Introduction
We all know what grapes are- especially the varieties that are turned into delicious wines.
But did you know that there are hundreds of different grape cultivars- some of which are seedless, while others contain seeds in them? The parent cultivar is called Vitis vinifera, from which grape seed extracts are normally prepared. Grape flesh is good obviously, but most of us prefer eating the seedless varieties for textural purposes. Grape seeds however are great storehouses for high quality compounds called proanthocyanidins, which have potent antioxidant activity and help regulate hundreds of cellular processes in the body.
What Are The Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seeds are rich in plenty of compounds like epicatechin, procyanidin-B1, B2, B3 and B respectively, along with catechins, epicatechin gallate, protocatechic acid, procyanidins, pro- delphinidins, etc.
Grape seed extract is hence great for the cardiovascular system- the proanthocyanidins present help in various ways- like producing nitric oxide so that blood vessels relax and helps lower blood pressure, helps in regulating LDL levels, is good at keeping platelets inactive unless absolutely needed- thus helping the immune system work better.
Proanthocyanidins are also very good at removing superoxide radicals- this protects cells from oxidative damage. In diabetic models, some studies have shown promise- grape seed extract can help cells improve glucose sensitivity.
They also help wounds heal better- which is why it is such a great additive in skincare products.
Grape seed extract is also great for the skin as it promotes collagen production. It helps bones mineralise better and prevents immune cells from attacking bone (so it is good if you have rheumatoid arthritis for example).
Grape Seed Benefits For Brain And Memory
Since circulation as a whole is benefitted, it is easy to understand why grape seed extract is good for the brain.
The brain is a major energy hog and consumes about 20% of the total oxygen that you breathe in. Since the brain is super metabolically active almost always, high oxygen demand can only be fulfilled by good circulation. Any clots or related issues can hence leave the brain starving and cause a stroke or something more drastic than that.
Studies have shown that people with Alzheimer’s disease are benefitted when they supplement with grape seed extract regularly, as it has gallic acid- which does not allow beta-amyloid plaques to form.
Grape Seed Extract Benefits For Liver Health
The liver is the largest organ in the body, as you know. It is also very metabolically active and is mainly responsible for breaking down all sorts of compounds in the body- toxic or not, into absorbable by-products.
The liver can get affected severely if you drink too much, eat a poorly designed diet. This shows up as inflammation, high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in blood, excessive fat deposition in the liver etc.
Grape seed extract has shown to actively help reduce ALT levels- lowering hepatotoxicity. Since free radicals are produced in large amounts, it actively removes them and keeps cells safe from oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Grape seed extract has shown a lot of potential in treating all sorts of conditions- acute, chronic or otherwise.
Though it is mostly very well tolerated by the majority of the population, if you are allergic to grapes- then stay away from it. If you have too much of it, you may have to deal with issues like an itchy scalp, feel faint and have bad headaches.
It is also great for skincare- and can help improve texture and elasticity- if used at a 2% concentration for topical application. Grape seed extract in general is a super achiever in the health department and you should talk to your doctor about including it in your routine from today!
FAQs
1. What is grape seed extract, and how is it different from whole grapes?
Literally, grape seed extract means taking all the potent compounds from the seeds alone and leaving the fruit. The seeds have a different biochemical profile, when compared to the fleshy parts of the fruit. Grape seed extract is rich in proanthocyanidins- which are highly potent antioxidants.
2. Can grape seed extract improve skin health and slow aging?
Since they are rich in antioxidants, they help skin feel and look better, behave better and work better. They help prevent skin damage due to pollutants and increase collagen production- making your skin feel softer and keeping it wrinkle free for longer, or you will develop wrinkles at a much slower rate- if we are being realistic.
3. Is grape seed extract effective for reducing inflammation and boosting immunity?
Yes, grape seed extract can help reduce inflammation by working on the circulatory system, by helping wounds heal better and help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines- which can help regulate the immune system.
4. How does grape seed extract benefit hair growth and scalp health?
Grape seed oil is rich in procyanidins- which is a good antioxidant by itself. It also has a lot of Vitamin E, flavonoids- all of which come from the seeds themselves. Hair follicle health improves with regular usage- leading to better hair growth and texture in the long term.
5. Are there any side effects or risks of taking grape seed extract?
Some people may be allergic to the seeds and may develop symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat etc.
Always remember to talk to your doctor about taking any health supplements- especially if you are on any other medication.
