Article highlights:
- Grape seed extract is rich in OPC antioxidants for collagen structures
- OPCs support many areas of health including bones, joints, and veins
- Discover supplements that contain grape seed extract
Grape Seed Extract is like a silent hero. It may not have the same name recognition as turmeric/curcumin, Q10 or some other vitamins, yet its wide-ranging benefits make it an exceptional choice for supporting joints, gut, dental, bone, brain, cardiovascular health, and more. Grape Seed Extract has been one of my favorite go-to-nutrients for decades. Are you familiar with this gem?
Richest Source of OPCs
Grape seed extract is among the richest sources of a powerful class of antioxidants called oligo-proanthocyanidins (OPCs). OPCs work throughout the body to support normal levels of iNOS, COX-2, NF-kappa B, TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1B, and several other compounds that create free radical stress in all types of tissues and organs. Grape seed extract OPCs also enhance powerful antioxidant systems such as glutathione, super oxide dismutase, and Nrf2 pathways.
Joint and Cartilage Health
Historically popular for its role in collagen health and connective tissues, research continues to prove grape seed extract supports cartilage. Cellular studies demonstrate that grape seed extract OPCs activate SIRT-1, an antiaging cellular pathway in cartilage cells and throughout the body. Results showed attenuation of apoptosis (cell death) protecting cartilage cells against age-related decline.
Bone Density Support
Grape seed extract has been also been shown to protect bones. OPCs increase mineral deposition for healthy bone architecture and inhibit excess activity of osteoclasts that induce bone degradation.
Brain and Neurological Health
Grape seed extract is recognized as a key dietary flavonoid that promotes healthy aging and has neuroprotective effects. Research demonstrates that OPCs cause inhibition of tau-hyperphosphorylation in neurons and provide antioxidant support, protecting nerves from amyloid proteins. Mice that received grape seed extract in these studies demonstrated enhanced memory, learning, and cognitive function and performance due to OPCs bioactive brain protective properties.
In addition, cell studies show that it protects dopamine neurons against stressors which reduce levels of cell apoptosis, free radical reactive oxygen species that contribute to age-related decline. Additional studies show improvement in synapse and nerve connections or neurogenesis which supports memory and learning.
Cardiovascular Health
Grape seed extract is popular for heart and blood vessel protection. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials publication provided the validity for its cardiovascular support. Grape seed extract can aid blood vessel relaxation and protect the endothelial lining against oxidative stress, supporting blood flow and pressure, and cholesterol metabolism. Grape seeds are the richest source of polyphenols, more than grape skin or pulp, providing its prized cardioprotective properties.
Liver Fat and Metabolism
The Western Diet and sedentary lifestyles are two main reasons for fat buildup in the liver. A lack of fruits and vegetables naturally rich in bioflavonoids and OPCs contributes to this metabolic overload and stagnation of fat occurring in the liver and elsewhere. Evidence shows that grape seed extract enhances lipid metabolism and insulin function in the liver while protecting against oxidative stress.
Gastrointestinal Health
Grape seed extract provides powerful antioxidant protection in the gastrointestinal tract. Animal studies showed that grape seed extract down-regulates the expression of cytokines IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-a protecting the gut lining and bowel health.
Further research shows that OPCs supports microbiome balance in the small intestine, mouth, and urogenital tracts. Grape seed OPCs also act as a prebiotic and stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in the intestines.
Enhances Glutamate Breakdown
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that creates oxidative stress in states of excess or with poor detoxification. It is produced in response to dietary intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as well as various gut bacteria associated with dysbiosis. OPCs have been shown to increase the breakdown and removal of glutamate and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Furthermore, OPCs help protect tight junction integrity, which limits the movement of glutamate and other toxic products from crossing the intestinal tract lining. This important defense system protects toxins from entering the circulatory system which helps protect the brain, mood, cognitive function, joints, liver, and more.
Dental Health
Grape seed extract is well known for its ability to strengthen and protect the architecture of collagen like skin and joint tissues. It also has been found to enhance the remineralization process of teeth, another type of collagen. Studies show adult and children’s dental health is supported with the use of grape seed extract. Furthermore, it helps support a healthy mouth microbiome by impairing biofilm mechanisms.
Enhances GLP-1 Secretion and Weight Management
OPCs are one of the many polyphenols that naturally enhance GLP-1 secretion. OPCs modulate the gut microbiome by increasing the production of short chain fatty acids and bile acids which indirectly signals GLP-1 secretion. These activities support healthy blood sugar metabolism, appetite, gut motility, and gut barrier integrity.
Grape seed extract’s effect on the gut microbiome aids in healthy weight management. Improved microbiome diversity and antioxidant levels from grape seed extract intake led to a reduction of adipose tissue mass and enhanced cholesterol metabolism in animal studies.
Stress Tolerance
A recent study with healthy adults on grape seed extract demonstrated another positive effect. Participants who took 300 mg/day were found to experience a reduction or relief of perceived stress, producing improved stress tolerance and positive mood. Grape seed extract may be used with other support such as RelaxaMag, Stress Helper, Sleep Helper, or Daily DHA to aid stress tolerance in today’s challenging world.
These are just a few examples of grape seed extracts benefits with even greater benefits for metabolism, immune, testicular and ovarian health, and more. It is an extraordinary nutrient worthy of the spotlight and as part of a quality nutritional regime.
Optimizing Your Support
Grape Seed Extract contains 200 mg per capsule and provides a standardized extract of 95% oligomeric proanthocyanidins. This is an option for all ages. For children, dosages are 1 capsule per day. Adults may use 1-3 capsules per day. The capsule contents have a light grape taste and may be mixed in food or water if the individual is not able to swallow capsules.
Cardio Helper provides 100 mg of grape seed extract per capsule and is combined with resveratrol, hawthorn berry extract, and horse chestnut extract. This customer favorite is commonly used to support vein health and fluid management along with overall cardiovascular health and endothelial lining.
Hair, Skin & Nails contains Enovita® Grape Seed Extract of 100 mg per 3 capsule/serving. This formulation also contains biotin, OptiMSM sulfur, Cynatine HNS solubilized keratin, bamboo extract, and lycopene. This great combination provides support to strengthen, protect, and support hair, skin and nail quality and all collagen rich tissues. https://wellnessresources.com/products/hair-skin-nails
Performa Plus contains 50 mg of grape seed extract per capsule. It is combined with Nitrosigine, an advanced absorption form of arginine and panax ginseng for beneficial nitric oxide (eNOS) production, physical stamina, performance, and circulation.
Is Grape Seed Extract your favorite too?
Additional Resources
Grape Seed Extract: Versatile and Valued Antioxidant
Chronic Venous Insufficiency – Managing Stagnant Fluids and Inflammation in the Legs
