Concord Grape Juice Linked to Improved Health

Two new scientific papers recently published in Nutrition Today and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggest that Concord grapes may support healthy circulation to promote cardiovascular and cognitive health in certain populations. 

Welch's provided support for these studies and said it is committed to supporting independent research on Concord grape juice.

The report published by Nutrition Today emphasizes the role grapes and grape products can play in supporting health. In particular, the review authors suggest that red/purple grapes and grape juice can help support a healthy heart. The review concludes that enjoying red/purple grapes and grape juice each day can support cardiovascular health by providing vascular benefits (endothelial function) to promote healthy circulation.

"Grapes and grape juice are smart additions to a healthy lifestyle," said Dr. Maria Luz Fernandez, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, and one of the study authors. "The benefits of red/purple grapes can be enjoyed by drinking 100 percent grape juice made with Concord grapes, or by conveniently squeezing grapes or grape juice into easy and delicious recipes." 

While more studies must be done before drawing any conclusions, the reviewers note that emerging research suggests grapes and grape products may offer additional benefits in areas such as immune system health and cognitive function.

The research paper published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests Concord grape juice may offer certain cognitive health benefits. The study, conducted by Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Cincinnati, builds on earlier research showing that Concord grape juice has a positive impact on memory in older adults with early cognitive decline. In particular, these new findings indicate that daily consumption of Concord grape juice can benefit cognitive function in older adults with mild memory loss, according to the report.

In the study, 21 seniors with an average age of 77 were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled testing in which they drank either 100 percent Concord grape juice or a grape-flavored drink (the placebo) daily for 16 weeks. For the first time, researchers demonstrated that Concord grape juice can both improve certain aspects of memory function and increase blood flow to specific regions of the brain, particularly the regions involved in working memory, compared to those consuming a placebo. 

Although learning and retention scores did not improve, and it is too early to draw any conclusions about the effect of Concord grape juice on overall memory, this study is an exciting addition to the growing body of research that suggests that Concord grape juice may promote health by supporting healthy circulation, researchers concluded.

Headquartered in Concord, Mass., Welch's is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Welch's is owned by 1,150 family-farmers across America and in Ontario, Canada, who grow the Concord grapes used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products.