The benefits of red wine are increasingly recognized, but did you know you can enhance your wellness without the alcohol? The grapes themselves have natural antioxidants that help support overall health. Find out more about how you can start incorporating its benefits into your life.
What are the Best Grape Seed Extract Products?
Fortunately, you don’t need to extract anything from grape seeds to enjoy their wellness benefits. The extract is typically included in supplements like capsules and softgels. Here are a few recommended products you can try.- Terry Naturally Clinical OPC French Grape Extract VX1: Terry Naturally is known for its high-quality, innovative supplements. Its French Grape Extract is an excellent source of antioxidants that benefit cardiovascular, liver, and cell health and immune system function.
- NOW Foods Grape Seed Extract 100 Mg: NOW Foods produces all-natural, science-backed products. Their Grape Seed Extract is optimized to support vascular, bone, kidney, and brain health and improve immune response.
- Vital Nutrients Grape Seed Extract: Vital Nutrients is dedicated to supporting a healthy planet. Their Grape Seed Extract contains potent antioxidants that improve vein health and enzyme systems.
What is Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract is derived from grape seeds and is high in proanthocyanidins, a polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties. Proanthocyanidins neutralize free radicals and inhibit inflammatory mediators, while polyphenolic compounds reduce the release of arachidonic acid, which triggers inflammation. Grape seed extract is also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health and provide antioxidant effects.What are Grape Seed Extract Benefits?
Despite some unsubstantiated claims, there are several proven grape seed extract benefits. Here are some findings revealed in a 2019 NIH study.- May Help Manage Inflammation: Grape seed extract has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce symptoms of some chronic conditions.
- May Support Cardiovascular Activity: Several studies show that grape polyphenols may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce atherosclerosis risk, lower blood pressure, inhibit platelet aggregation, and activate proteins that prevent cell senescence.
- May Support Circulation: Grape seed extract's tannins are active antioxidants that may protect the lining of blood vessels from damage, positively affecting people with circulation issues.
- May Aid Wound Healing: Research reveals that the polyphenolic bioflavonoids in grape seed extract accelerate wound healing, specifically inducing the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in human keratinocytes responsible for wound healing.
- May Help Manage Peptic Ulcers: Some research suggests GSE may provide immunity against chronic and acute gastric and intestinal oxidative injury due to procyanidins’ ability to bind and cover the stomach’s surface.
- Anticancer Activity: Studies have suggested that the phenolic compounds in grape seed extract may exhibit cytotoxic activity against tumor cells without affecting normal cells.
- Antimicrobial Activity: Grape seed extract has exhibited effective antimicrobial activity and may be used to destroy specific pathogens and bacteria.
What are Grape Seed Extract Side Effects?
Although studies are limited, and the product is mostly safe, there may be some grape seed extract side effects to be aware of. For example:- Interactions: Talk to your healthcare provider before taking grape seed extract to ensure it won’t interact with any medications or supplements.
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Due to limited research, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking grape seed extract.
- Lack of Regulations: Like many supplements, grape seed extract products are not FDA-regulated, leaving some unknowns regarding purity and potency. Purchase from a trusted brand to avoid grape seed extract side effects.
