Grapes actually change the expression of genes, explained the professor of pharmaceuticals. Dr Pezzuto, who has authored over 600 studies, added: “That is truly remarkable.” In a series of experiments, mice gorged on a high fat diet typically consumed in western countries.
They also received a daily powdered grape supplement equivalent to a punnet. The lab rodents had less fatty liver – and lived longer than peers. Dr Pezzuto said: “The change observed in the study would correspond to an additional four to five years in the life of a human.”
The team also found grapes improve the function of neurons – protecting against Alzheimer’s. They had positive effects on behaviour and cognition that were impaired in mice fed high fat diets without the extract.
A third study showed in addition to the other qualities, grapes also help burn up calories by increasing metabolism. In particular, they may help prevent Alzheimer’s and non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Dr Pezzuto said: “The adverse response was diminished by grape intervention. Life-long survival was also enhanced. These results suggest the potential of dietary grapes to modulate gene expression, prevent oxidative damage, induce fatty acid eliorate NAFLD and increase longevity when co-administered with a high-fat diet.”
Liver disease is a growing h-fat diet increases longevity. “These data illustrate the extraordinary influence of nutrigenomics, a burgeoning field of investigation that will augment our appreciation of diet and health.”
Recent research also found eating grapes reduces the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
