Grapeseed Extract – Part 2 - Health Plus Digest

Researchers have found that grapeseed extract is one of the few anti-oxidants that penetrates the blood brain barrier. There is also some evidence to show that it helps to prevent formation of plaque in the arteries and helps to prevent both peripheral vascular disease and cardiovascular disease. And because grapeseed extract does pass the blood brain barrier it produces improved mental alertness and the prevention of senility.

One of the particular phenols found in grapeseed extract is called procyanidin. It was originally discovered in 1936 and thought to protect the body from premature aging. This chemical also bonds with collagen which is the most abundant protein in the body. This bonding promotes cell health and skin elasticity. In essence grapeseed extract has some ability to protect the skin from sun damage.

There are some minor side effects to using commercially prepared grapeseed extract which includes dizziness, nausea and potentially interfering with laboratory manufactured cholesterol-lowering drugs. Before using grapeseed extract as a supplement to your vitamins and minerals you should discuss it with your primary care physician and pharmacists to ensure that it does not interfere with any medications you may already be taking or any other underlying medical condition.

Luckily, you don’t have to drink gallons of wine or grape juice to get the helpful antioxidants in your body. Although, eating the raw and natural product is always more bioavailable you would have to drink too much to get the best benefits. Instead there are extract supplements that are available to give you all of the health properties by simply taking a pill.

References:

(1) Alcohol Research and Health: Alcohol, Oxidative Stress, and Free Radical Damage

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-4/277-284.pdf

(2) American Association for Cancer Research: Grape Seed Extract Kills Laboratory Leukemia Cells, Proving Value of Natural Compounds

http://www.aacr.org/home/public–media/aacr-press-releases/press-releases-2008.aspx?d=1234