Grape Seed Extract And Your Liver Health

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New research has found that resveratrol, the polyphenol found in grape seed extract, may help to prevent fat from building up in the liver, thus suggesting that it may help to protect against or even treat alcoholic fatty liver.

The American Liver Foundation describes fatty liver as the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells that could potentially cause liver damage and failure. Fatty liver can develop parallel to other health conditions such as diabetes and high triglycerides; however, alcohol abuse is also a major contributor to fatty liver.

Vitamin E and flavonoids in grape seed have antioxidant activity, but chemical compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs, may be the most powerful. Although OPCs occur to a lesser extent in grape skin as well, and can be obtained by drinking grape juice and wine, they are highly concentrated in grape seeds. Additionally, the UMMC explains that drinking wine has unhealthy aspects that make grape seed extract a better choice, including the connection between excessive alcohol use and liver disease.

A new 4 week experiment compared the effects ...
... of an identical diet on the health of rats with “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”. Both groups of rats were fed a high carbohydrate diet that was low in fat and included periodic fasting. But one set of rats was also given 10mg of resveratrol per day.

At the conclusion of the trial, the rats’ livers were analyzed. The concentration of liver fat in the resveratrol group was significantly lower than in the group only receiving the prescribed diet. There was also a drop in the quantity of Kupffer cells, which indicates a slowing of fibrosis and fatty liver progression. In addition, the researchers also detected a higher concentration of protective antioxidants in the livers of the resveratrol rats.

Although grape seed has been suggested for many conditions, the best evidence supports its use for its antioxidant effects, for improving cardiovascular heart health, for retinopathy (damage to the retina caused by diabetes or high blood pressure) and for swelling that occurs after surgery or after an injury.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements.

The grape seed extract is a top supplement. Get to know grape seed extract and grape seed extract suppliers so as to improve your health.