Grapes are a fruit that needs no introduction; they are a relatively common sweet choice among the Polish population. It turns out that the seeds of this fruit are very rich in antioxidant polyphenols. What are their effects and properties? The answer is in this article.
What are plant polyphenols?
Polyphenols, or plant antioxidants, are compounds derived from phenols that contain a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring. Thanks to this chemical structure, they can beneficially affect human health. The highest concentration of polyphenols is found in fruits and vegetables.
Plant polyphenols are known for their health-promoting properties. They exhibit antioxidant properties, support the immune system, and prevent lifestyle diseases. The same applies to grape seed extract.
Grape seed polyphenols - characteristics
Grape seeds are a rich source of nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. The most abundant group of compounds in grape seeds are oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These compounds are responsible for most of this plant's beneficial effects.
Proanthocyanidins are composed of compounds with catechins, epicatechins, and gallic acid esters. Numerous studies show that grape seed extracts containing OPCs exhibit very strong antioxidant activity, at levels 50 times greater than vitamin E and approximately 20 times stronger than vitamin C. This means that additional support for the body with OPCs significantly improves its ability to cope with environmental inflammatory factors.
The effects of grape seed extract can be linked to those of another powerful plant antioxidant, also obtained from grapes: resveratrol. Let's explore the health benefits of grape seed extract.
Grape Seed Extract - Properties and Effects
Using grape extract, especially from the seeds of this fruit, is excellent for supporting the body's daily health.
Grape seed extract improves the body's immunity
The use of OPCs, or proanthocyanidins, in grape seed extract increases the activity of immune cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. Its strong antioxidant properties and ability to reduce proinflammatory cytokine levels support the body's defence against pathogens, helping shorten the duration of colds and other inflammatory conditions.
Grape seed extract maintains brain health
Regular supplementation with OPC-containing products helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in brain tissue. This means that supplementing with this ingredient reduces the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and the disruption of neural connections resulting from excessive inflammatory activity. These polyphenols contribute to increased cerebral microcirculation and the reduction of components that negatively impact nerve impulse transmission.
Grape seed polyphenols protect vision
The strong antioxidant properties of grape seed extract are used to protect the eyes. Because the eye is an organ highly susceptible to inflammation, it requires regular attention to ensure its proper regeneration. This can be achieved by increasing microcirculation and scavenging free oxygen radicals. This process will help maintain visual acuity and preserve the health of this organ, reducing the risk of glaucoma and dry eye syndrome.
Grape seed extract has a beneficial effect on the skin
Using grape seed extracts helps maintain healthy skin tissue. This is due to proanthocyanidins' strong anti-inflammatory properties. Grape seed extract reduces collagen destruction caused by excessive UV radiation and other mechanical factors. Furthermore, it increases the synthesis of vitamin C, and consequently, the collagen base. Moreover, grape seed extract strengthens capillary walls, which improves blood flow to tissues and their mineral nutrition.
Grape seed extract and allergies
The properties of polyphenols often go beyond antioxidant activity. Proanthocyanidins inhibit the activity of histamine, an amine that causes allergic reactions. Thanks to this property, grape seed extracts can be successfully used for allergies and skin problems caused by allergic reactions.
Grape seed extract regenerates wounds
Using grape seed extract accelerates the wound-healing process. Anti-inflammatory effects, improved blood flow, and blood-promoting factors promote faster tissue healing.
OPCs improve liver and kidney function
Proanthocyanidins have a beneficial effect on liver function, facilitating the removal of harmful metabolites and hormonal byproducts. Grape seed polyphenols contribute to the production of glutathione, which has powerful antioxidant properties. It limits exposure to toxins, supports healthy liver function, and reduces inflammation in this organ. The same applies to the kidneys, organs that are also highly susceptible to free radical activity. Grape seed polyphenols limit the destructive effects of free radicals on the renal tubules, promoting improved glomerular filtration.
Grape seed extract has preventative properties
Grape seed extract has a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of lifestyle-related metabolic diseases. Grape polyphenols have been shown to reduce blood pressure problems and regulate total cholesterol levels, as well as LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. They also support blood flow and minimise platelet formation, thus maintaining good cardiovascular health.
The versatile uses of grape seed extract make it a great aid on the path to better health and maintaining good preventative care. If you want to benefit from the health benefits of grape seed extract, explore BestOne. This supplement contains grape seed polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for supporting the immune system, well-being, and maintaining mental clarity with good preventive care.
What are the contraindications to grape seed extract?
People who should not use grape seed extracts include those with hypersensitivity to the active ingredients contained in such preparations. Furthermore, people taking blood-thinning medications or those with clotting problems are at risk.
Dosage of grape seed extract
The dose in BestOne is 100 mg, standardised for key polyphenol content, making it a very safe supplement that delivers health benefits and maintains them long-term.
The product also contains other minerals that support the effects of polyphenols, which work perfectly with proanthocyanidins. Therefore, there's no need to supplement with higher doses of this extract to achieve the health benefits mentioned above.
Grape Seed Extract - Summary
Human health is strongly dependent on one's lifestyle. Given the frequency of disorders related to immunity, performance, and metabolism, it's worth considering supporting the body with appropriate natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. One such ingredient is grape seed extract.
This extract is rich in plant polyphenols, which have a preventative effect on the human body and support it in numerous ways. Grape seed extract is more effective when combined with other substances with synergistic effects. BestOne dietary supplements offer such a product.
Sources
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