<p><strong>Fresno, CA</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The Experimental Biology conference in San Diego, California, was welcomed with new research this past month suggesting that grape consumption may positively affect anxiety and related hypertension, as well as cognitive impairments associated with anxiety, according to a press release. Researchers observed in rats, a defensive role of grapes on anxiety-like behavior, learning and memory function, and hypertension.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> These benefits could be attributed to the antioxidant effect of grapes, according to researchers. Conducted by a team out of the University of Houston, this study investigated the role of oxidative stress in the combined occurrence of anxiety-cognitive impairment and hypertension, using a rat model of oxidative stress. They discovered that a grape-enriched diet for rats over two weeks prevented the anxiety-like behavior, learning and memory impairment, along with the rise in blood pressure. These benefits were observed and compared in relation to rats with induced oxidative stress but no grapes in their diet.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “These results suggest promising potential for grapes in a very important area of health,” said Samina Salim, Ph.D., the lead investigator. “We attribute the benefits of the grapes to their antioxidant activity and their ability to combat oxidative stress.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
