Grape Seed Antioxidant For years, grapes have been known for their medicinal values in treating skin, kidney, and liver disease, in addition to cancer, nausea, and eye infections. Grape leaves were used to treat bleeding and inflammation, while dried grapes were used to treat constipation. Grape seeds, known as Vitis vinifera, have been recently discovered to have the most health benefits. It contains vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, procyanidins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Health Benefits Grape seed antioxidant supplements are known to be able to increase the amount of antioxidants in the body. There are certain studies which have discovered grape seeds to contain one of the best antioxidants, which can help prevent and alleviate the symptoms of certain disorders. High Cholesterol Grape seed antioxidants were able to help with people who have high cholesterol. A study with regard to grape seeds effect on high cholesterol was conducted on 40 people for 2 months. They found that a combination of grape seed extract and chromium was more effective than placebo in lowering bad cholesterol. High Blood Pressure Grape seed antioxidants are also believed to be able to aid people with high blood pressure. In a study conducted on healthy mice, it was found that grape seed extract was able to reduce systolic blood pressure. More studies are needed, however, to prove its ability to lower blood pressure in humans. Pancreatitis Pancreatitis, wherein the pancreas are inflamed, are supposedly able to be remedied by grape seed antioxidants. A study made on 3 people with chronic pancreatitis found that taking grape seed extract lessened their symptoms, whereas taking conventional medication failed to do so. Further studies in order to prove this are needed, however. Cancer Grape seed antioxidants are also able to help with cancer, as well as in preventing cell damage due to chemotherapy. Studies have been conducted wherein it was found that grape seed extract prevented the growth of breast, stomach, and lung cancer cells. Again, more studies are needed in order to verify this. Heart Health Additionally, grape seed antioxidants are also said to have the ability to improve blood circulation, prevent the clogging of arteries, and help with certain circulatory ailments. Some research shows that consumption of grape seed and grape skin in combination, such as in red wine, grape juice or a commercially available vitamin supplement products, may be more beneficial than grape seed alone. Further research is needed.1 When not to use Grape Seed Grape seed antioxidant supplements are generally safe, but do not take it if you are allergic to grapes. Also, do not take it if you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. In addition, avoid taking Grape seed antioxidants when you are also taking medications such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin/heparin/clopidogrel, pain relievers, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, as it may cause bleeding. Grape Seed Usage The most effective grape seed extracts contain 40-80% proanthocyanidins or 90% polyphenols per dose, standardized in each and every capsule. |
