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benefits of grape seed extract

Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) is a natural substance available in capsule

and tablet form. It is usually sourced from grape seeds provided by wine manufac
turers.
Uses for Grape Seed Extract
Since ancient Greece, various parts of the grape have been used for medicinal pu
rposes. In alternative medicine, grape seed extract is purported to help with th
e following conditions:
high blood pressure
high cholesterol

atherosclerosis
poor circulation
complications due to diabetes
constipation
gastrointestinal disorders
age-related macular degeneration
Proponents claim that grape seed
oratory studies, scientists have
e radicals (chemical by-products
r). However, it is still unclear
ans.

extract can help protect against cancer. In lab

demonstrated that grape seed can help fight fre
known to cause DNA damage associated with cance
whether grape seed can lower cancer risk in hum

Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Although scientific support for the benefits of grape seed extract is limited.
1) Diabetes-Related Complications
In a 2009 study of 32 type 2 diabetes patients at high cardiovascular risk, part
icipants took 600 mg of grape seed extract or a placebo every day for four weeks
. Study results showed that grape seed extract significantly improved markers of
inflammation and glycemia. The study's authors suggest that grape seed extract
may have a therapeutic role in decreasing cardiovascular risk.
See Natural Treatments For Diabetes and also Natural Remedies For Diabetes Preve
ntion.
2) High Blood Pressure
In a 2009 study of subjects with metabolic syndrome, researchers found that four
weeks of treatment with grape seed extract lowered both systolic and diastolic
blood pressure.
Metabolic syndrome is marked by a cluster of health problems (including excess b
elly fat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and inflamm
ation) known to raise your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
More: Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure
3) Alzheimer's Disease
Grape seed extract may help delay the development of Alzheimer's disease, accord
ing to an animal study published in 2009. In tests on mice, scientists discovere
d that grape seed extract eased inflammation and prevented the accumulation of s
ubstances known to form the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
More: Natural Alzheimer's Prevention.
Caveats
Grape seed extract is generally well-tolerated when taken by mouth however it ma
y cause adverse effects such as headache, dry or itchy scalp, dizziness, and nau
sea.
Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supp
lements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from wh
at is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of suppl
ements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical cond
itions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get addit
ional tips on using supplements here.

Using Grape Seed Extract for Health

Due to the lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend grape seed ex
tract for any health purpose. If you considering using it, talk with your primar
y care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standa
rd care may have serious consequences.
Sources:
Kar P, Laight D, Rooprai HK, Shaw KM, Cummings M. "Effects of grape seed extract
in Type 2 diabetic subjects at high cardiovascular risk: a double blind randomi
zed placebo controlled trial examining metabolic markers, vascular tone, inflamm
ation, oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity." Diabet Med. 2009 26(5):526-31.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. "Grape Seed Extract
[NCCAM Herbs at a Glance http://nccam.nih.gov/health/grapeseed." NCCAM Publicat
ion No. D370.?Created March 2007.?Updated May 2008.
Sivaprakasapillai B, Edirisinghe I, Randolph J, Steinberg F, Kappagoda T. "Effec
t of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with the metabolic syndrom
e." Metabolism. 2009 58(12):1743-6.
Wang YJ, Thomas P, Zhong JH, Bi FF, Kosaraju S, Pollard A, Fenech M, Zhou XF. "C
onsumption of grape seed extract prevents amyloid-beta deposition and attenuates
inflammation in brain of an Alzheimer's disease mouse." Neurotox Res. 2009 15(1
):3-14.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational p
urposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a lic
ensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interac
tions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for
any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or
making a change to your regimen.