Grape consumption found to benefit eye health in human study of older adults (1.5 cups of grapes a day)

Medical Xpress / California Table Grape Commission / Food & Function ^ | Oct. 5, 2023 | Weili Hu et al

[ConservativeMind]

In a recent randomized, controlled human study, consuming grapes for 16 weeks improved key markers of eye health in older adults. The study looked at the impact of regular consumption of grapes on macular pigment accumulation and other biomarkers of eye health. This is the first human study on this subject, and the results reinforce earlier, preliminary studies where consuming grapes was found to protect retinal structure and function.

Science has shown that an aging population has a higher risk of eye disease and vision problems. Key risk factors for eye disease include oxidative stress and high levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs may contribute to many eye diseases by damaging the vascular components of the retina, impairing cellular function, and causing oxidative stress.

Dietary antioxidants can decrease oxidative stress and inhibit the formation of AGEs, with possible beneficial effects on the retina, such as an improvement in Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD). Grapes are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols.

In this new study, 34 human subjects consumed either grapes (equivalent to 1.5 cups of grapes per day) or a placebo for 16 weeks. The grape eaters showed a significant increase in MPOD, plasma antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content compared to those on placebo. Those who didn't consume grapes saw a significant increase in harmful AGEs, as measured in the skin.

"Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans which is very exciting, especially with a growing aging population," said Dr. Jung Eun Kim. "Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just 1.5 cups per day."

[ConservativeMind]

These AGEs are hard to fight. They cause pretty permanent, and harmful, changes to the body’s protein structures.

[ConservativeMind]

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[Jeff Chandler]

Fermented?

[Paladin2]

Does the grape equivalent amount of wine count?

[telescope115]

Are some grapes better than others? I didn’t see any specific types recommended.

[Laslo Fripp]

Grapes/raisins are a natural laxative. Be careful.

[Larry Lucido]

A duck walks into a bar and says got any grapes? The bartender hands the duck a bunch of graves and says here you go they’re good for you.

I forgot the punchline.

[jcon40]

One of the highest sugar fruits x diabetes ?

[GOP Poet]

bookmark

[Gene Eric]

lol

[albie]

Another study made up of “may be” and “could be”. Whatever

[Political Junkie Too]

Or distilled?

-PJ

[Fresh Wind]

Grapes are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols.

What about other natural sources? Is there anything unique about grapes in this regard?

[voicereason]

Are some grapes better than others? I didn’t see any specific types recommended.

Typically, the darker the color, the better the antioxidant properties. Notbsure if that is absolute, but it seems to be the trend. Which is why things like blueberries are highly recommended.

[9YearLurker]

So a large daily glass of cabernet?

[KingLudd]

1.5 cups is more than I eat in a year

[maddog55]

That I clude wine 🤣🤣🤣 Wife "makes me" have a glass of Pinot Noir Sunday through Thursday because it's good for my heart. We have one glass..in an aluminum camo wine glass (really) I usually do cheese and crackers to wash it down which offsets any heart benefit because I hate the taste plus it has to be refrigerated or I can't get it down.

[Adder]

Thats a lot of grapes, especially to consume daily.

so...any antioxidents should work, I am guessing? The Table Grape Assoc. didn’t really say...

[China Clipper]

These AGEs are hard to fight. They cause pretty permanent, and harmful, changes to the body’s protein structures.

Heck I coulda told ya that. Age causes permanent and harmful changes, like death.

No one gets out alive.....

[moovova]