There are many grape seed extract benefits that can help promote good health and have a very positive effect on your body with very few side effects. Of all the herbal supplements available on the market, grape seed is one of the ones that have undergone the most scientific scrutiny, and its benefits have been substantiated many times over. Below you will find some of the health benefits of grape seed extract that have gone through scientific study and come out the other side as being supported by empirical studies.
Antioxidant and Fighting Free Radicals
Many of the ways that grape seed extract benefits the body stem from its ability to act as a very powerful antioxidant. In fact, it is one of the most powerful antioxidants currently known, with its effectiveness exceeding 20 times the power of Vitamin C and 50 times the power of Vitamin E.
Part of the reason it is so effective is that it can easily permeate a variety of different body tissues, and is one of the only antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier and carry its free radical fighting abilities to every corner of the body, even into the brain. Some believe that this ability allows it to help preserve mental acuity and prevent senility as you grow older.
Cardiovascular Health
Grape seed extract benefits cardiovascular health in a number of different ways. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it is helpful in keeping the blood clean and reducing inflammation in the body. It has also been found to be beneficial in the treatment of circulatory disorders, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, because it helps to strengthen and support the cardiovascular system.
Grape Seed Extract Benefits Skin Health
Through its ability to strengthen the cardiovascular system, grape seed extract is also beneficial when it comes to various skin conditions and infections because it promotes a healthy blood flow. It also helps to reduce the breakdown of collagen in the skin, helping to keep it soft and healthy.
Photo Credit: Teodora Vlaicu
Cholesterol
Replacing your regular cooking oil with grape seed oil benefits your health not only by eliminating an unhealthy fat from your diet and replacing it with a healthier variety, but those benefits can even have a positive effect on your cholesterol levels. One study that ran for four weeks found that people who replaced their cooking oil with grape seed oil saw an average of a 14% reduction in their cholesterol levels.
As you can see, there are many grape seed extract health benefits that can go a long way towards keeping you healthy and alert well into your elder years. From its antioxidant power to positive effect on skin, mental acuity, and blood chemistry, the various ways that grape seed extract benefits your health make it well worth adding to your wellness routine.
No standardized dosage has been established, but most people feel that 50 to 200 grams per day is appropriate, with the highest dosages being reserved for the elderly. As always, if you have any serious medical conditions or are taking any medication, be sure to consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.
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I have been taking these antioxidants for 16 yrs very soon. .
I started with Pycnogenol in Sept 1995, and the first health issues to go AWAY are allergies/sinus/headaches.
Then 1 yr later I switched to Grapeseed Extract and continue on GSE now for the last 15 yrs.
I had 2 bouts of edema, one from a blood pressure med and I upped my dose from 200mg to 400mg and the edema went bye bye.
Then last year I had a hip replacement and ended up with some edema, and upped my GSE again for a while and got rid of the edema…..
I haven’t gone for an eye exam in about 5 yrs now, my eyes are fine….nothing is changing.
Now back to 200mg two times per day and all is good.
Initially, I was told Pycnogenol MAY prevent cancer and that is the MAIN reason I jumped on it…So far so good, and I’m 73. I wouldn’t live without these antioxidants. joyce martino 8/27/11