Did you know that grape seed extracts are the new health supplements that work for a healthy heart? Yes, grapes are not only beneficial as a refreshing fruit but also have multi-faceted health benefits. Many beauty brands and health-focused companies have come up with grape seed extract supplements and products for public use.
In this blog, we are going to explore the benefits of grape seed extracts and their side effects. We will also be confiding in the right amount of dose or application so that you are not going overboard with the products. So, if you are someone who likes to take the organic route to health and beauty, then this blog is for you.
Health Benefits Of Grape Seed Extracts
Grapes being a natural sour and sweet fruit, have a bitter-tasting seed. These seeds are dried and then pulverized to turn them into health supplements. It has an active ingredient of oligomeric procyanidins. In simple terms, it has antioxidant properties to improve the health conditions of an individual. Here are the science-backed health benefits of grape seed extracts:
1. Decreases The Risk Of High Blood Pressure
Researchers have concluded that grape seed extracts have the potential to reduce systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. This means the maximum pressure exerted on your artery walls while the heart beats is systolic blood pressure and the minimum pressure exerted is called diastolic blood pressure.
Since grape seed extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the blood flow is improved and relaxed around the walls of the artery. This contributes to reduced blood pressure. A study suggested that even 300 mg of grape seed extract can show improvements in blood pressure within 6 weeks.
2. Reduces Oxidative Damage
Increased cholesterol has always been bad for your heart health and often leads to a stroke. Grape seed extracts are found to reduce the oxidation process of the bad cholesterols that can build up in your arteries. A study showed that consuming 400 mg of the Grape seed extract supplement can show a decrease of 13.9% reduced bad cholesterol.
It also helps in reducing oxidative stress which can help fight off infections in your body. This has proven a great help to the damage done to blood vessels and improves endothelial function.
3. Improves Collagen Production And Bone Strength
As we all know after a certain point, our body starts to decrease the production of collagen which can affect our physical appearance and bone strength. Grape seed extract supplements are known to drive collagen production and reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These are effective for joint pain and reducing the risk of cartilage loss.
The flavonoids present in grape seed extracts are beneficial to improve collagen levels in our body and increase bone density. Some studies lack human interaction, but the progress is still on.
4. Helps To Fight Off Cancer Cells
Antioxidants present in grape seed extracts are proven to be counteractive when it comes to cancer cells. The supplements are not the direct medication to treat cancer, but some studies have proven that they can reduce the symptoms of cancer. It protects against oxidative stress and improves the toxicity in the liver.
With this, the effects of chemotherapy on the human body also leave a strain, which can be treated with grape seed extract supplements. As of now, cancer in the breast, prostate, lung, kidney, liver, and pancreas has been recorded to manage the symptoms with this supplement.
5. Manages Diabetes
A recent study of 2020, shows that grape seed extracts help in enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. This is an excellent benefactor for individuals living with Type 2 diabetes or who are on the verge of being a diabetic. The anti-inflammatory properties can also help in the reduction of inflammation and improve metabolic health.
Another approach of the grape seed extracts is that they protect pancreatic beta cells which are responsible for insulin production. With the antioxidant properties of grape seeds, your body has an improved response to oxidative stress.
6. Wound Healing And Improved Skin Health
As grape seeds have antioxidants present in them, they cater to wound healing and skin infections effectively. Studies have shown that individuals who have undergone surgery, used grape seed extract topical creams on their wounds. They saw full recovery within eight days of application of the cream compared to the placebo. It also improves the appearance of skin, and elasticity and reduces the signs of aging.
Side Effects Of Grape Seed Extracts
With the multiple health benefits, grape seed extracts also have the potential to do damage if not used properly. The consumption of grape seed extract supplements should be around 300-800 mg per day. Consult with your nutritionist or doctor for the duration and repetition of the grape seed extract supplements.
Usually, the duration is recommended for 8-16 weeks for the consumption of grape seed extract supplements. Not following through with the recommended dosage or instructions for grape seed extracts can result in health complications.
- It can cause nausea and upset stomach
- Itching, swelling, or developing a rash on the skin
- Dizziness
- Hypotension
- Not ideal for expecting or nursing mothers
- Lower blood pressure
- May reduce iron absorption
- Can contribute to blood thinning
- Indigestion
- Itchy scalp
- Sore throat
- Incessant coughing
- Can interfere with other medications
- Dries up your scalp
Conclusion
Grape seed extracts are beneficial to health when taken under precaution. You can also increase your antioxidant intake by eating grapes now and then. Drinking grapefruit juice might also do the trick, but make sure to check the sugar content. Organic sugar should always be preferred to artificial sugar.
Apart from taking health supplements, one should try to maintain their health with regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and eating a balanced diet. You can keep track of your health with technology nowadays, so take that advantage. Stay hydrated for good digestion and absorption of nutrients that you incorporate into your diet.
References
- Anastasiadi M, Chorianopoulos NG, Nychas GJE, et al. Antilisterial activities of polyphenol-rich extracts of grapes and vinification byproducts. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(2):457–463. doi: 10.1021/jf8024979. [PubMed]
- Ali K, Maltese F, Choi YH, et al. Metabolic constituents of grapevine and grape-derived products. Phytochem Rev. 2010;9(3):357–378. doi: 10.1007/s11101-009-9158-0. [PMC free article]
