A few weeks ago I wrote about studies showing that the resveratrol found in grape juice has powerful anti-oxidant properties that switch on your immune system and keep your blood flowing smoothly. Grape seed is also a component in natural remedies for improving eyesight.

Now new studies reveal that the polyphenolds in grape juice can prevent such common diseases as dementia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Of course, purple grape juice isn’t the only source or polyphenols, just as it isn’t the only source of reservatrol. They can be found in most blue and red berries, many nuts, green tea, dark chocolate, coffee, and even beer.

But it was grape juice used in a small 12-week study of elderly adults with declining memory. Those who received grape juice rather than a placebo showed significant improvement in verbal learning skills, and in memory.

Fortunately for all of us, studies are ongoing. Now that researchers have seen proof that grape juice and other foods can prevent disease and degeneration, they’re moving forward with more studies.

I have a little trouble remembering to drink green tea, even though I know I should. But grape juice is another story – I really like it!

Studies are showing that resveratrol thins your blood and improves blood flow because it slows the build-up of platelets in blood vessels, making them less sticky.

It also switches on your immune system, lowers inflammation, and acts as a powerful antioxidant, while it inhibits unhealthy cell growth and modulates hormones. Some researchers now consider resveratrol the best way to fight certain health disasters.

Since it sounds like the wonder drug of the century, pharmaceutical companies are rushing to try to duplicate it synthetically. How dumb.

Of course that’s all about the money, so they don’t want you to know that you can get resveratrol naturally – in substances that carry no harmful side effects, and for a lot less money than it will take when they come out with their “Anti-aging miracle.”

I have to shake my head and wonder why anyone would wait to buy a pill containing a fake when the real thing is available naturally – right now – for a fraction of the cost.

Of course it’s found in red wine, but if you don’t like wine, then add the following to your diet:

* Raisins
• Red Grapes
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Purple Grape Juice
• Peanuts
• Mulberries

Living where I do, I’ve never tasted a mulberry – but it won’t take many changes to our household’s diet to add more of the others. I especially love purple grape juice!

Resveratrol is also available as a natural supplement at many health food stores.