Grape seed extract can offer a variety of benefits for your health due to its high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants can fight certain problems like free radicals. They can also prevent some cancers by neutralizing mutated cells in tumors and may also protect blood vessels. The antioxidants in grape seed extract could even possibly lower cholesterol.
Antioxidants
Grape seeds contain a range of antioxidant components and substances, including vitamin E, linoleic acid and flavonoids called procyanidins. These flavonoids may also be called OPCs, which stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Antioxidants in general are healthy, because they fight free radicals, which are compounds that damage DNA. The most powerful antioxidant activity of the grape seed extract comes from its OPCs, which are even more potent than vitamin E.
No LDL Change
Though there have been studies to suggest the possibility that grape seed extract may help lower "bad" cholesterol or LDL -- low-density lipoproteins -- there has yet to be any definitive proof of this claim. One study at the University of Ferrara researched grape procyanidin extract and its effect on "bad" cholesterol. For four weeks, the participants were given two supplements every day, each containing either 75mg of procyanidin grape extract and soy-phosphatidylcholine or 75mg of a placebo. Participants were given each treatment for four weeks straight. The study concluded that LDL levels as well as HDL levels -- high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol -- were not altered by those taking the procyanidin grape extract.
Grape Seed and Chromium Mixture
In 2000, Georgetown University concluded results of an experiment on 40 participants, who were all considered hypercholesterolemic, a condition that can lead to cardiovascular problems. For over two months, people were given grape seed extract as well as chromium. The study concluded that the mixture had greatly reduced LDL levels; however, the grape seed extract alone wasn't nearly as effective as when it was combined with the chromium.
Possible Heart Protection
In France, red wine -- a rich source of grapes -- is often consumed with meals. Enthusiastic wine drinkers may suggest that the antioxidants in the wine can help maintain heart health. Flavonoids found in red wine may help protect the heart by lowering 'bad' LDL cholesterol." However, this has yet to be proven, and is not officially recommended as a safe way of lowering cholesterol or reducing your chances of heart disease. Instead, consider taking grape extract in liquid or pill form in order to receive benefits. This way, you can still get the antioxidants without the havoc that alcohol could otherwise wreak on your health.
References
- Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide: Grape Seed Extract
- "Metabolism": Effect of a Standardized Grape Seed Extract on Low-density Lipoprotein Susceptibility to Oxidation in Heavy Smokers; GB Vigna et al; 2003
- The "Journal of Medicine"; Effects of Niacin-bound Chromium and Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on the Lipid Profile of Hypercholesterolemic Subjects: a Pilot Study; HG Preuss, D. Wallerstedt, N. Talpur, SO Tutuncuoglu, B. Echard, A. Myers, M. Bui and D. Bagchi; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grape Seed
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