Grape Seed Extract
What is Grape Seed Extract?
The grape in its many forms has been used by humans for centuries to help treat various ailments and diseases. Grape seed extract (GSE) supplements are made from the seeds of the same grapes used for making wine. Rich in antioxidant flavanoids and phytochemicals, grape seed extract is most notably abundant in procyanidolic oligomers (PCO). PCOs are flavanoids with powerful antioxidant properties that improve blood circulation. Grape seed extract also has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
Health Benefits
Grape seed extract is used to help prevent or treat a variety of conditions, especially those related to poor circulation. GSE has been shown to help relieve leg cramps, varicose veins, tingling or numbness in the extremities, erectile dysfunction and complications of diabetes stemming from poor blood flow. Grape seed extract may also help mediate the muscle damage associated with fibromyalgia.
Research shows that grape seed extract is helpful in the prevention of heart disease, as it has blood-thinning properties similar to or more effective than aspirin without the gastrointestinal irritation. GSE works to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
Studies also show that grape seed extract helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. GSE may also help lower high blood pressure.
The powerful antioxidants in grape seed extract may be important in helping to prevent certain cancers.
Grape seed extract has been shown to help block chemicals called prostaglandins, which helps to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis. GSE also acts as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with allergies and certain skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.
When added to topical skin creams, grape seed extract has been shown to help preserve skin elasticity.
The combination of improved blood flow and antioxidant properties make grape seed extract important in the prevention or stalling the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Usage Indications
Consult your physician before using grape seed extract supplements. Look for supplements that contain 95% PCOs. GSE is available in tablet, liquid or capsule form.
General recommended dose is 50-100mg daily. It is recommended that smokers take 100mg, three times per day. See below for condition-specific suggested doses. For maximum effectiveness, it is important that grape seed extract be taken consistently, and at the same time of day. Again, please consult your physician before using grape seed extract supplements to be sure it does not interact with any medications or supplements you are currently using.
Recommended dosages
- Aging: 100mg daily
- Cancer prevention: 100mg daily
- Cataracts: 100mg daily
- Eczema: 100mg, twice daily
- Hair loss/thinning: 100mg, twice daily
- Lupus: 100mg, twice daily
- AMD: 100mg, twice daily
- Psoriasis: 100mg, twice daily
- Indications: Grape seed extract is generally safe and there are no known side effects. However, GSE may interact with other medications or supplements, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using GSE. Pregnant/nursing women and children should not use grape seed extract, as the supplement has not been proven safe for use in these populations.
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