What Are The Benefits Of Proanthocyanidins In Grape Seed Extract

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Grape seed extract is considered as one of the healthiest supplements around the world. As a matter of fact, the health benefits of grape seed extract are mostly attributed to the powerful antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes.

Proanthocyanidin, the active ingredient of grape seed extract has been proven to be 20 times more potent than Vitamin C and 50 times more potent than Vitamin E as an antioxidant. Grape seed taken orally is used to treat diabetic complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy, cancer prevention and macular degeneration.

Proanthocyanidin compounds in grape seed extract have a role in reducing cardiovascular disease via their antioxidant properties, reducing free radicals and oxidative stress on blood vessels and lipid components of the blood. OPC's are also known to stabilize and protect collagen (a major protein in the body) from free radical damage and enzymatic digestion.

Proanthocyanidins are found in many woody plants. The two most common sources of proanthocyanidins are grape seeds and the white pine of southern Europe. Grape seeds can have 7 to 15 percent ...
... more OPCs than pine bark and can be more potent as well as more economical.

Besides, Proanthocyanidins are present in red wine. During the production of red wine, the juice is left to ferment with the seeds and skins during a few days. During this fermentation process, the formed alcohol will extract the proanthocyanidins from the seeds and skins. Other rich sources are cocoa, apples, peanuts, almonds, cranberries, blueberries and bark of the maritime pine.

Proanthocyanidins deserve their stellar reputation as antioxidants that quench free radicals and potentiate other antioxidants. In one in vitro study, the OPCs in a patented grape seed extract prolonged the life span of vitamin C by 400 percent. Another in vitro study showed that exposing blood vessel linings to grape seed OPCs boosted their vitamin E content by 15 percent. Grape seed has also shown recycling and potentiating effects. The test tube-based activity of vitamin E, in a system mimicking cell membranes, has shown enhancement by grape seed OPCs.

Many studies have shown that proanthocyanidins help to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and improve fat metabolism. The inhibitory action against LDL cholesterol appears to increase with the degree of polymerization of the proanthocyanidin molecules. Proanthocyanidins may prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing the risk associated with high blood cholesterol.

Supplement with 25-150 mg of grape seed extract that contains 40 to 80 percent proanthocyanidins one to three times a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is available in liquid extract, tablet and capsule form.

Read articles on grape seed extract and grape seed extract suppliers. Grape fruit seed extract helps you to keep healthy.