Minerals
Barking up a healthy tree with OPC'sWhat they are: Substances found in grape seeds and in an extract, Pycnogenol, Taken from bark of the French maritime pine (Pine pinaster ssp. atlantica).
What they do: These potent antioxidants are under investigation for their therapeutic value in a number of health conditions, including problems with circulation and vision. Read more on OPC
Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is a natural plant substance that has a concentrated source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). Grape Seed Extract is rich in polyphenols, a compound that is considered one of the most potent antioxidants found in nature.
Grape Seed Extract is an herbal remedy known to reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, and protect the body physically and mentally. One clinical trial demonstrated that the antioxidant action of Grape Seed Extract is more powerful than the effect of vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. Another great benefit of grape seed extract is that it can reduce the risk for cancer, which can be caused in part by free radical damage.
Health Benefits Grape seed extract is used to help prevent or treat a variety of conditions, especially those related to poor circulation. Many research publications have reported on the health benefits of grape seed extracts including improving cardiovascular health, and gastric health. Some lab studies have also found that proanthocyanidins may reduce the body’s production of estrogen, which could possibly affect hormone-sensitive tumors like breast cancer.
Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are present in leaves, fruits, pine barks, roots and flowers. Proanthocyanidins are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E. Proanthocyanidins from grape seeds promote proliferation of hair follicle cells in one study. Chewing grape seeds is a natural way to consume more proanthocyanidins, but the quantity of seeds needed to get 100mgs of this polyphenol is enormous so supplementation is a better option. As with many supplementary products, the original source of the product is broken down and substance derived from which they are compressed and made into a purer and more concentrated way of taking the substance; grape seed extract is the same.
When grape seed extract is taken with anticoagulant drugs (including clopidogrel, Ticlid, heparin, warfarin, and aspirin), the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding or other undesired side effects. Phenols and tannins, which are found in red grapes, give these products their reported benefits. Benefits may include increased testosterone, improved circulation, more energy, increased potency, stamina, and improved erectile function. There have been numerous studies that show the benefits of moderate red wine consumption on health.
Although grape seed extract is added to anti-aging creams and serums, it is also found in modern oral supplements as well. Grape seed extract is considered safe, even in moderately high doses but always follow package directions as labeled on the bottle you may purchase. This article concludes that grape seed extract is highly bioavailable and provides significantly greater protection against free radicals and free radical-induced lipid per oxidation and DNA damage than vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, including cancer. Very few items in the nutritional arsenal can boast as many and varied potential benefits as grape seed extract can.