Originally published July 19 2010
Grape Seed Extract Offers Many Benefits
by Luella May
(NaturalNews) Used throughout Europe to prevent and treat a variety of health conditions, grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that can be used to benefit the body in many ways. Grape seed has antioxidant, antiallergenic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties and it can be instrumental in helping the body fight viruses, allergens, and carcinogens.
Because of its antioxidant properties, grape seed extract is considered an anti-aging wonder. Antioxidants are the most important nutrients for the skin. The bioflavonoids in grape seed extract help strengthen and protect cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Its antioxidant properties are considered to be stronger than those of vitamin C and Vitamin E. It helps to repair connective tissue while promoting skin enzyme activity. Grape seed extract aids wound healing by helping to regenerate damaged blood vessels and clearing harmful bacteria from the wound.
Wrinkles and sagging skin, a common age old concern, particularly in women, is caused by harmful free radical activity. Aging is caused by years of physical wear and tear on the body and it can be hastened by poor lifestyle choices, such as a poor diet, smoking and the use of drugs and alcohol. Changing to a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and supplementation, can ward off and even reverse aging. Grape seed extract contains one of the richest sources of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC's), which makes it one of the most powerful antioxidants available. The use of grape seed extract, together with implementing a healthy lifestyle, can make it possible to reverse much of the damage that has caused lines and wrinkles in the skin.
The body can benefit in many other ways from using grape seed extract. It can be used to prevent health problems which include cardiovascular disease, varicose veins, edema, and arthritis. Grape seed extract also acts as a natural anti-histamine, moderating allergic responses by reducing histamine production and boosting the immune system.
Another important area that grape seed extract can help is eye health. Grape seed extract is frequently recommended to combat macular degeneration, cataracts, and eye strain. Studies have shown that 300 mg daily reduces eye strain from prolonged computer use in 60 days.
Grape seed extract can also be effective in treating conditions such as ADD, as it aids in regulating the neurotransmitters in the brain and inhibits the breakdown of norepinephrine and dopamine. Grape seed extract is one of the few antioxidants that can help to protect nerve and brain tissue by penetrating the blood brain barrier.
Some additional benefits which it provides are:
*Prevents formation of plaque in arteries.
*Improves mental alertness and may help to prevent senility.
*Prevents tooth decay
* Helps to prevent osteoporosis
*May interfere with cancer cell growth and proliferation
*May inhibit virus expression and replication in individuals with HIV
*Aids in poor circulation
*Addresses complications due to diabetes
*Relieves constipation
*It is water and oil soluble, delivering antioxidant protection by penetrating cell membranes throughout the body.
These are just some of the benefits that one can derive from grape seed extract, a powerful supplement that should not be overlooked.
NOTE: Individuals allergic to grapes should not use grape seed extract. It may also interfere with the use of blood thinners, causing excessive bleeding.
Sources:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazin...
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/grape-see...
http://www.preventive-health-guide.com/grape...
About the author
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors of books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "
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