The Powerful Antioxidant Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Grapes (Vitis sp.) have long been revered as a very healthy fruit, full of antioxidants and other important compounds. Thus, it’s not surprising that extracts from the seeds of grapes also offer plenty of health benefits. There have been many animal-based laboratory studies investigating the application of grape seed extracts to treat various ailments. Preliminary research suggests that this fruit extract maybe helpful in treating and possibly preventing diabetes related complications, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and cancer.
The health benefits of grape seed extracts are associated with their high concentration of antioxidants that neutralize and remove harmful free radicals from the body. Free radical damage eventually causes cellular death and DNA changes, which is why antioxidants are so important in fighting diseases that stem from cell mutations, such as cancer for example.

What The Research Reveals

A study published in Diabetic Medicine in 2009 documented the effects of grape seed extract on type 2 diabetes patients. The study participants who took 600mg of the extract daily for a period of four weeks showed a significant improvement in glycemia index and inflammation. These results suggest that grape seed extract may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another benefit of regularly taking grape seed extract is a reduction in blood pressure. In 2009 a study published in Metabolism examined the effects of grape seed extract in patients that suffered from metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by an array of health concerns, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inflammation, insulin resistance and excess belly fat. Researchers found a significant decrease in diastolic and systolic blood pressure in patients that regularly took extracts of grape seeds.

Since grape seed extract seems very effective for reducing inflammation, there have been several animal studies focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have found that grape seed extract may help to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by decreasing inflammation and preventing the accumulation of substances that form plaques on the brain.

There is some evidence to suggest that grape seed extract may help safeguard the body from cancer. In laboratory test tube studies, extracts have been shown to fight cancer promoting free radicals and prevent the growth of various cancers including colon, stomach, breast, lung and stomach cancer.

Although there’s still a lot of research to be done investigating the health benefits of grape seed extract, the fact remains that this is an excellent source of antioxidants and certainly important for boosting the immune system. EverSun Health’s Men’s Everyday Energy Multivitamin contains 25mg of grape seed extract. Taken daily as directed, this is a great way to provide the body with a natural boost of antioxidants.