The dietary supplement grape seed extract or GSE is prepared by removing the seeds of grapes and then drying and crushing them. These bitter-tasting seeds come filled with antioxidants such as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complex (or OPC), flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and more. The presence of so many antioxidants makes this natural extract extremely beneficial for our health. Read on to get acquainted with some of the most prominent health benefits of grape seed extract.
Aids Blood Pressure Control
Researchers have confirmed that consuming 100 to 2,000 mg of grapeseed extract every day can significantly reduce both diastolic and systolic pressure in individuals suffering from hypertension. On average, the participants of one such study saw their diastolic pressure drop by 2.8 mmHg, while their systolic pressure dropped by 6.08 mmHg.
The improvements were most prominent in obese patients (or patients suffering from any other metabolic disorder) aged below 50 years.
Improves Flow of Blood
During a recent study, 17 postmenopausal women were given 400 mg GSE. None of these women had any health problems.
After sticking to the schedule for eight weeks, researchers found that the component worked as a blood-thinning agent and reduced the participants’ chances of developing blood clots.
During another study, 8 young and healthy women took 400mg proanthocyanidin every day and followed that up with 6 hours of constant sitting. The proanthocyanidin used in this study was derived from grape seed extract. After the few weeks of the study, researchers found that the daily dose of proanthocyanidin reduced the participants’ edema and leg swelling by 70%.
The reduction in leg swelling and a decrease in the chances of developing blood clots confirm grape seed extract’s ability to improve the flow of blood.
Lowers Oxidative Stress
High levels of bad cholesterol or LDL is one of the most common risk factors for cardiac disorders. The risk becomes even greater when LDL cholesterol undergoes oxidation. Such actions often lead to atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries.
By consuming GSE regularly, you can prevent or decrease LDL oxidation caused by overconsumption of fatty food. This ability of the supplement has been proved through multiple studies.
During one such study, 8 healthy individuals took 300 mg grapeseed extract after consuming a meal filled with fatty foods. Another group of people consumed the same food items but didn’t take the supplement.
When tested, it was found that GSE succeeded in inhibiting fat oxidation in people belonging to the first group. The participants in the second group, on the other hand, experienced a 150% rise in the intensity of fat oxidation in their body.
Increases Bone Strength
Flavonoids are known for their ability to boost bone strength. Grape seed extract is one of the richest sources of these antioxidants. Thus, consuming the supplement regularly can help you to improve your bone strength and bone density.
During an animal study conducted to test GSE’s ability to improve the subjects’ bone health, the participants were divided into three groups. Participants in the first group were given a low calcium diet, those in the second group received a standard diet, and the ones in the third group were given a high calcium diet.
Along with their meals, participants in each of the three groups also received a daily dose of grapeseed extract. At the end of the study, researchers found that irrespective of how much calcium they took, the participating animals experienced a rise in their bone strength, bone density, and bone mineral content.
Supports Aging Brain
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of flavonoids have been found to delay the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions in elderly individuals. If you have already developed an age-related neurodegenerative condition, flavonoids will help in preventing the worsening of the symptoms.
Gallic acid, a type of phenolic acid found in GSE, on the other hand, is capable of stopping the beta-amyloid peptides from producing fibrils. For those who don’t know, the beta-amyloid peptides play crucial roles in triggering Alzheimer’s disease in aging people.
Improves Kidney Health
Our kidneys remain at high risk of suffering oxidative damage. What’s worse is that such damages are usually irreversible.
GSE comes with the ability to decrease oxidative stress and thereby boosts the functioning of our kidneys and lower kidney damage.
During a recent study, 23 individuals suffering from chronic renal failure received 2g of the supplement every day. After six months of taking grape seed extract, those 23 participants experienced a 3% drop in the levels of their urinary protein. They also saw their kidney filtration improve by 9%. However, individuals in the placebo group didn’t experience any improvement in their condition.
Fights Infections Effectively
GSE boasts highly powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. The supplement is capable of preventing various common foodborne microbes such as E. coli and campylobacter from growing and causing health issues like stomach upset and food poisoning.
Researchers have confirmed GSE’s ability to fight 43 different strains of Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria known for their antibiotic-resistant nature.
Grapeseed extract is also often used for treating vaginal candidiasis and fungal infections caused by candida.
Might Decrease Risk of Certain Cancers
It’s not easy to identify any particular cause of cancer. However, medical experts suggest that people develop the condition primarily due to DNA damage.
Researchers have found that one can reduce his or her chances of having various cancers by increasing the intake of antioxidants like proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. Both these antioxidants are found in GSE. The cancer types you may prevent by consuming the supplement include liver, prostate, pancreatic cell, gastric, breast, and lung cancers.
Protects the Liver
A healthy liver performs the job of removing harmful toxins from our system. These are toxins entering our body through pollutants, drugs, alcohol, viral infections, etc. Regular consumption of GSE would boost your liver health and prevent the accumulation of harmful toxins in the liver.
Final Words
If you have any chronic condition, it would be a good idea to consult your physician before you start taking grape seed extract.
