Grapes and Grape Products Show Exciting Potential in Optimizing Health
Journal of Nutrition Supplement Highlights Major Research Effort
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- While consumption of grapes and
grape products has long been associated with a healthy lifestyle, a new
supplement published in the September issue of the Journal of Nutrition
provides further evidence that grapes and grape products may play a key role
in optimizing health by mediating beneficial biological responses. The vast
array of naturally occurring plant chemicals in grapes and grape products are
thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects observed. The potential
areas of beneficial impact include cardiovascular health, cognitive function
in older people, cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and dental health.
The current Journal of Nutrition supplement highlights key presentations made
at a meeting of researchers from academia and advisory members from
government, who gathered together earlier this year to present and discuss
research on the links between consumption of grapes and grape products, diet
and health, and disease prevention. The workshop was sponsored by the
National Grape and Wine Initiative (NGWI).
"Within grapes and grape products, there are chemical classes of natural
compounds which are capable of mediating biological responses against a
variety of targets," said Dr. John Pezzuto, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at
the University of Hawaii Hilo, who moderated the Grape and Health Workshop.
"In considering grapes and health, a broader view - that takes into account
all of the grape's chemical components including their metabolism, biological
potential, biodistribution, absorption and processing - is key to developing a
comprehensive and coherent explanation of their role in improving and
supporting human health." Pezzuto outlines an innovative approach for
achieving this in his contribution to the supplement.
Consuming grapes and grape products may be an effective and inexpensive way
for consumers to prevent such diseases as cardiovascular disease, cancer,
diabetes and tooth decay while improving the immune functions and increasing
cognitive and motor functions among older people.
The "Grapes and Health" supplement also includes information on seven other
topics regarding grapes and their many potential benefits:
-- Cardiovascular health
-- Immune function
-- Cancer
-- Cognitive function/brain health
-- Anti-microbial/anti-adhesion capabilities
-- Bioavailability of grape compounds in metabolism
"It was fascinating to bring such a diverse group of experts together to
consider and discuss the consumption of grapes and grape products and the
potential ability to optimize one's health," said Jean-Mari Peltier, President
of NGWI. "The interest in grapes and health is very strong and there is no
doubt that research in this area will continue at full force."
NGWI is a nationwide coalition representing all segments of the grape industry
including: raisin, juice, fresh grape and wine. NGWI membership includes grape
growers, processors, wineries and representatives of academic institutions and
cooperative extension organizations committed to improving our industry.
Note to Interested Media
-- To review the individual grape and grape product abstracts contained
in the supplement to the Journal of Nutrition, please visit:
http://jn.nutrition.org/current.shtml#SUPPLEMENT__GRAPES_AND_HEALTH
-- In addition to the abstracts, videos of the contributing researchers
can be accessed which can provide additional insight and
information. Simply visit:
-- If you would like to arrange an interview, please contact:
John Segale, 916-960-5341
or email him: jsegale@precisionpublicrelations.com
SOURCE National Grape and Wine Initiative
John Segale, +1-916-960-5341, jsegale@precisionpublicrelations.com, for
National Grape and Wine Initiative