What is Grape Seed Extract?
Grapes have provided a wealth of health benefits since ancient times. Greek and Roman cultures promoted the importance of drinking grapes made from wine. (x) For centuries, people who live in France have the lowest coronary heart disease than any other country, as explained by the “French paradox,” where they consume high quantities of red wine. (x) Today, the grape seed extract is a supplement derived from the ground-up grape seeds used to manufacture red wine. Like red wine, it can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. There is evidence that it helps with eye conditions resulting from diabetes. Consider checking with your medical provider before taking any new supplement.
Grape Seed Extract Benefits
- Helps Reduce Blood Pressure
Several studies have examined the effects of grape seed extract on blood pressure. Reviewing data from over 16 various studies included 810 participants who had high blood pressure (HBP) exhibited an HBP risk. Researchers found that participants who took just 100 to 2,000 mg daily significantly reduced their diastolic blood pressure — regular rest between the heartbeats. A normal range is 60 or below 80. (x)
On average, study participants saw a reduction of 2.8 mmHg, the amount of pressure. Those under the age of 50 classified as obese benefited the most from taking grape seed extract. (x) Therefore, it may help to reduce blood pressure. (x)
- Helps Improve Blood Circulation
There is mounting evidence that grape seed extract might help to increase blood flow. For example, as mentioned earlier, red wine may lower the risk of heart disease.
Researchers Wayne R. Leifert and Mahinda Y Abeywardena of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation concluded that the polyphenols in grape seed extract act as natural antioxidants resveratrol, anthocyanin, flavonoids, and phenolic acid. (x) These antioxidants work to prevent damage at the cellular level by decreasing oxidation of “bad” cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, leading to atherosclerosis — a hardening of the arteries that reduces blood flow.
Also, researchers found that grape polyphenols work as a protective agent for both the heart and blood vessels by reducing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, blood vessel narrowing, and blood clotting. An eight-week study conducted on 17 postmenopausal women showed that taking just 400 mg of grape seed extract had a blood-thinning effect, which could mean that it might reduce the risk of clotting. Make sure the supplement works for your body by talking with your physician. (x)
- Aids in Reducing Oxidative Damage
The medical community already knows that the oxidation of LDL cholesterol increases the risk of fatty plaque building up in the arteries. (x) There is evidence that taking grape seed extract can reduce LDL oxidation in people who consume a high-fat diet.
Oxidative stress causes free radicals in your body, which causes stress on your overall system. Oxidative stress may cause cancer, heart disease, and other health concerns. (x)
In one scientific study, 87 people undergoing heart surgery took 400 mg of grape seed extract the day before their procedure. Results showed that they had a significant decrease in oxidative stress. That means that taking the extract might protect people with a predisposed heart condition from sustaining more damage. (x)
When experiencing high stress, people might benefit from taking grape seed extract to reduce oxidation of the heart by reducing LDL oxidation. A reduction in LDL oxidation reduces fatty plaque build-up, leading to a high risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Helps Improve Bone and Collagen Strength
Supplementing with grape seed extract increases your intake of flavonoids. Research shows that an increase in flavonoid consumption improves bone formation and collagen production, which builds and maintains healthy bones. Since grape seed extract is an excellent source of flavonoids, it may increase bone density and bone strength. (x)
Grape seed extract can also help treat rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune condition, which causes the immune system to attack your body, leads to the destruction of the bones and joints. (x) However, studies on animals have shown that grape seed extract can help suppress inflammation and bone destruction, making it a worthwhile supplement to reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. (x) It can also reduce the pain associated with joint damage and bone spurs while reducing cartilage loss. (x)
- Aids in Preventing Neurodegenerative Diseases
Flavonoids found in grape seed extract can help lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. It is because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. (x)
Gallic acid is a substance that can inhibit the growth of fibrils by beta-amyloid peptides in animal studies. In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain exhibits clusters of beta-amyloid proteins. Because grape seed extract contains gallic acid, it may improve cognitive function and reduce amyloid clusters and brain lesions while reducing memory loss in animals. (x)
A study conducted on 111 older adults spanning twelve weeks concluded that taking 150 mg of grape seed extract a day helped improve language, attention, and memory. (x) Low doses can help reduce cognitive decline and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Helps Improve Kidney Function
Your kidneys are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. And once you sustain kidney damage, it is very often irreversible. Luckily, studies on animals show that supplementing with grape seed extract can help reduce kidney damage caused by oxidative stress. (x)
