What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Grapes? Red Wine? You will be surprised to know that there is more to grapes, its seeds, or even the extract. Various grape components have been used for medical purposes since ancient Greece, and the practice continues even today. There is evidence that ancient Egyptians and Europeans used grapes as well as grape seeds. Today, we know that grape seed extract contains oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), an antioxidant that has been shown to relieve the symptoms of some medical disorders.
What is Grape Seed Extract?
The grape seed extract is derived from grape seeds. It is made from the ground-up seeds of red wine grapes, which are then fermented. Grape seeds and red wines have been discovered to be beneficial in modern medicine. There is evidence to suggest that wine contains antioxidant properties. These include resveratrol and some tannins, among other things. Proanthocyanidin, an antioxidant present in grape seeds, may also have protective properties similar to red wine. This is a phenolic compound that is a member of the broader group of phytochemicals known as flavonoids found in plants. It is a member of the tannin's subgroup of compounds.
Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
Enhances Athletic Performance
A study was conducted on athletes who performed different exercise types (e.g., resistance, aerobic or anaerobic exercise), and the effects of grape seed extract were discussed. The results found that grape seed extract can act as an antioxidant capable of reducing oxidative stress in these athletes and improving their overall performance. In addition, findings also imply that grape seed extracts supplementation may act as an ergogenic aid that can prolong the onset of fatigue during physical activity.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Grape seed extract contains antioxidants that may prevent blood vessels from becoming damaged, hence reducing high blood pressure. According to a study published in Mutation Research, it "provides higher antioxidant activity than vitamins C, E, and -carotene". According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), it may be beneficial in lowering systolic blood pressure and increasing heart rate.
Prevents Cognitive Declination
Grape seed extract contains a high concentration of proanthocyanidins, which some believe may be beneficial in preventing cognitive deterioration. "Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) plays a vital function in neuroprotection in the hippocampus and the prevention of cognitive decline associated with ageing," according to one research.
Improves Bone Strength
Increasing flavonoid intake may have a beneficial effect on collagen synthesis and bone formation. Grape seed extract, which contains a high concentration of flavonoids, may aid in improving bone density and strength. Adding grape seed extract to an adequate calcium diet, according to animal studies, has been shown to increase the density, mineral content, and strength of bone. Furthermore, according to other research, grape seed extract significantly reduced discomfort and joint degeneration in osteoarthritic mice while simultaneously boosting collagen levels and decreasing cartilage loss.
Strengthens Immunity
Since grape seed extract is high in antioxidants known as OPCs, as mentioned above, it will help you enhance your immunity naturally. These antioxidants are among the most potent ever discovered; they are anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial. As a result, they protect cells from harm and may aid in the prevention of many diseases. As your immunity improves, you may notice an increase in your energy levels, as well as an improvement in your nervous system, as the body begins to function as a whole.
How to Supplement Grape Seed Extract?
The best way to supplement grape seed extract in your daily diet is to add a good multivitamin to your supplement stack. Maximult from Epicvita comes with 10 mg of grape seed extract, which will help you fulfil your daily dosage and reap all the benefits. Maximult is a multivitamin that is available for Men & Women designed to give you a daily all-in-one supplement.
Risks and Side Effects
- Side Effects - The grape seed extract is generally considered safe. Some of the side effects may include headache, itchy scalp, dizziness, and nausea in some people.
- Risks - Grape seed extract should not be used by anyone who is allergic to grapes. Before using grape seed extract, see your doctor if you have a bleeding disease or high blood pressure.
- Interactions - If you take any medications daily, consult your doctor before using grape seed extract. It may interfere with blood thinners, aspirin-like pain relievers, cardiac medications, cancer treatments, and other medications.
The Bottom Line
The grape seed extract is a dietary supplement and a potent source of antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins. The antioxidants present in grape seed extract have many benefits, and if you are someone looking to notch up your fitness levels and health in general, you should give it a try.
References
Kim, J. K. (2018). Effects of Grape Seed Extract Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Athletes. Research & Investigations in Sports Medicine, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.31031/rism.2018.02.000531
Li, B., Li, X., Gao, H., Zhang, J., Cai, Q., Cheng, M., & Lu, M. (2011). Grape seed procyanidin B2 inhibits advanced glycation end product-induced endothelial cell apoptosis through regulating GSK3β phosphorylation. Cell Biology International, 35(7), 663–669. https://doi.org/10.1042/cbi20100656
Kar, P., Laight, D., Rooprai, H. K., Shaw, K. M., & Cummings, M. (2009). Effects of grape seed extract in Type 2 diabetic subjects at high cardiovascular risk: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial examining metabolic markers, vascular tone, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity. Diabetic Medicine, 26(5), 526–531. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2009.02727.x
Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract promotes bone formation in rat's mandibular condyle. (2006). The Journal of the Kyushu Dental Society, 60(2.3), 6–7. https://doi.org/10.2504/kds.60.6
