Do you misplace things often and not remember where you put them? Memory loss can break daily life. People suffering from Alzheimer's, a form of dementia, are often left to depend on notes and other reminders to keep track of important dates and events. Now, scientists reveal that eating a handful of grapes twice a day could protect against diminution in some areas of the brain.
Researchers at the University of Los Angeles, California, convey consuming grapes on a regular basis could help increase attention span and improve memory among people with signs of early memory diminution.
"The study examines the impact of grapes as a whole fruit versus isolated compounds and the results suggest that regular intake of grapes may provide a protective effect against early decline associated with Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Daniel H. Silverman, lead author of the research, in a press release.
"This pilot study contributes to the growing evidence that supports a beneficial role for grapes in neurologic and cardiovascular health, however more clinical studies with larger groups of subjects are needed to confirm the effects observed here," he added.
What's so special about grapes?
The research team at the University of California analysed people (both men and women) suffering with early memory decline and discovered a substance in grapes that helped boost attention and memory improvement.
There was a tremendous change in patients within six months of consuming grapes twice daily.
Scientists consider grapes to aid brain health by reduction of oxidative stress in the brain and enhancing healthy cerebral blood flow. Grapes are also known to maintain healthy levels of an important chemical that helps assist memory, and renders anti-inflammatory effects as well.
Previous study on red grapes and red wine
Research conducted over the last few years has centered on resveratrol - a compound present in red grapes and red wine. Resveratrol is known to halt age-related memory diminution and has been hailed for its positive effects on the hippocampus - an area of the brain crucial to learning, memory and mood.