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Grape Seed
Extract
Scientists have discovered that cain nutrients can help you
look younger and feel healthier. An important nutrient in the quest for
anti-aging and anti-disease treatment is Grape Seed Extract.
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Grape Seed Extract is known as a powerful
antioxidant. Antioxidant protection helps protect the body from
premature aging, disease and decay. Antioxidants are needed to
neutralize free radicals. Free radicals play a major role in the
development of degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes
and aging. The antioxidant capacity of Grape Seed Extract comes from
proanthocyanidins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) (OPCs). Scientific
studies have shown that proanthocyanidins antioxidant power is 20 times
stronger than Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E.
Healthy Looking Appearance and Better Health
Extensive research suggests that Grape Seed Extract
(proanthocyanidins) may be beneficial in many areas of health due to
its antioxidant effect. Proanthocyanidins ability to bond with
collagen; promotes youthful skin, cell health, elasticity and
flexibility. Other studies show that proanthocyanidins help protect the
body fro sun damage and help improve vision. Grape Seed Extract has
been shown to improve flexibility in joints, arteries and body tissues
such as the heart. Research studies have shown that Grape Seed Extract
helps improve blood circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries
and veins.
Research Studies
Proanthocyanidins have been used therapeutically for
decades in Europe to improve circulation, reduce edema and varicose
veins. In a double blind study of 50 patients with chronic venous
insufficiency, Grape Seed Extract alleviated symptoms of this
circulatory disorder. A study of 25 patients with high blood pressure
or diabetes who were given 150 milligrams of proanthocyanidins per day
showed a significant increase in capillary strength as compared to the
placebo group. A double blind, placebo controlled study involving 92
patients with peripheral venous insufficiency showed that
proanthocyanidins substantially reduced pain, night time cramps and
subjective edema.
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Youthful Eyesight - Vision Research
Declining vision is common with aging. According to a recent
clinical study proanthocyanidins may play a role in improving vision.
In a research study, 100 people who were free of eye defect and eyes
disease were given 200 milligrams of proanthocyanidins daily for four
weeks. The subjects were tested for their resistance to blinding and
their eyesight in dim light. 98 out of 100 test subjects showed an
improvement vision; as a result of supplementing with
proanthocyanidins.
Additional Features and Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
Grape Seed Extract offers maximum antioxidant protection and
numerous health benefits. Global Nutrients Grape Seed Extract contains
50 mg of Proanthocyanidins per capsule. Grape Seed Extract and
Pycnogenol® have recently generated considerable attention in the
natural health community because both are extremely rich in a class of
powerful antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).
According to scientists, OPCs are 50 times more potent as antioxidants
than either Vitamin C or Vitamin E. Since oxidative damage may play a
role in many degenerative diseases (heart disease, cancer and
arthritis) and has been implicated in the aging process, OPCs'
abilities to scavenge free radicals could prove valuable in the human
quest for optimal health.
OPCs seem to have many benefits; for example, they are very
effective in protecting the fibrous structural proteins known as
collagen and elastin from degradation. In this way they promote the
strengthening of the flexible connective tissues throughout our bodies.
It is perhaps this function that accounts for the restorative effects
of OPCs that scientists have observed in studies involving capillary
fragility, vascular disease, diabetic retinopathy and joint
degeneration.
Scientists also attest to the ability of OPCs to inhibit
histamine production. This ability may be of interest to those
suffering from sinusitis, asthma and allergies, since histamine has
long been known to contribute to these conditions through its important
role in the inflammation process.
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Grape Seed Extract Is More Effective
Than Pine Bark Extract
Given that OPCs seem to have so many possible benefits,
where can you find the most effective and economical form of
supplementation? Of the products now commercially available, Grape Seed
Extract and pine bark extract are the sources with the highest OPC
content.
Pine bark extract is sold in the United States under the
registered trademark name of Pycnogenol® (held by Horphag research Ltd.
of Switzerland). It contains at least eighty five percent OPCs. A
higher percentage of OPCs can be found in Grape Seed Extract which
contains ninety two to ninety five percent OPCs.
Studies conducted by Jacques Masquelier (w was the
discoverer of OPCs) show that Grape Seed Extract has a greater
antioxidant effect than pine bark extract. This is probably due to one
particularly potent kind of OPC (proanthocyanidin B2-3'-0-gallate)
found in Grape Seed Extract that is completely absent from pine bark
extract.
Further studies show that Grape Seed Extract's superior
antioxidant qualities protect the cardiovascular system better than
pine bark extract. One such study conducted by Jonadet et al. compares
the cardio-protective activities of the extracts of grape seeds,
bilberries and pine bark. The study was conducted by introducing a free
radical compound into the circulatory system of rs, and then measuring
the cellular damage caused to arterial walls. The researchers observed
four groups of rats; a control group and three groups, each of which
were administered one of the extracts.
The results showed that of the three extracts studied,
Grape Seed Extract provided the arterial walls with the best defense
from free radical damage. Specifically, Grape Seed Extract's protection
was 22% greater than pine bark extract and 15% greater than bilberry
extract.
Grape Seed Extract Is A Better Value
Pine bark has many natural contaminants (sap secretions,
bird droppings and other air borne pollutants) and requires
considerable effort and expense to clean, inexpensive byproduct of the
wine industry. Additionally Grape Seeds yield more OPCs per kilogram
than does pine bark. These factors have combined to make the cost of
pine bark extract more than double that of grape seed extract.
On the basis of OPC content, cost and effectiveness,
Grape Seed Extract clearly performs better than Pycnogenol®. This has
led it to outsell pine bark extract 50-to-1 in Europe.
Dietary supplements are not to be used to
prevent
or treat any disease.
The Statements on this web page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any
information provided on this website is not a substitute for the advice
of a licensed medical practitioner. Individuals are advised not to
self-medicate in the presence of significant illness. Ingredients in
supplements are not drugs and may not be foods. |
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