Grapes have been known as a fruit of blessing since ancient times. This is because grapes are rich in nutrients called plant polyphenols (including proanthocyanidins, quercetin, resveratrol, and anthocyanidins).
Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) extracted from grape seeds have been found to possess exceptional antioxidant capacity (50 times that of vitamin C and 15-20 times that of vitamin E). They can eliminate harmful free radicals in the body, combat inflammation, and fight aging, thus possessing excellent disease prevention benefits.
Scientifically Evidenced Benefits of Grape Seed OPCs
Ray D. Strand, M.D., a renowned American nutritional therapy physician, states that grape seed extract is a highly potent antioxidant and can be used as an optimizer to alleviate the oxidative stress associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
1. Slowing Down Skin Aging and Preventing Skin Cancer
Skin aging is caused by many factors: free radical damage, collagen loss, slowed cell renewal, and hormone reduction. Among these, collagen loss is most closely linked to wrinkles, especially from prolonged UV damage. Studies have shown that grape seed extract can reduce collagen loss, maintain skin elasticity, and mitigate damage from UV rays in the sun. More importantly, it can also prevent the development of skin cancer.
2. Lowering Blood Pressure
Generally, high blood pressure doesn't cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. However, long-term, poorly controlled blood pressure affects blood vessels throughout the body, causing hardening of the arteries and leading to conditions such as stroke, hypertension, and kidney failure. A study published in the journal Metabolism found that grape seed extract lowered both diastolic and systolic blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome after four weeks of use.
3. Slowing Down Brain Degeneration (Alzheimer's Disease)
Aging causes various body functions to deteriorate, and the most frightening of these is brain degeneration, particularly the gradual loss of memory, which can lead to an inability to recognize even the closest family members. What exactly causes brain degeneration? Recent animal studies have found that brain degeneration is associated with memory loss and immune proteins in the blood. Grape seed extract can restore normal levels of 13 brain proteins and block abnormal protein growth, helping the brain recover faster from trauma (such as stroke) and preventing memory loss and cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer's disease.
4. Reduces the production of harmful free radicals
Free radicals are byproducts of the body's energy production process. Under normal circumstances, free radicals help the body fight bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances. However, with insufficient antioxidant intake or aging, excessive free radicals in the body can damage cells. Free radicals are currently known to be one of the main culprits of aging and various degenerative diseases. Research indicates that grape seed extract, rich in proanthocyanidins, has excellent antioxidant properties, which can reduce free radical damage and prevent disease.
5. Preventing Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world, with over 90% of cases being type 2. While diabetes itself is not fatal, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease severalfold. Studies have shown that grape seed extract can reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar levels. It also helps subjects reduce calorie intake, thus helping to manage weight and prevent metabolic disorders.
6. Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
Modern populations, driven by a Westernized diet and a lack of exercise, have led to increasing levels of high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood sugar, as well as obesity. These factors put Chinese people at high risk for heart disease. According to statistics, cardiovascular disease claims over 17 million lives annually, with coronary heart disease being the most common, ranking second among the top ten causes of death.
Grape seed extract, with its excellent plant antioxidant content, can prevent cardiovascular disease in multiple ways (see the following three points):
Inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces thrombosis;
Reduces lipid oxidation and reduces the production of bad cholesterol;
Dilates blood vessels and protects endothelial cells;
Does grape seed OPCs have any side effects? Grape seed extract is recognized as a safe and nontoxic health supplement in many medical databases, and its safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated in both human and animal studies. However, some individuals with allergies to grape products may experience side effects such as dizziness, abdominal pain, and itching after excessive consumption. Therefore, please be aware of your medical condition before use.
Precautions (Contraindications)
The proanthocyanidins (OPCs) in grape seed may increase blood clotting time. Therefore, those with coagulation disorders or taking anticoagulants should consult a physician before use. Safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women is unknown; avoid use.
JL Plant Extract Company is a manufacturer and supplier of Grape seed extract, providing the highest quality Grape seed extract. Our products are derived from high-quality plants and are produced using advanced extraction equipment. As a leading plant extract factory, we ensure that Grape seed extract is of high purity, high potency, and meets industry standards.