Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
Why is Grape Seed Extract important for you? Grapes have their medical and nutritive importance from decades. According to historians, Greek philosophers used grapes for healing purpose and Egyptians used to eat grapes for centuries. Grapes are helpful to treat many diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and aging. Although scientific evidence is lacking but the grape seeds and chemicals within them, especially oligoemeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), are believed to be powerful antioxidants. But on the other hand, evidence supports that grape seeds are helpful in treating chronic venous insufficiency and edema.
Grape seeds have high concentration of Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid and OPCs. The skin of the grapes also has these compounds but in low concentration. Another compound Resveratrol found in grapes’ seeds is related as OPC. It is believed to be an antioxidant and is being under study in relation to many diseases.
Some of the most awesome grape’s seed benefits are:
Chronic Venous Insufficiency:
According to medical research, OPCs found in grape seed could reduce the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. In
this disease the blood pools in the legs, causing pain, swelling, fatigue and visible veins. Therefore, Grape seed extract is used to ease the pain.
Edema:
After surgery or an injury, the swelling on the wound is called as edema. The patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery usually have edema. In a double blind spot, researchers have found in a placebo controlled study, that the patients has less edema and pain who took 600 mg of seed extract for six months right after the surgery than the patients who took a placebo. In another research it is shown that grape seed extract reduces the edema after sports injury if taken right after the injury.
High cholesterol:
Two preliminary studies showed that grape seed extract can lower cholesterol level. A study carried out on 40 people with high cholesterol showed that grape seed extract, chromium, a combination of both, for 2 months would result in lowering of cholesterol level. This study proves that grape seed extract and chromium, when used together was more effective in lowering of total or LDL cholesterol.
Another research carried out on a group of heavy smokers looked at the effect of grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation (the process of breakdown of fats in blood). In this study, twenty-four healthy male smokers, aged 50 years or more, took 2 capsules of grape seed extract, twice a day for 4 weeks. The composition of capsule was 75 mg of a grape procyanidin extracts and soy phosphatidalcholine. On the other hand, the other group took placebo. The results showed that “bad” LDL cholesterol levels were lower in those taking the grape seed supplement than those taking the placebo.
High Blood Pressure:
Grape seed extract might help in the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. The antioxidants found in grapes seed helps protect blood vessels from damage inside our body. High blood pressure is the result of damaged blood pressure. The researchers studying animals found that grape seed extract reduces blood pressure. As far as humans are concerned, the effects of grape seed extract on high blood pressure patients are not yet confirmed.
Cancer:
According to researchers, the prevention of growth of breast cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and
lung cancer cells is possible with grape seed extract. However, its effectiveness on humans is not yet proven. The risk of developing cancer may also be reduced with the help of grape seed extract. Grape seed extract is very effective in prevention of human liver cells damaged by chemotherapy medications. Before combining antioxidants with any chemotherapy drugs, one should consult with their doctor or pharmacist for the safe interaction of both. One should also make sure that the combinations do not interfere with the chemotherapy medications.
Other conditions:
Grape seed extract is sometimes prescribed for the following conditions, although evidence is slight:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes (to improve blood sugar control)
- Improve night vision
- Protecting collagen and elastin for anti-aging
- Treating hemorrhoids
- Protecting against oxidative rancidity and bacterial pathogens
Grape seed extract is very advantageous in maintaining health. It is helpful in easing the pain in chronic venous insufficiency, limiting the burden of cholesterol in the body, preventing growth of cancerous cells and fighting degenerative diseases. It is quite a miracle cure of limitless number of disorders and conditions. Better try it for yourself, watch its healing powers in action and praise the Mother Nature for this blessing!
Johanna Oosterwijk N.D.