The American Heart Association reports that over 81 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease and that one in every three deaths in 2006 was due to heart disease. Both grape seed extract and resveratrol from grape skins may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing your cholesterol level, lowering your blood pressure, and generally supporting your heart health. Consult your doctor to determine if taking either or both of these supplements is advisable for you.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a natural compound found in the skin of red grapes. It is a potent antioxidant that removes free radicals from your body. These metabolic byproducts injure cells by damaging DNA and membranes. Resveratrol also prevents oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, also known as bad cholesterol. Oxidized LDL is deposited in plaque, the fatty material that forms in arteries and causes atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Resveratrol also prevents aggregation of platelets, inhibiting formation of clots that may contribute to some forms of heart disease and stroke.
Resveratrol Sources and Recommendations
Resveratrol is found in red wine, and in lower amounts in grape juice, blueberries and cranberries. It is also available as a supplement from health food stores, in capsules containing between 10 and 50 mg each. The supplement may be consumed several times daily and is considered safe, with no known side effects. Do not take resveratrol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you take certain prescription drugs such as blood thinners or statin drugs. Consult your doctor to determine if taking resveratrol is a good strategy for you.
Grape Seed
Grape seeds are removed from grapes during the production of juice or wine. The seeds are ground and extracted to produce grape seed extract, or GSE. Compounds in GSE called proanthocyanidins act in several ways to benefit the cardiovascular system. These natural chemicals protect the heart from toxins and also help lower levels of LDL and suppress its oxidation, helping prevent cardiovascular damage. GSE also tends to reduce edema, or swelling of the tissues, and improves circulation, especially in the legs where veins sometimes weaken and return blood to the heart too slowly.
Grape Seed Sources and Recommendations
Grape seed extract is available at health food stores in capsules and tablets or as a liquid extract. Choose preparations standardized to 40 to 80 percent proanthocyandins. The recommended dose is 150 to 300 mg daily, divided into several doses. GSE is considered safe and without significant side effects, although it may interact with blood-thinning medications. Do not consume GSE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult your doctor to discuss whether taking grape seed extract is advisable for your situation.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Resveratrol; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; March 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grape Seed
- American Heart Association: Cardiovascular Disease Statistics
- MedlinePlus: Wine and Heart Health
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Grape Seed Extract
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Resveratrol
Member Comments