happy being - march 9th 2023
The Science-Backed Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract (GSE) is a popular supplement derived from (you guessed it) the seeds of grapes.
It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and recent research supports the health benefits of GSE , due to its potent antioxidant and polyphenol content.
Grape seed extract is rich in a class of polyphenols known as proanthocyanidins, which are also known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).
These antioxidant compounds are highly bioavailable and can easily be absorbed by the body.
Proanthocyanidins scavenge free radicals and protect the body against oxidative stress. They are also known to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
In addition to proanthocyanidins, grape seed extract also contains other antioxidant polyphenols like flavonoids, resveratrol, and vitamin E. These phytonutrients further enhance the numerous health benefits of GSE.
In this article, we'll cover five of the (many!) fascinating health benefits that grape seed extract offers.
happy being nourished features 37.5 mg of grape seed extract, as Enovita. One of 50 nutrients that support whole-body health & wellness.
Table of Contents: 5 Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
1. Antioxidant Properties of Grape Seed Extract
GSE reduces oxidation of LDL cholestoral.
2. Grape Seed Extract for Heart Health
GSE helps reduce blood pressure.
3. Grape Seed Extract Promotes Brain Health
Antioxidant properties of GSE protect brain from inflammation
4. Skin Health and Wound Healing Benefits of Grape Seed Extract.
Grape seed extract is know to prevent cellular aging in skin.
5. Grape Seed Extract & Bone Health
Polyphenol-dense GSE prevents arthiritic inflammation.
Antioxidant Properties of Grape Seed Extract
A heightened level of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the bloodstream is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. The occurrence of atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, is significantly increased by the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which plays a crucial role in this disease. Therefore, the antioxidant abilities of GSE help reduce the buildup of plaque in the bloodstream.
According to studies, GSE supplements can diminish the oxidation of LDL cholesterol induced by high-fat diets.
Further human studies have reported similar findings. For instance, when a group of eight healthy people consumed a high-fat meal, the intake of 300 mg of GSE prevented the oxidation of fats in their blood, unlike those who did not take GSE, whose oxidation levels saw a 150% increase.
In another study, 61 healthy adults observed a 13.9% drop in oxidized LDL levels after consuming 400 mg of GSE.
Additionally, a study involving 87 individuals undergoing heart surgery discovered that taking 400 mg of GSE the day before the procedure considerably decreased oxidative stress. Therefore, GSE is likely to protect against further heart damage.
Bottom line: GSE may help decrease the likelihood of heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and minimizing oxidation levels in heart tissue during periods of stress.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27847215/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28074795/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12475295/
Grape Seed Extract and Heart Health
Grape seed extract has been shown to improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and increasing blood flow.
Flavonoids in grape seed extract help to dilate blood vessels, allowing for better circulation. This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
A number of studies have investigated the impact of GSE on individuals with high blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 810 people with high blood pressure or an elevated risk of it revealed that taking grape seed extract in doses ranging from 100 to 2000 mg per day significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 6.08 mmHg and 2.8 mmHg, respectively.
The greatest improvements were observed in individuals under the age of 50 with obesity or metabolic disorders. Notably, the most promising results were seen with lower doses of 100-800 mg daily over a period of 8-16 weeks, as opposed to a single dose of 800 mg or higher.
Additionally, a separate study of 29 adults with high blood pressure found that taking 300 mg of GSE daily for six weeks resulted in a reduction of 5.6% in systolic blood pressure and 4.7% in diastolic blood pressure.
Bottom line: GSE may help reduce blood pressure, especially for young to middle-aged people and folks who carry excess weight.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370781/
How Grape Seed Extract Supports Brain Health
GSE has been found to prevent memory loss, improve cognitive function, reduce brain lesions and amyloid clusters, and enhance brain antioxidant levels in animal studies.
One of the vital components of GSE, gallic acid, has been shown to inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid fibrils in animal and laboratory studies. The buildup of beta-amyloid protein clusters in the brain is a hallmark characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. As such, GSE may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, a 12-week study involving 111 healthy older adults taking 150 mg of GSE daily resulted in better attention, language skills, and immediate and delayed memory. However, there is currently a lack of research on the use of GSE in individuals with preexisting memory or cognitive impairments.
Bottom line: Grape seed extract has also been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This is due to its antioxidant properties & polyphenol content, which protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4288281/
Grape Seed Extract for Skin Health and Wound-Healing
Some studies on animals have shown that grape seed extract can help heal wounds, and there's some promising research on humans too.
For example, in one study, 35 healthy adults who had minor surgery were given either a placebo or a 2% GSE cream. Those using the GSE cream had their wounds completely healed after 8 days, while the placebo group took 14 days to heal. The polyphenols in grape seed extract can trigger the release of growth factors in the skin.
Another study looked at 110 healthy young men who used a 2% GSE cream for 8 weeks. The cream improved their skin's appearance, elasticity, and sebum content, which can help reduce signs of aging.
Bottom line: The polyphenol content of Grape Seed Extract prevents age-related damage and boosts wound healing by 57%.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25402429/
Grape Seed Extract Boosts Bone Health
There is strong evidence that suggests grape seed extract (GSE) may improve bone strength. One study found that treatment with GSE led to increased bone mineral density and improved bone structure compared to rats in the control group.
Additionally, GSE has been found to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, which are cells that contribute to bone formation.
GSE has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its potential benefits for bone health.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of bone disorders, including osteoporosis, and antioxidants may help to reduce oxidative damage to bones.
Moreover, GSE has been found to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone tissue. Inhibition of osteoclast activity may help to prevent bone loss and improve bone density.
GSE may improve bone strength by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts.
Bottom Line: GSE may improve bone strength by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts.