According to a study published in "Clinical Cancer Research," grape seed extract is a rich source of proanthocyanidins, which are primarily found in grapeseeds and grape skin. These substances have nutritional properties that may offer health benefits associated with anti-cancer and anti-allergic activity. For example, the "Clinical Cancer Research" study determined that grapeseed extract may act as a chemopreventive against colorectal cancer. Check with your health care provider before self-treating with grapeseed extract.
Antioxidants
According to The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine with the National Institutes of Health, grapeseed extract contains antioxidants. The U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus online database suggests that antioxidants may help protect cells in your body against the effects of substances known as free radicals. Your body produces free radicals during normal metabolic processes. Environmental toxins like pollution and tobacco smoke may also contribute to free radical formation in your body. Free radicals damage may contribute to ailments like heart disease and cancer.
Heart Disease
Grapeseed extract may help support a healthy heart. According to the Phytochemicals website, proanthocyanidins that exist in grapeseed extract may prevent LDL or "bad" cholesterol oxidation or build-up in your body. The site suggests that grapeseed extract may reduce blood pressure and improve your body's ability to metabolize fat. Grapeseed extract also may help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing the high blood cholesterol.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that your body may use grapeseed extract to relieve symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency is a characterized by veins that have problems sending blood from your legs to your heart.
Edema
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website indicates that nutritional benefits of grapeseed extract may include reducing edema. Edema is a tissue-swelling condition that occurs after sustaining injury or surgery.
Vision Problems
Grapeseed extract may contribute to healthy vision and eyes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, uses for grape seed extract include improving vision problems that are related to diabetes, such as macular degeneration. The Center indicates that small, randomized studies discovered beneficial effects of grapeseed extract for treating diabetic retinopathy, an eye problem that occurs with diabetes. However, the Center suggests that larger trial studies are required to confirm nutritional benefits of grape seed extract that relate to eye and vision health.
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