Grape juice "reduces memory loss"

To reach the conclusion, researchers from the University of Cincinnati's psychiatry department analyzed 12 people with early memory loss drinking pure 100 per cent Concord grape juice for 12 weeks.

During the trial participants were split into two groups, one which drank juice and one which didn't.

The results showed an improvement the longer the trial went on in the half of the group who were drinking the juice, reports The Telegraph .

Experts believe this proves the brain-boosting powers of antioxidants contained in the skin and juice of the grapes.

The finding was presented at the International Polyphenols and Health conference in Harrogate, Yorks.

Dr Robert Krikorian of the university said: 'While there were no significant differences between the groups at baseline, following the treatment, those drinking Concord grape juice demonstrated a significant improvement in list learning.

'And trends suggested improved short-term memory retention and spatial, non-verbal memory.

'The results involving Concord grape juice are very encouraging and certainly warrant an additional study.

''A simple, easy-to-incorporate dietary intervention that could improve or protect memory function, such as drinking Concord grape juice, may be beneficial for the ageing population.''