Press release, 15 March 2007
CONCORD PURPLE GRAPE JUICE TOPS MAJOR NEW ANTIOXIDANT STUDY

• Research reveals level and variety of antioxidants in UK’s most popular juices
  
• Study cuts through consumer confusion around polyphenol antioxidants

Scientists at the University of Glasgow have revealed a major new study to assess the antioxidant power and polyphenol content of the UK’s most popular fruit juices and juice drinks.

In the study, which is newly published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers analyzed not only the overall levels, but also the variety of polyphenol antioxidants found in UK fruit juices and juice drinks. With growing evidence that links anti-oxidant rich diets with better long term health; more consumers are seeking foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants.

The research team discovered that Concord purple grape juice scored highest in overall antioxidant power and also contains the highest and broadest range of polyphenols – a particularly potent group of antioxidants.

In the study, which is newly published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found that it may not just be the number, but also the variety of antioxidants contained in a juice that determine its potential health benefits by protecting the body from cell damage.

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The research team discovered that Concord purple grape juice scored highest in overall antioxidant capacity and also contains the highest and broadest range of polyphenols – a particularly potent type of antioxidant.

The findings reveal that the levels of polyphenols, which are believed to benefit long-term health, vary widely by flavour with darker juices tending to contain higher levels. Concord purple grape juice scored highest with cloudy apple juice and cranberry juice drink also testing well.

To get the most potential health benefits from polyphenols, people should aim to get a broad ‘spectrum’ of antioxidants in their diet, explains leading nutritionist, Nigel Denby:

“Drinking a combination of Concord purple grape juice with other juices would work particularly well because, unlike white or red grape juice, Concord purple grape juice is a rich source of a variety of polyphenols whereas other juices are high only in specific polyphenols.”

This antioxidant ‘spectrum’ approach is backed by University of Glasgow Professor, Alan Crozier who led the study:

“Previous research has shown that the potent, natural antioxidant action of polyphenols contained in drinks like red wine and tea may help to protect against chronic diseases, by mopping up free radicals which can cause damage to cells.

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“Yet the research highlights that not all juices are created equal when it comes to polyphenols. It’s therefore important to consider the individual type of the compounds that you are consuming, because each has different health benefits”.

Adds Nigel Denby, “Most fruits and vegetables contain one or two groups of polyphenols, some have more than others and some have particularly high levels. It’s no surprise that juice from the deep purple coloured Concord grapes ranked at athe different higher end of the spectrum ttohan clear apple juice.”

“Nutritionists recommend consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables every day to get the antioxidants your body needs, and this can seem like a tall order. Using these study findings makes upping your fruit and antioxidant intake easy - just one glass of something like Concord purple grape juice counts as one of your five a day.”

The University of Glasgow’s study findings also revealed the number and level of antioxidant phenolic compounds in Concord purple grape juice equates with those found in a Beaujolais red wine, but with none of the alcohol.

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