What Are the Benefits of Red Grape Seed Extract?

Red grapes have been used for centuries to treat skin, kidney, liver and eye diseases, sore throats, consumption, constipation, cancer, smallpox and nausea. Red grape seed extract was developed after the discovery that the healing power of grapes is in their seeds.

Clarification

• Red grape seed extract is most often referred to as simply grape seed extract.

Active Components

• Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which contain antioxidant characteristics, are the active compounds in grape seed extract.

Benefits

• Grape seed extract antioxidants neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress that contribute to aging.
  This renders them extremely effective in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and a other diseases that are associated with aging such as Alzheimers.

Forms

• Red grape seed extract comes in capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. It is recommended to use products that are standardized to 40 percent to 80 percent proanthocyanidins or an OPC content of at least 95 percent.

Warnings

• Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take grape seed supplements.

  The proanthocyanidin component of grape seed could increase the chances for bleeding so avoid taking grape seed extract if you are currently on blood-thinning medications or have bleeding disorders.

  Grape seed extract should be used only after consulting with your doctor.