Blueberry Extract Vs. Grape Seed Extract

Grapes and berries make delicious snacks, but they are as rich in phytochemicals as they are in taste. Phytochemicals are natural chemicals which have beneficial medical effects. While extracts of blueberries and grape seeds differ in their phytochemical make-up, both are effective neutralizers of tissue-damaging free radicals. Consult your physician before using either blueberry or grape seed extract for health purposes.

Blueberry Extract Uses

Blueberries contain many chemicals which may improve your health -- in particular, a group of compounds known as anthocyanins. In addition to contributing to the color of blueberries, anthocyanins have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. Anthocyanins block the action of free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA. Through this antioxidant effect, blueberry extract can reduce the general deterioration of the body associated with aging. Anthocyanins play a role in your body's metabolism as well by increasing the effectiveness of insulin.

Blueberry Extract Research

Blueberry extract may help you retain your memory as you get older. A 2010 study published in "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" tested the effect of blueberry juice on memory decline in older adult subjects. The results should apply to blueberry extracts as well. The study subjects averaged 76.2-years-old. Blueberry juice improved the subjects' learning and recall ability. In addition, the researchers found that the juice reduced symptoms of depression and lowered blood glucose levels. The researchers believed that both reductions may have contributed to the subjects' improved mental function.

Grape Seed Extract Uses

Grapes seed extract contains a family of antioxidant compounds known as proanthocyanidins. Other fruits contain proanthocyanidins, but the mix in grape seed extract is superior. Grapes seed extract is better at neutralizing free radical oxidizers than either vitamin C, E or beta-carotene.

Grape seed extract supplements have been used to treat or prevent atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, poor circulation, tissue damage due to diabetes, macular degeneration, cancer and swelling caused by trauma.

Grape Seed Extract Research

There is scientific evidence that grape seed extract can prevent or treat cancer. A 2008 study published in the journal "Nutrition and Cancer" found that grape seed extract inhibited the growth of human colorectal cancer cells in vitro. In addition, the researchers found evidence that grape seed extract initiated apoptosis -- the orderly sequence of events that ultimately lead to the death of a cancer cell. The authors cited other studies that showed grape seed extract's efficacy against skin, prostate, breast, lung and squamous cell cancers.