Who knew that the tiny center of a grape could be the next superfood in your diet? Grape seed extract (GSE) offers a range of potential health benefits due to its antioxidant-rich composition. From reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow to promoting wound healing and preventing cognitive decline, grape seed extract shows promise in various areas of health and wellness.
GSE is a widely recognized dietary supplement derived from the seeds of grapes. These bitter-tasting seeds are removed, dried, and crushed to create a concentrated antioxidant superfood extract.
The Nutritional Profile of Grape Seeds
Grape seeds contain a plethora of beneficial compounds, including antioxidants like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). These antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing diseases and protecting against oxidative stress, tissue damage, and inflammation.
In their natural form, grape seeds consist of fiber, minerals, protein, water, and oil. Approximately 35% of the seed’s weight is fiber, 3% is minerals, 11% is protein, 7% is water, and 20% is oils. The mineral content of grape seeds includes potassium, copper, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron1.
Let’s look at the top six health benefits you can gain from introducing grape seed extract into your diet:
Reducing Blood Pressure
These tiny powerhouses pack a punch when it comes to regulating your blood pressure. Based on several studies that have explored the effects of GSE on high blood pressure. A comprehensive review of 16 studies involving 810 individuals with high blood pressure or an elevated risk of it found that taking 100-2,000 mg of grape seed extract daily significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The average reductions were 6.08 mmHg for systolic and 2.8 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. Great news for those dealing with hypertension.
Young to middle-aged individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders showed the most significant improvements. Lower 100-800 mg daily doses for 8-16 weeks yielded more promising results than 800 mg or more daily doses2.
Improving Blood Flow
GSE can enhance blood flow, potentially reducing the risk of blood clots. A study on 17 healthy postmenopausal women found that taking 400 mg of grape seed extract for eight weeks had blood-thinning effects. These effects can be beneficial in preventing blood clots.
Another study involving eight healthy young women examined the effects of a single 400 mg dose of proanthocyanidin from grape seed extract followed by 6 hours of sitting. The results indicated improved blood flow3.
Healing Wounds
Grape seed extract has also shown the potential to accelerate the wound healing process. A study on mice applied proanthocyanidin extract from grape seed topically on wounds, resulting in quicker healing times. An increased production of a compound essential for wound healing was observed when grape seed extract was used.
Enhancing Bone Strength
Including grape seed extract in our diet alongside calcium can have a beneficial effect on bone formation and bone strength. A study on mice fed a low-calcium diet found that combining calcium and proanthocyanidins from grape seed extract improved bone structure4.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The antioxidants present in grape seed extract can protect blood vessels from damage, potentially preventing high blood pressure. Studies have shown that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract provides superior antioxidant efficacy to vitamins C, E, and B-carotene. Grape seed extract may help reduce systolic blood pressure and heart rate.
Preventing Cognitive Decline
Proanthocyanidins in grape seed extract have been linked to preventing cognitive decline. Research supports the role of grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts as a neuroprotectant, particularly in the hippocampus. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is actively supporting studies on the effects of grape seed extract on Alzheimer’s disease5.
Other Possible Benefits
Aside from these benefits, grape seed extract may have other potential advantages. Some studies suggest that it may help with tooth decay, protect against pathogens, and improve night vision. Additionally, grape seed extract has been associated with anti-aging properties and reduced inflammation6. With further research, we can fully understand and harness the potential of grape seed extract for optimum health.
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**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
- What Are The Benefits of Grape Seed Extract? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263332.
- 10 Benefits of Grape Seed Extract, Based On Science, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grape-seed-extract-benefits.
- What is Grape Seed Extract? https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-grape-seed-extract-89055.
- Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-grape-seed-extrac.
- The Benefits of Grape Seed Extract, https://mend.me/the-benefits-of-grape-seed-extract/.
- How Grape Seeds Benefit Your Health, https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/food-drink/nutrition/reasons-grape-ful/.