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15 Grape Seed Extract Benefits

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Grape seed extract (GSE) has numerous benefits that are essential to the human body. It contains antioxidants and many more components that draw many people to it. Antioxidants are substances that can protect you from getting any diseases, and in addition to that, they protect cells from damage. You must know that grapes have been used as traditional treatments for an extended period in Europe. Although it is gradually gaining ground in America, researchers are conducting further research because its potential seems promising. If you want to ascertain any purported advantages, you are in the right place; read on to find out more about grape seed extract.

Grape Seed Extract Benefits

1. Acts As An Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties grape seed extract contains help reduce joint pains and aches that tend to be caused by gout and arthritis conditions. Also, it can help relieve specific allergic reactions which are inflammation-related.

2. It Lowers Blood Pressure

Have you been struggling with blood pressure? If so, perhaps it is time that you considered taking this grape seed extract. GSE's effects on blood pressure were provided in a review of 16 studies conducted on 810 people. It was discovered that consuming 100 to 200 grams of grape seed extract every day decreased systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.08 mmHg while diastolic blood pressure 2.8 mmHg. An immense improvement was shown in people who had metabolic disorders or obesity and were under 50 years.

3. GSE Improves Brain Power

It is significant in supporting your brain as it ages rather than letting it waste away and be susceptible to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to reduce or prevent the onset of such neurodegenerative diseases at all costs by taking the grape seed extract, which contains flavonoids. The latter has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Gallic acid, another GSE component, has been reported to hinder the formation of fibrils by beta-amyloid peptides. You must know that the clustering of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain is a sign of Alzheimer's disease. As much as no human studies have been conducted on people with cognitive or memory deficits, animal studies conducted showed that GSE could hinder memory loss and improve the brain's antioxidant levels.

4. Improves Blood Flow

A study was conducted for eight weeks in women who were past their menopausal stage. Seventeen of them were given 400 mg of GSE each. In conclusion, the study showed that these women experienced blood-thinning effects, which could lower the risk of getting blood clots. Another study conducted in eight healthy women who were given a 400 mg dose of proanthocyanidin from GSE showed that their edema and leg swelling reduced by 70% after they sat down for 6 hours. Eight more women were brought and given a 133 mg dose of proanthocyanidins from GSE for two weeks; they ended up having 40% less leg swelling after 6 hours of sitting down.

5. GSE Lowers The Effects Of Oxidative Damage

As discussed earlier, the grape seed extract contains plenty of oxidants that prevent oxidative damage to the tissue, cell, and organs. As a result, it can prevent the risk of getting diseases like cancer and heart disease.

6. It Increases Collagen Production And Stronger Bones

grape seed extract benefits

Consuming high levels of flavonoids found in grape seed extract will lead to bone formation and collagen synthesis, increasing bone density and strength altogether. If you take a low, high, or standard calcium diet, incorporate GSE since it heightens bone formation, strength, and mineral content: this is according to the animal studies conducted. In addition to that, grape seed extract may suppress the destruction of bones in autoimmune arthritis. Note that there is Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes intense inflammation and bone and joint destruction. Human studies are yet to be done hence, the reliance on animal studies.

7. Helps Your Kidney

GSE provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support to your kidney, thereby enhancing its function. The study conducted on animals showed that GSE protected the kidney from high cholesterol and toxic drugs. Besides that, it raised protective molecules like HDL, prevented LDL buildup and oxidation, and lowered inflammation markers like IL-1B and MCP-1. You should know that once your kidneys are vulnerable to oxidative damage, this state is many at times irreversible.

8. Fights Infections

Studies have shown that grape seed extract entails antifungal and antibacterial factors, which translates to it not inhibiting infectious growth. Examples of foodborne bacteria include E. coli and Campylobacter, which cause abdominal upset and severe food poisoning. GSE has also been proven to inhibit 43 strains of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in laboratory studies. It is also medicine to candida, a common yeast-like fungus; thus, hindering overgrowth. A study was conducted on mice with vaginal candidiasis; a grape seed extract intravaginal solution was used to curb the infection. Good news if you're looking for help in boosting your immune system.

9. Could Help Fight Cancer

Grape seed extract may help with various cancers as long as it is taken in high quantities. GSE has the potential to inhibit gastric, prostate, human breast, and pancreatic cell lines in labs. In contrast,  it has enhanced the effect of different types of chemotherapy in animal studies. Grape seed extract also protects against liver toxicity and oxidative stress while targeting cancerous cells' chemotherapy action. There is a need to conduct more research in humans as proanthocyanidins cannot be transferred to cancer patients.

More Advantages Of Using Grape Seed Extract.

10. Lead to lower iron levels

11. Helps with teeth decay

12. Enhanced night vision

13. Offers relief to chronic venous insufficiency symptoms

14. Protects against pathogens

15. Prevents hair loss

Side Effects Of Grape Seed Extract

The side effects of consuming grape seed extract include:

  • headache
  • feeling dizzy
  • having an itchy scalp
  • feeling nauseated

Grape seed extract is considered safe however everyone is different so side effects will differ from one person to the other.

As usual, the best advice is to visit your doctor before taking this extract. This is because this extract may affect how specific medications are broken down in the liver in case you take them. Besides that, the doctor will help you know whether the interaction of GSE and your medications are lethal.

For example, grape seed extract can be a blood-thinner and taking it with other blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, among others, may heighten the risk of bleeding.

If you consume high doses, your body may not tolerate it since it is better when consumed in moderate amounts; you are likely to experience some side effects. Follow your doctor's prescription to the letter.

Grape Seed Extract: Summing Up

The points above show the significance of grape seed extract intake.  If you want to purchase it, ensure that you talk to your doctor first. Please do not self-diagnose; your life is too precious, and you do not wish to experience any complications whatsoever over something you could have prevented. Let your doctor tell you whether your body is fit to consume this extract. If consuming it is not an option, they will give you better recommendations and advice.

In case you love using natural products, grape seed extract will undoubtedly be worth a try because it lacks harmful chemicals usually found in other forms of medicine. Its health benefits are undoubtedly good for you.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/diet/grape-seed-extract
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263332
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/grape-seed-extract

Rosemary Richards