Grape Seed Vs. Grape Skin Resveratrol

Recent studies on the health benefits of red wine have increased public interest in grape seed and its derivatives as a daily supplement. Both grape seed extract and resveratrol compounds are pressed from grapes when making wine. Vintners extract grape seed from the actual seed of the grape and resveratrol from the skin to help manufacturers create health supplements in tablet, capsule and liquid form.

History

• Ancient Egyptians first consumed grapes approximately 6,000 years ago, and subsequently, Greek philosophers acknowledged the health benefits of red wine on the human body. When grapes initially arrived in Europe and North America around the 1600s, folk healers discovered ways to use the fruit to treat skin and eye diseases. According to literature on grape seed from the University of Maryland Medical Center, grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation and pain. The actual grape constituted treatments for a broad variety of other health problems such as cholera, smallpox, nausea, skin, liver and kidney diseases. Today, medical practitioners tout grape seed extract and resveratrol as natural defenses against heart disease and other related complications.

Significance

• Although seedless grapes are popular among consumers, researchers claim the most beneficial substances reside in the actual seed. Grape seed contains antioxidant properties that reduce cell damage caused by toxins in the environment and relieves the side effects of chemotherapy treatment.

  Resveratrol is the key ingredient found in red wine that promotes hearth health. The article, "Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?" written by Mayo Clinic staff, states that the antioxidants found in red wine protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart and also prevent blockage and hardening of the arteries.

Function

• Grape seed is used to treat a long list of potentially debilitating diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor circulation, heart disease, diabetes, vision problems, swelling, wounds and cancer.
  Resveratrol as a supplement is used to increase endurance, reduce memory loss, treat eye diseases and fight viruses such as herpes and HIV. Resveratrol compounds are also used in anti-aging products and eye serums.

Benefits

• Grape seed raises antioxidant levels in the bloodstream, which boosts the body's ability to defend against viruses and diseases. Grape seed regulates blood sugar and reduces the effects of cell damage caused by environmental toxins such as smoke and air pollution.

  Resveratrol prevents and treats heart disease by neutralizing bad cholesterols that can harden the arteries. Consuming five to 10 ounces of red wine containing resveratrol per day can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Considerations

• Natural herbs can interact negatively with other vitamins or medications, so consult a physician before consuming grape seed or resveratrol as a dietary supplement. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take these supplements at all since they can trigger uterine contractions. Grape seed and resveratrol supplements should not be given to children. The recommended dosage of grape seed extract for adults is 25 to 150 mcg, one to three times per day. Women should limit red wine consumption to one glass per day, but men can safely handle two glasses per day due to larger body mass. For those who cannot drink alcohol, alternative food sources of resveratrol include peanuts, grapes and grape juice.

Warnings

• Although grape seed extract is generally well-tolerated among adults, possible side effects include headache, nausea, dry, itchy scalp and dizziness. Since the health and wellness industry has proclaimed more health benefits than is actually supported by medical research at this point, consumers should proceed with caution when considering information regarding grape seed and resveratrol supplements.