Grape Seed Extract And Health Issues

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People have been eating grapes for better health since ancient Egyptian times. Grape seed extract comes from the seeds of grapes, usually obtained from winemakers. Loaded with beneficial antioxidant compounds, the extract is considered an effective treatment for several medical conditions.

Grape seeds contain high concentrations of vitamin E, flavonoids and linoleic acid. The most beneficial compounds are the flavonoids proanthocyanidins, also called OPCs or PCOs. These substances are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Grape seed is a more effective antioxidant than vitamins E or C. Linoleic acid may also offer health benefits. The body converts this acid into gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, which may reduce inflammation.

The OPCs in grape seed extract appear to improve the condition and functioning of blood vessels. The University of Maryland Medical Center says high-quality research has shown it helps treat chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood vessels do not move blood through the body as efficiently. NCCAM says it might also help blood vessel disorders such as diabetic retinopathy ...
... and vascular fragility.

There’s good evidence that grape seed extract can help if you suffer from edema or chronic venous insufficiency, advise the experts at UMMC. With chronic venous insufficiency, blood pools in the legs, which leads to swelling, pain, fatigue and visible veins. Edema—swelling that may be caused by an injury or surgery, for example—can be alleviated faster if you take grape-seed extract.

Grape seed extract can also be effective in treating conditions such as ADD, as it aids in regulating the neurotransmitters in the brain and inhibits the breakdown of norepinephrine and dopamine. Grape seed extract is one of the few antioxidants that can help to protect nerve and brain tissue by penetrating the blood brain barrier.

There are initial studies that show that grape seed extract may aid in the prevention of breast, colon, lung, prostate, and stomach cancer cell growth but further studies have to be undertaken to give light on its effectiveness. Again, the antioxidants in grape seed extracts are strongly linked to the reduction of cancer growth. It has also shown to be very helpful in protecting human liver cells that are vulnerable during chemotherapy.

Grape seed extract does not usually cause side effects, and it has been used safely in research with humans for up to eight weeks, according to the NCCAM. Reported side effects by people taking grape seed extract include upset stomach, nausea, dry scalp, dizziness, headache, hives and elevated blood pressure.

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.