Grape Seed Extract - Health Benefits, Uses, Information

Grape Seed Extract - Health Benefits, Uses, Information

Grape seed extract is a known source of the antioxidant OPC, which is very powerful in helping to prevent heart disease, stop tissue degeneration, and treat diseases like psoriasis and eczema. This website gives information on grape seed extracts, health benefits and uses.

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There are several ways in which grape seed extract can benefit your health:

• One benefit of grape seed extract is it strengthens the heart. OPC helps inhibit blood clotting without the irritation of aspirin. It also reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol without changing the level of HDL cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart attack.

• OPC is one of the few antioxidants that can penetrate the brain, so it can protect brain cells from free radical damage.

• Another great benefit of grape seed extract is that it can reduce the risk for cancer, which can be caused in part by free radical damage.

• It can stabilize and protect collagen and elastin in the skin, which helps prevent acne, psoriasis, age spots, and eczema.

• Grape seed extract can be used as an anti-aging supplement, because it protects from tissue deterioration, macular degeneration and cataracts, and may help prevent memory loss.

• Grape seed extract is also a natural antihistamine, so it can be used to reduce symptoms like hives, runny nose, and itchy eyes associated with allergens like pollen and dust.

Grape seed extract should contain 90-95% OPC. A popular manufacturer of grape seed extract supplements is Isotonix, makers of Isotonix OPC 3 , which studies have shown is the best source of OPC antioxidants on the market.

OPC 3 is a combination of three sources of OPC: grape seed extract, pine bark, and red wine extract, as well as bilberry and citrus extracts.

Although there is no RDA for grape seed extract, authorities say people between the ages of 30 to 40 should take 50 mg per day, people aged 40 to 50 years should take 100 mg per day, and people over the age of fifty should take 200 mg per day.

There are minor side effects associated with grape seed extract, but they are rare. These include dizziness and nausea. Grape seed extract is generally safe, and has a low toxicity. If you are on cholesterol lowering drugs, grape seed supplements may interfere with their performance.

If you have cardiovascular, cholesterol, or vascular problems, consult your physician before taking a grape seed extract supplement. Also, avoid taking grape seed extract if you are allergic to grapes, have blood-clotting disorders, or are on anticoagulant medications like Coumadin.

Grape seed extract is considered safe for pregnant or nursing mothers. Its effects have not been tested on children, so consult the child's doctor or pediatrician before giving the child grape seed extract.

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