Grape-enriched diet counters effects of stress
This study, conducted at the University of Houston, investigated the protective role of grapes against stress, and the mechanisms by which grapes achieved this.
For the animals on the grape-enriched diets, freeze-dried, whole grape powder was added to the drinking water for 3 weeks, followed by either the stress or control exposure, and then behavior tests.
The results? Feeding the animals a grape-enriched diet prior to stress exposure successfully countered the detrimental effects of that stress on brain function and behavior. Specifically, grape intake prevented the memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors that were observed in the rats with stress but no grapes in their diet. The researchers propose that the protective benefits of grape consumption start with enhanced antioxidant activity that reduces oxidative stress levels: systemic markers of oxidative stress were reduced in the grape consuming group. Once the oxidative stress is minimized, activation of key genes that help promote the survival of brain nerve cells is triggered.
“Grapes appear to influence several processes that support brain health,” said Samina Salim, Ph.D., the lead investigator. “The potential interplay between grapes’ antioxidant activity and their impact on cell communication is very intriguing to us and we intend to study it further.”
For more information:
Courtney Romano
Grapes from California
Tel: +1 559 4478350
Fax: +1 559 4479184
Email: courtneyromano@comcast.net
1 Solanki N, Alkadhi I., Atrooz F, Patki G, Salim S. Grape powder prevents cognitive, behavioral and biochemical impairments in a rat model of posttraumatic stress disorder. JNutrRes (2015) 35 (1): 65-75