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New research in laboratories around the world is finding a potential link between fresh grapes and brain health. "Although grapes are well known as a healthy food, this surprising research indicates that they may be better than anyone expected," said Jill Nicholls, Ph.D., who has examined the recent phytonutrient research. Grapes contain an abundance of phytonutrients -- compounds in plant foods that enhance health and help prevent chronic diseases.
Resveratrol, a phytonutrient found almost exclusively in grapes, is noted for its antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-heart disease effects. Preliminary research has shown that resveratrol may also protect and maintain brain and nerve health. Highlights include:
- Resveratrol added to drinking water helped protect animals against brain damage caused by a powerful neurotoxin. Researchers believe that resveratrol may have the potential to protect against both acute and chronic neurological diseases.
- Resveratrol belongs to a family of compounds that effectively inhibit the formation of tiny abnormal structures around nerves called fibrils, a hallmark of Alzheimers disease and other degenerative nerve diseases. In Alzheimer's, the fibrils are deposited on nerves and form plaques in the brain. Resveratrol was potent and effective at inhibiting fibril formation, showing promise as a new drug treatment.
- In Parkinson's disease, areas around
nerves become abnormally enriched with iron, which makes the nerves more susceptible to oxidative damage. Resveratrol and other antioxidants effectively protected Parkinson's-like nerve cells against iron-enhanced oxidative damage.
In addition to resveratrol, grapes are rich in many other phytonutrients, including quercetin, catechins, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins, all of which are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants counteract free radicals, molecules that can oxidize and damage cellular machinery. Over time, this oxidation may lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease, and contribute to the aging process.
Studying the health benefits of individual phytonutrients is just one aspect of understanding how fruits and vegetables contribute to vibrant health. Much research remains to be done on how whole foods and the interactions among phytonutrients help fight chronic disease.
"Although the research on resveratrol is promising, that is just one of the many phytonutrients present in fresh grapes," said Dr. Nicholls. "It is clear that in order to get a full complement of these compounds, consumers should eat a wide variety of whole foods instead of popping supplements. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, including grapes, is the best strategy."
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