In a recent breakthrough published in the scientific journal Nutrition and Food Research, researchers from the University of Montpellier discovered that antioxidant-rich polyphenols from the common Chardonnay grape variety was able to increase the hormone levels associated with metabolic activity, which usually decreases as a person engages in a high-fat diet. The hormone has a markedly inverse relationship with weight and fat.

According to lead researcher Jean-Max Rouanet, this is the first time that scientific research was able to create a causal pathway between the consumption of polyphenols from grapes and obesity.

The implication of the results of this study was clear - if the body was reacting positively to the polyphenolic compounds from the Chardonnay grapes, the polyphenols were actually reducing the oxidative stress associated with being overweight, effectively protecting the body from the condition itself.

Details of the study

To test their theory, the researchers made use of three groups of hamsters. The first group received a standard diet while the second groups received a high fat diet but no grape polyphenols. The last group of hamsters received a similar high fat diet but were given specially prepared grape seed extract.

The hamsters were observed carefully for a total of twelve weeks. During this time, the researchers measured the abdominal fat of the hamsters. They found out that the hamsters that were on the high fat diet but were given the grape seed extract did not develop abdominal fat, but the ones who received nothing else, did.

Here are some other findings:

1. Hamsters who received the specially prepared grape seed extracts were also less sensitive to insulin.

2.  It appears that the grape polyphenols were also able to regulate blood glucose levels and triglyceride levels of the hamsters.

3. And finally, the scientists were able to quantify their claims regarding oxidative stress by measuring the amount of superoxide anion in the hamsters. The grape seed extract group had up to 74% less oxidative stress than the high fat diet group.
In addition to protecting against obesity, polyphenols have also been noted for protecting nerve function in humans. According to Canadian researcher Charles Ramassamy, foods and beverages that contain polyphenols can protect the nerves. However, it remains unclear if the concentration of polyphenols from natural sources is enough to help protect the brain from chronic disorders.

Sources:
nutraingredients.com
sciencedaily.com