOTHER study shows drinking Concord grape juice may improve aspects of memory for those with stressful lifestyles like working mothers.

The University of Leeds in the UK released a new study showing that consuming Concord grape juice every day has benefits to aspects of memory and everyday tasks in people with stressful lifestyles – specifically working mothers[1].

(Photo: Welch's)

The study evaluated 25 healthy, 40-50 year old working women with pre-teen children. In the randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial, the women drank Concord grape juice and a grape-flavored, sugar-sweetened drink (the placebo) for 12 weeks each.

The women underwent several tests evaluating their cognitive performance for simple tasks like a 25-minute driving simulator challenge in which they were asked to match the speed and direction of a lead vehicle.

Participants that consumed 355ml (12 fl. ounces) of Concord grape juice daily showed statistically significant improvements in a memory measure (immediate spatial memory) and driving performance. They did not perform as well when they took placebo.

The study is the first to show the cognitive benefits of Concord grape juice beyond older adults.

The paper was presented at the biennial International Conference on Polyphenols & Health and adds to the growing body of evidence for the role of Concord grape juice in healthy lifestyles.

Polyphenols and sugar

Another study presented at the conference 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[2]. Based on results of a pre-clinical study, it suggest compared with consuming a sugar-sweetened beverage, drinking 100% grape juice may result in a modestly lower glycaemic response.

The preliminary 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 & Nutrition Lead, said: “The findings presented at the International Conference on Polyphenols & Health add to the nearly 20 years of science linking Concord grape juice to heart health[3] 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 1,000 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.

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