According to a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, grape seed extract is showing immense promise when it comes to preventing Alzheimer’s Disease, a severe form of dementia that currently affects a staggering thirteen million individuals around the world.

The study

The increase of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and also directly affects the cognitive function of the human brain over the long term.  As these deposits increase, a type of plaque forms and causes damage to the brain on the cellular level.

According to lead researcher Giulio Pasinetti MD, special laboratory mice were used to test whether or not the oral administration of grape seed extract can be beneficial to people in terms of protecting the human brain from the ravages of beta-amyloid deposits.

The results of the study was two-fold:

1. Upon oral administration of the grape seed extract to the Tg2576 mice, beta-amyloid deposits started to decrease.

2. In addition to the reduction of the harmful deposits, it appears that grape seed extract also helps control the cognitive decline that has also been associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers noted that because of the results of their tests, grape seed extract has a promising future as an Alzheimer’s preventive, as well as a memory enhancer for people who don’t have AD.

Benefits of polyphenols

The rest of the study focused on listing the benefits of polyphenolic compounds, which have natural antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants are important for general wellness because it protects the body’s cells from oxidative stress.  Oxidative stress can result from poor diet, lack of exercise and exposure to environmental pollutants (both outdoor pollutant and indoor pollutants).

The higher the oxidative stress that a person experiences, the bigger the need for antioxidant compounds to help regulate the cellular and tissue stress that the body experiences.  This can be done by taking the right supplements and through consumption of polyphenols - which is present in beverages like green tea and fruits like berries and grapes.

In recent times, there has been a renewed interest in the healthful benefits of fresh fruits that are full of polyphenolic compounds.  In an unrelated study, published in the medical journal Neurobiology of Aging, it was found that even the common blueberry can ward off AD because of its potent antioxidant compounds.

Sources:
nutraingredients-usa.com
nutraingredients-usa.com