For many years, grapes have been praised for their nutritional and medical aspects and, at one time or another, have been regarded as a cure for everything from cholera to smallpox. While evidence is lacking to support every claim about the fruit's overall healing properties, research indicates that grape seeds increase antioxidants in your body that contribute to better health.
Significance
Grapes are native to Asia near the Caspian Sea, and can be red, purple or green. European settlers introduced the fruit to North America around the 1600s. Grape seeds carry large amounts of vitamin E, linoleic acid, flavonoids and proanthocyanidin---a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that destroy compounds in the body called free radicals that damage DNA and contribute to the development of heart disease and cancer. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, grape seed extract can substantially increase antioxidants in the bloodstream.
Benefits
Grape seed extract can reduce the pain and swelling associated with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when blood pools in the legs. Some patients with edema---swelling caused by surgery or injury---have also recovered faster after taking grape seed extract. Grape seed extract is used for wound healing, according to the National Institutes of Health, and research has found that the extract benefits an eye problem known as diabetic retinopathy, as well as vascular fragility, or weakness in small blood vessels.
Potential
The American Cancer Society reported in 2010 that early clinical trials were in progress to determine the dose of grape seed extract that might effectively suppress estrogen levels and aid in breast cancer prevention. Early clinical trials were also underway to evaluate the dose of resveratrol---a substance found in grape seed extract---that can be given safely to healthy trial participants. Once determined, the dose will play a role in determining the extent of resveratrol's ability to assist in cancer prevention.
Warning
Grape seed contains components that can trigger side effects with other medications. Always consult your physician or a health care provider knowledgeable in botanical medicine before purchasing any herbal supplement. In some instances, grape seed extract acts as a blood thinner and can result in increased bleeding when taken with other blood thinners such as warfarin. Obtain your physician's permission before consuming grape seed extract if you are taking blood thinning medications or have bleeding disorders.
Availability
Grape seed is available as capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends products that have a proanthocyanidin content of 40 to 80 percent. At the recommended dosage, grape seed extract is safe for up to 12 weeks. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take grape seed supplements. Grape seed extracts are not recommended for children, although regular grapes are fine for a healthy children's snack.
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