Concord grape juice linked to cognitive benefits in working mothers

New research by the University of Leeds suggests that drinking Concord grape juice daily can benefit certain aspects of memory and everyday tasks in people with stressful lifestyles – specifically working mothers.

In the study, 25 healthy, 40-50 year old working women with pre-teen children were enrolled in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial in which they drank Concord grape juice and a grape-flavoured, sugar-sweetened drink (the placebo) for 12 weeks each.

Over the duration of the study, the women participated in a series of tests designed to assess their cognitive performance, including a 25-minute driving simulator challenge in which they were asked to match the speed and direction of a lead vehicle. Statistically significant improvements in a memory measure (immediate spatial memory) and driving performance were both seen when the mothers drank 355ml (12 fl. ounces) of Concord grape juice daily versus when they consumed the placebo. This is the first time it has been found that the cognitive benefits associated with drinking Concord grape juice extend beyond older adults.

Drinking grape juice may have benefits in blood sugar control

Results from another study, conducted at Purdue University, 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. This suggests that, compared with consuming a sugar-sweetened beverage, drinking 100% grape juice may result in a modestly lower glycaemic response.

While the research is preliminary, the 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 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… add to the nearly 20 years of science linking Concord grape juice to heart health 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.”

Welch’s has nearly 150 years’ of experience growing Concord grapes and transforming them into 100% grape juice.