Grape Seed Extract Benefits | Antioxidant Support
Manage Healthy Circulation & Blood Pressure With Grape Seed Extract
Grape Seed Extract Background and Benefits

A grapevine is a member of the genus Vitis, which are deciduous, woody vines. Grapes are the berries of these vines, which usually grow in clusters. They have many uses as food, beverages, and dietary supplements.
Grapes probably originated in the Middle East, although they are grown commercially in temperate climates around the world. They have been cultivated for at least 8,000 years, primarily for wine production. Yeast grows on the skin of the grapes, which was important in the early development of winemaking.
 
There are about 60 grape varieties, but only a few of them are commercially important. Wine is usually made from varieties of V. vinifera, also known as the common grapevine. V. labrusca, commonly known as the fox grape, is usually used for table grapes and grape juice.
 
Extracts from grape seeds have also become popular dietary supplements in recent years. Some of the most pharmacologically active components of grape seed extracts are oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPC), which have antioxidant properties. This activity gives grape seed extract the potential to protect cells from free radicals, which are highly reactive ions or molecules. Free radicals can cause many types of cellular damage, which mainly include age-related diseases.
 
A study of healthy volunteers showed that grape seed extract significantly increased the level of antioxidants in their blood. The main benefits of grape seed extract include promoting healthy circulation and controlling blood pressure.
 
Grape seed extract causes vasodilation (relaxation of the blood vessels), which reduces the pressure on the blood vessels. One of the effects of grape seed extract is that it increases the enzyme eNOS ( endothelial nitric oxide synthase). This enzyme is located in the blood vessel walls and is responsible for the production of nitric oxide. By increasing eNOS, grape seed extract helps to produce more nitric oxide, which contributes to the relaxation of blood vessel smooth muscle, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure.

Uses of Grape Seed Extract

The most common use of grape seed extract is as a powerful antioxidant. It helps maintain healthy blood pressure, supports cardiovascular and digestive health, and has a positive effect on the skin and eyes.

Signs that you need grape seed extract

The main signs that you need grape seed extract are generally due to oxidative stress, especially those that affect the cardiovascular system. These signs include, most notably, unhealthy blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Edema, a condition that causes discomfort, fatigue and visible veins can benefit from Grape seed extract. Chronic venous insufficiency and atherosclerosis are other signs that you need grape seed extract.