Grape seed extract can also help reduce inflammation in the kidneys, leading to better kidney function. In fact, in a study where 23 participants diagnosed with renal failure took 2 grams of grape seed extract a day for six months, researchers found that kidney filtration improved by nine percent. Also, protein in the participant’s urine decreased by as much as three percent. Therefore, they concluded that grape seed extract improves overall kidney function and reduces damage because of oxidation. (x)
- Potentially Inhibits Infectious Growth
Grape seed extract can inhibit the growth of food-borne illnesses like E. coli and campylobacter. Laboratory studies show it may stop the growth of 43 different antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains — dangerous bacteria. (x)
Candida, known as the overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus, leads to thrush — fungus of the mouth. A scientific study that infected mice with candida received an intra-vaginal grape seed extract concoction every other day for eight days. The treatment eliminated the fungus infection. Supplementing with this extract may help you prevent bacterial infections. (x)
- Possibly Reduces Cancer Risk
Highly potent antioxidants like proanthocyanidins and flavonoids may reduce the risk of many types of cancer. (x) Laboratory tests have shown that grape seed extract helped to inhibit the production of gastric, lung, oral, prostate, pancreatic, breast, and lung cancer cell growth. (x)
The extract has proven to increase the therapeutic potency of chemotherapy in lab mice. And since grape seed extract can protect against oxidative stress and liver toxicity — both of which can result from chemotherapy — it can be doubly beneficial for those undergoing chemotherapy. (x)
- Helps Boost Testosterone
The grape seed extract is chock-full of resveratrol, which is known as a testosterone boosting agent. Procyanidin and proanthocyanidin (flavonoids) work by effectively blocking testosterone conversion into estrogen by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which produces estrogen.
Scientific studies done on grape seed extract and testosterone show that regular supplementation could inhibit the enzyme aromatase from converting testosterone into estrogen. When this happens, the level of testosterone in the body increases. (x)
- May Help to Protect the Liver
The liver can filter out harmful substances like alcohol, pollutants, and drugs, which benefit your body. The grape seed extract can help provide a positive influence on the liver as a protective component. Based on test-tube studies on grape seed extract, researchers found that it helped reduce inflammation and had a protective effect that reduced free-radical damage when they introduced toxins. (x)
ALT or alanine aminotransferase is a liver enzyme that gives a measure of liver toxicity. When 15 people with non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease and high ALT levels consumed grape seed extract for three months, their ALT levels lowered, so they exhibited lower liver toxicity levels. (x)
The extract experimental group had a 46 percent reduction in their ALT levels than another group that received 2 grams of vitamin C daily. Additional studies are necessary, but it might be a powerful tool to help keep your liver healthy and acting optimally.
- Helps Promote Skin Health
The extract improves the healing of wounds. Thirty-five participants who had recently undergone minor surgery took either a placebo or a cream with two percent grape seed extract. The group that took the extract had an average healing time of eight days. The placebo group’s average was 12 days. Proanthocyanidin contained in the extract allows the skin to rejuvenate much more quickly. (x)
In another study, 110 young men used cream of two percent grape seed extract. As a result, they experienced a reduction in acne, an enhanced skin appearance, and improved skin elasticity. (x)
- Aids in Weight Loss
Supplementing with this extract has helped inhibit fatty deposits and reduce fat absorption in the body. It might boost your overall metabolism. If you include an exercise regime will help with your weight loss. When your metabolism increases, you burn calories faster. All of those things combined make the extract a powerful supplement for weight loss. (x)
Where to Buy Grape Seed Extract?
You can purchase grape seed extract at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other food and supplement brands to make their products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying grape seed extract? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order.
Grape Seed Extract Dosage
The grape seed extract is ground-up seeds from various grape varieties. In this form, you only take it as a dietary supplement. If you plan to take grape seed extract as a supplement, it is best to take one 200 mg capsule every other day, but only one capsule per day or as directed by your physician. (x)
Grape Seed Side Effects
Side effects may include upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, headache, dry mouth, diarrhea, muscle pain, dizziness, and itchy scalp. Grape seed extract can also affect the way the liver breaks down and processes certain medications. Discuss with your physician if grape seed extract works for your body.
The Bottom Line
Throughout history, grapes have proven to be beneficial. Grape seed extract, which comes from grapes, can provide a host of health benefits.
It works as an antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress, and even has the potential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientific studies offer information that it may stop cancer growth and lower your high blood pressure. Best of all, the benefits are plentiful and come with very few chances of adverse side effects.
The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
