Grapeseed extract

The little grapeseed is a powerful antioxidant.

Generally, I recommend getting all the nutrients your body needs from a varied diet but in the case of grapeseed extract, you may want to consider taking capsules.

The benefits are great even though they come from the tiny seeds or the pips of red grapes.

History

Many cultures have known the nutritional value of grapes for thousands of years.

Egyptians enjoyed the fruit at least 6,000 years ago and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes.

Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation and pain. Traditionally, the round, ripe, sweet grapes were used to treat a range of health problems.

Seedless varieties have now been developed to appeal to consumers but researchers are now discovering that many of the health properties of grapes may actually come from the seeds.

Plant description

Grapes are native to Asia — near the Caspian Sea — and were taken to North America and Europe around the 1600s.

This plant's climbing vines have large leaves and the grapes may be green, red or purple.

What is grapeseed extract?

The extract is taken from the seeds of red grapes. And after getting research's backing, it is one of the leading natural medicines in Europe.

It belongs to a group of plant substances called flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals that can damage your cells.

Free radicals

Free radicals occur naturally in the body but environmental toxins — such as ultraviolet light, radiation, smoke, air pollution — and certain prescription and non-prescription drugs can also increase the number of damaging free radicals.

Free radicals are believed to contribute to the ageing process as well as the development of a number of health problems such as heart disease and cancer.

Antioxidants found in grapeseeds can neutralise free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause and slow down the ageing process.

Grapeseed is also one of the richest sources of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (better known as OPC).

OPCs are potent antioxidants that strengthen capillaries and help to reduce hypertension by improving circulation.

OPCs are a key ingredient in drugs prescribed for blood vessel disorders.

How can these antioxidants help?

They help to stabilise collagen and increase elastin production and are important for cell health and protecting cells from ageing.

They are also involved in antibody response to harmful germs. They may also be of benefit to people with diabetes.

Eye benefits

Grapeseed extract may also protect the very small blood vessels in the eyes and so may have an impact on blood circulation in the eye; this may be of benefit to people who spend their days in front of the computer screen.

Skin benefits

The skin is the largest organ in the body and a good overall indicator of health.

Grapeseed extract may help to preserve and reinforce the collagen in the skin, which is why you often see it included in expensive skin creams.

Available forms

Grapeseed is available as a dietary supplement in the form capsules, tablets and liquid extracts.

Look for products that are standardised to 40 to 80 per cent proanthocyanidins or an OPC content of not less than 95 per cent.

Whole grapes, however, make a healthy and safe snack for children.

Caution

Traditionally, herbs have been used to strengthen the body and treat diseases.

However, herbs contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other supplements or medications.

At the recommended dosage, grapeseed is considered safe.

However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid grapeseed supplements.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.

Possible side effect

If you are taking blood-thinning medications or have bleeding disorders, do not use grapeseed without first consulting your doctor.

Q:What is an IU and how can I convert it into milligrams (mg)?
Alan

A: IU stands for International Unit, and although it cannot be converted directly into milligrams, some common applications are listed below:
Vitamin A 1 mg = 2,907 IU of Vitamin A acetate
Vitamin E Synthetic 1 mg = 1.0 IU of dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate
Vitamin E Natural 1 mg = 1.49 IU of d-alpha tocopheryl

Alva Carpenter is a UK-based nutritionist and fitness expert. Readers can write to her at AlvaUnwind@naturalhealthlines.com and a selection will be replied to in this column