Benefits of Grapeseed Extract

Knowledge of the health benefits of the grape goes back thousands of years. The grape, or Vitis vinifera, was highly regarded in ancient Egypt and Greece for its health-giving benefits. In Europe, the grape was used to improve circulatory problems, heal wounds, and treat consumption, cancer and liver problems. It is the seed of the grape that holds the healing properties of this fruit.

Constituents

• Grapeseed extract contains vitamin E, flavonoids, linolenic acid and procyanidins. Procyanidins are made up of condensed amounts of tannins, pycnogenols and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Grape seeds, and to a lesser extent grape skins, are a source of high concentration of these antioxidants and nutrients. Resveratrol is related to proanthocyanidins and is high in antioxidant properties. Found predominantly in the skin, it is also found in grape seeds and grapeseed extracts.

Properties

• Flavonoids are high in antioxidants properties. Antioxidants are found to protect the skin cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage skin cells, alter cell growth and lead to cell death. By consuming antioxidants, the cell structure is protected and strengthened, reversing damage and aging. The most beneficial flavonoids in grapeseed extract are found in Procyanidins. Procyanidins improve eyesight, arteries, joint flexibility, body tissue, strengthen capillaries and improving circulation. Vitamin E benefits the skin, keeping it soft and helping the cells retain moisture and elasticity.

Benefits

• Grapeseed extract improves the circulatory system and strengthens blood vessels. Keeping the blood vessel system functioning well is an important step in reducing strain on the heart. By reducing blood pressure, the antioxidants in grapeseed extract help to protect the heart from disease and failure. Resveratrol improves and maintains brain function and is a powerful antioxidant. The antioxidants in grapeseed extract can also help to prevent some cancers from forming.

Conditions

• Grapeseed extract is used to treat conditions associated with poor circulation and blood flow. Leg cramps, varicose veins, numbness of the legs and arms and chronic venous insufficiency often respond to grapeseed extract. The harmful cholesterol LDL is inhibited by grapeseed extract. Oxidation of LDL can lead to hardened arteries. Grapeseed extract helps protect against age-related muscle degeneration and can improve symptoms of minor eyestrain. Taking grapeseed extract may reduce the pain and inflammation associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Considerations

• Grapeseed extract is safe to use as a daily supplement. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adults will benefit by taking 25-150 mg of a standardized grapeseed extract containing 40-80% proanthocyanidins or 95% OPC value 1-3 times a day. There are no known side effects of grapeseed extract and no known drug interactions. Though grapeseed extract is considered safe, it is always advised to consult a physician before taking grapeseed extract when on any medication.