Grape Seed Extract Offers Many Benefits

Used throughout Europe to prevent and treat many health concerns, grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant with many benefits to the body. It is considered to be an anti-aging wonder. Its health protective properties include, antioxidant, antiallergenic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting properties. The bioflavonoids in grape seed extract, considered to be stronger than vitamins C and E, help strengthen and protect cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Specific conditions which it can help prevent include cardiovascular disease, reduce diabetic complications, prevention of plaque in the arteries, varicose veins, edema, arthritis, macular degeneration, cataracts, and eye strain. It acts as a natural anti-histamine, moderating allergic responses. There is also evidence that it is one of the few antioxidants which crosses the blood brain barrier thus protecting nerve and brain tissue; this has implications in the use of it for ADD and its ability to help regulate neurotransmitters.

Another area in which grape seed extract has been studied is its effects on the skin. Wrinkles and sagging skin are partly caused by free radical damage. Since grape seed is a powerful antioxidant, it works on the skin to reduce free radical damage. It also helps to repair connective tissue while promoting skin enzyme activity. Lastly, it is anti-bacterial, therefore it aids in wound healing by helping to regenerate damaged blood vessels and clearing harmful bacterial from the wound.

These are just some of the benefits that one can derive from grape seed extract. It is a powerful supplement that will be continued to be studied for its positive benefits.

Dr. Kerry Ferguson