Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

One of the benefits of grape seed extract is it supports the cardiovascular system which includes the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries which carry blood back and forth from the heart to the lungs and from the heart to the rest of the body. This is great news because taking grape seed extract may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, poor circulation, coronary heart disease and heart attack.

One of the factors that can lead to heart disease is high blood pressure of hypertension. Scientists at the University of California at Davis conducted a study on 24 adults and 4 weeks later noted that their blood pressure dropped after taking grape seed extract. According to the scientist, grapeseed extract has blood pressure lowering properties and is able to dilate blood vessels. Another study conducted at the same university found that taking high dosage of grape seed extract reduced LDL or bad cholesterol levels, which again means the ability to support cardiovascular health.

Grape seeds or also called grape pips are rich in a water soluble bioflavonoid called proanthocyanidins. The oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes or OPCs are antioxidants or substances that destroy free radicals in the body that can damage DNA and also may cause cell death. There are claims that proanthocyanidins are 20 times more potent than vitamin C, and 50 times more potent than vitamin E. A study done on healthy volunteers found that grape seed extract considerably increased the levels of antioxidants in the blood. So, another one of the benefits of grape seed extract is it helps boosts the immune system to fight against harmful compounds which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases including breast, stomach, colon, prostate and lung cancer.

Scientific studies also indicate that grapeseed extract benefits include its potential in treating venous insufficiency such as varicose veins and spider veins and reducing edema which is swelling caused by fluid retention.

Some trials have shown that the benefits of grape seed extract include treating complications caused by diabetes such as eye problem or retinopathy and weakness in the small blood vessels. It may also help control blood sugar levels.

Grape seed nutrients include linoleic acid and vitamin E. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and besides fighting free radicals, vitamin E may help protect healthy brain and nerve tissues and may prevent Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive and brain disorders.

Since grape seed is rich in antioxidants, it is helpful in protecting collagen and elastin in the skin and may slow the aging process. This is one of the reasons why polyphenols which are present in grape seed extract are used in some skin care products such as facial mask or peel and body lotion.

Other potential benefits of grape seed extract also include improving night vision, treating pancreatitis, joint pain and arthritis. It may also protect the body against kidney and liver diseases. And because it supports blood circulation, grape seed benefits include treating hemorrhoids and reducing migraine attacks.

These are some of the benefits of grape seed extract. But to prevent diseases and for optimum health, bear in mind that you should include exercise or physical activities in your daily routine, quit smoking, manage stress, reduce alcohol consumption and eat a well balanced diet.

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