Grape seed extract is generally derived from the small seed of the red grape, although the skins of the fruit can also be used.  It has been considered one of the most potent antioxidants available today and comes highly recommended in the fight against free radical damage. Grape seed contains chemicals called PCO’s which are not only powerful antioxidants, but also promote blood flow, making the extract a useful supplement in the fight against vascular disorder.  It can be used for cooking, and as a dietary supplement that is rich in essential fatty acids and tocopherols.

Benefits and Uses

• Powerful Antioxidant
• Increases blood flow
• Protects Liver
• Improves Heart Health
• Raises good cholesterol levels
• Anti-Cancer agent
• Helps with allergies
• Natural Antihistamine
• Helps grow hair

PCO: Antioxidant Extraordinaire

Grape seed extract is an extremely potent antioxidant thanks to a special class of bioflavonoids called proanthocyanidins (or PCOs). Studies have shown that these bioflavonoids are 20 to 50 times better in their antioxidant activity than the better known phytochemicals: Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These super antioxidants help prevent ailments caused by unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals.
By keeping these free radicals in check, proanthocyanidins helps ensure a healthy heart and circulation system by improving the structural strength of blood vessels which promotes healthy blood pressure levels, heart health, and proper inflammation response. They also help stabilize collagen levels and maintain elastin. Collagen and elastin are two proteins important to the building of connective tissues that support organs, joints, and muscles.

Fighting off the free radicals and keeping the blood vessels healthy also helps slow down retinopathy which is the gradual breakdown of the retinas due to blood vessel damage. By improving the flow of blood to the tiny vessels of the eyes, grape seed extract helps reduce vision problems that are caused by the damage of these blood vessels including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye stress caused by bright lights.
The strengthening of blood vessels PCOs also help in preventing hemorrhoids and treating chronic venous insufficiency, a condition which leads to varicose veins, spider veins, sores on the legs.  PCO's can also help thin the blood in much the same way that aspirin does without the gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. This super antioxidant also helps control cellular damage by hunting down and neutralizing genetic mutations in cells and keeping tumors from forming. It also helps combat the pain and stiffness that comes with fibromyalgia and endometriosis.

Resveratrol

Another polyphenol found in grapefruit seed extract is resveratrol, which laboratory studies have found to help interfere with cancer cell growth and division and can even cause cancer cells to disintegrate faster than normal. Resveratrol may also block certain enzymes that prolong the survival of several cancer cell types. As a result, taking grape seed extract might actually help stop tumors from growing and may even help them shrink.

Resveratrol may also help increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and help lower some of the debilitating side effects that results in pumping chemicals into your blood stream. Preliminary studies have also indicated that this polyphenol is also effective in combating AIDS and HIV, although exactly how it does is still unclear.

Allergies
Grape seed extract is also a natural antihistamine and may help with the sneezing, congestion and other allergic reactions.  It also helps prevent the release of chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause inflammation during an allergic attack. Along with its anti-inflammatory actions, the natural antihistamine action of  grape seed extract helps keeps hives, hay fever and eczema at bay.

Healthy Hair
Grape seed extract also seems to prevent the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding with the hair follicles which is the leading cause of hair loss in men. Taking the extract might actually help stimulate new hair growth.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain our muscle mass as well as our stamina and flexibility. One of the keys to physical fitness is having healthy blood vessels to carry nutrients to the muscles as you are working out. Scientific research has indicated that adding grape seed extract to your diet may help improve your blood flow and help with your daily work out. Grape seed extract  can also reduce your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke.

We all know the research that claims that red wine and grape juices are both good for the heart.  Further research has indicated that what make it this stuff so good for you can actually be found within the grape seed. A study on grapes indicates that its active component have numerous benefits including.

    * Reducing your risk for cancer and stroke
    * Reducing hypertension and improving circulation
    * Helping reduce the hardening of the arteries
    * Helping our calorie burn rate
    * Providing  nourishment to our various organs and muscles helping them work more efficiently
    * Providing extra energy and enhancing physical endurance

Unfortunately, in order to obtain these kinds of benefits you would have to consume a ton of grapes, raisin and wine everyday in order reach the amount of active components that these studies were dealing with. That’s a lot of grape juice for the average Joe. Thankfully, there is a better way.

Grape seed extract is a source for procyanidins, which are the compounds that most researchers think are the key to the grapes super health benefits. A high quality grape seed extract can pack the nutrition punch of the grape without all that added calories, sugar or alcohol.

Grape seed extract has been shown to display similar metabolic pathways as Nitric Oxide and to display similar properties to this well known molecule. Grape seed has also been made available in a patented product called Mega- Natural BP, which is used to help improve the flexibility of blood vessels. It works by acting on the endothelial cells, contributing to the tone and flexibility of the blood vessel’s wall. This creates a powerful circulatory effect that people who are health conscious, weight conscious or simply want to buff up a little.

The latest stats indicate that one third of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor when it comes to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney failure, and hardened arteries. Since grape seed extract has the proven ability to lower blood pressure, it is something that everyone should at least consider  when thinking about their long term health.