Stand up to free radicals. Sip your way to great health.
Welch's 100% Grape Juice made from Concord grapes is loaded with natural antioxidants and an abundance of antioxidant power. This may mean that it can be one of your allies in the fight against free radicals, and research suggests it may contribute to your good health in a variety of ways, so let's get to the heart of the matter and talk about what matters most: potential benefits for your good health.
Preliminary research suggests that 100% grape juice made from Concord grapes:
Helps protect cardiovascular health.
Helps control the way bad cholesterol may lead to damaging the arteries. Studies have shown that the flavonoid antioxidants in Concord grape juice may help slow the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, in the arteries – which may help minimize damaging effects – allowing blood to flow where it's needed and promoting healthy, clear arteries.1,2,3
Encourages flexible arteries. A recent study showed that Concord grape juice works in a similar fashion to red wine in stimulating nitric oxide production in the lining of the arteries - important for greater blood vessel flexibility. 4
Contributes to healthy blood pressure. Because of its positive effect on arterial health, many researchers believe that drinking Concord grape juice contributes to healthy blood pressure. In fact, two preliminary studies showed a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients. 5,6
May help protect memory and brain health.
May help slow age-related cognitive decline. Study findings published in the March 2006 issue of Nutrition suggest that Concord grape juice may be beneficial in reversing or preventing the effects of aging on short-term memory, coordination, balance and strength. 7
A separate study indicates a link between fruit and vegetable juice consumption and the slowed onset of Alzheimer's disease. Study participants who reported drinking juices at least three times weekly were 76% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who drank juice less than once a week. 8
May be protective of long-term health.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases." Research specific to Concord grape juice in this area is extremely preliminary, but initial studies show promise. A new study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that natural compounds in Concord grape juice may help protect healthy human breast cells from DNA damage.9
In this laboratory study, healthy human breast cells were exposed to a chemical substance from our environment that can damage the cells' DNA.
The introduction of Concord grape juice compounds actually blocked the connection between the chemical substance and the DNA of the healthy cells.
References:
- Stein JH, Keevil JG, Wiebe DA, Aeschlimann S and Folts JD. Purple grape juice improves endothelial function and reduces the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease. Circulation. 1999. 100(10):1050-1055.
- O'Byrne DJ, Devaraj, S. Grundy, SM. Jialal, I. Comparison of the antioxidant effects of Concord grape juice flavonoids and tocopherol on markers of oxidative stress in healthy adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002. 76:1367-1374.
- Vinson JA, Yang J, Proch J and Liang X. Grape juice, but not orange juice, has in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo antioxdant properties. J Med Food. 2000. 3(4):167-171.
- Anselm E, Chataigneau M, Ndiaye M, Chataigneau T and Schini-Kerth VB. Grape juice causes endothelium-dependent relaxation via a redox-sensitive Src- and Akt-dependent activation of eNOS. Cardiovasc Res. 2007. 73(2):404-413.
- Park YK, Kim J-S and Kang M-H. Concord grape juice supplementation reduces blood pressure in Korean hypertensive men: double-blind, placebo controlled intervention trial. Biofactors. 2004. 22(1-4):145-147.
- Mark DA and Maki K. Concord grape juice reduces blood pressure in men with high systolic blood pressure. 2003. Presented at Experimental Biology 2003. April 11-15. San Diego, CA.
- Shukitt-Hale B, Carey A, Simon L, Mark DA and Joseph JA. Effects of Concord grape juice on cognitive and motor deficits in aging. Nutrition. 2006. 22(3):295-302.
- Dai Q, Borenstein AR, Wu Y, Jackson JC and Larson EB. Fruit and vegetable juices and Alzheimer's disease: the Kame Project. Am J Med. 2006. 119(9):751-759.
- Singletary KW, Jung KJ and Giusti M. Anthocyanin-rich grape extract blocks breast cell DNA damage. J Med Food. 2007. 10(2):244-251.
The French Paradox describes the unexpectedly good heart health among the French despite their typically high-fat diets. A suggested reason is the consumption of red wine - which is made from dark grapes. The grapes used to make red wine and the Concord grapes used to make Welch's 100% Grape Juice contain many of the same flavonoids, and appear to provide many of the same heart health benefits.
To help you identify heart-healthy foods, the American Heart Association has created its Food Certification Program. Welch's 100% Grape Juice products displaying the heart-check mark is your assurance that our juice can be part of a heart-healthy diet. So treat yourself and your family today - it's the most delicious thing you can do for your heart!
