They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but
two new reports suggest that grapes may help stave off death itself.
First, researchers in Florida and Wisconsin have found
that "resveratrol," a protein found in grapes, red wines and other
foods, has a significant positive effect on heart-health in old age. According
to researchers, low doses of the antioxidant also have remarkably similar
effects to those of caloric restriction, a diet with 20% to 30% fewer calories
than a normal diet. Caloric restriction has been widely studied and found to
increase longevity in all kinds of animals and humans.
Also, scientists at the University of Cincinnati have
concluded a study of the effect of grape juice on age-related memory problems.
Twelve adults with early memory decline were given either 15 to 21 ounces of
grape juice or a placebo every day for 12 weeks. Although both contained
similar levels of sugar and calories, only the grape juice contained natural
antioxidants. The juice drinkers showed significant improvements in their
ability to retain information, according to study author Robert Krikorian.
The Florida/Wisconsin study appears in this week's online
issue of the journal Public Library of Science. The results of the Cincinnati
study were presented to members of the American Aging Association at their
annual meeting in Boulder, CO, earlier this month.