What is Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins?
Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are a type of flavonoid.
Flavonoids are a class of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) that act as antioxidants.
GSPs are found in the seeds and skin of red grapes, and they give wine its astringent taste.
Resveratrol is another type of flavonoid found in grape skins.
It has received a lot of attention for its potential health benefits, but GSPs may actually be more beneficial than resveratrol.
GSPs are powerful antioxidants that can neutralize harmful free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation.
Inflammation is a key factor in the development of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
GSPs may also help to protect cells from damage by reducing inflammation.
In addition to their antioxidant properties, GSPs have been shown to have a number of other potential health benefits.
For example, they may help to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
They may also help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
GSPs may even have anti-cancer properties and be able to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Though more research is needed, GSPs show promise as a natural way to improve health and protect against disease.
They are available in supplement form, but the best way to get them is from food.
Red grapes, grape juice, and red wine are all good sources of GSPs.
What Are the Benefits of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins?
1. Powerful Antioxidant Activity
Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are powerful antioxidants that can neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation. Inflammation is a key factor in the development of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. GSPs may also help to protect cells from damage by reducing inflammation.
2. Improved Blood Sugar Control
In addition to their antioxidant properties, GSPs have been shown to have a number of other potential health benefits. For example, they may help to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
3. Lowered Blood Pressure
GSPs may also help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
4. Anti-Cancer Properties
GSPs may even have anti-cancer properties and be able to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Though more research is needed, GSPs show promise as a natural way to improve health and protect against disease. They are available in supplement form, but the best way to get them is from food. Red grapes, grape juice, and red wine are all good sources of GSPs.
5. Good for Skin Health
Proanthocyanidins present in grape seeds can also help improve your skin health. The antioxidant action of these nutrients scavenge harmful free radicals from the body, which would otherwise damage cells and lead to skin inflammation (4). Additionally, these compounds can promote collagen production and protect existing collagen from breakdown (5). This may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve overall skin elasticity. Grape seed extract is sometimes used as a natural remedy for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema (6).
6. May Boost Brain Health
Grape seed extract has also been linked to better brain health. One small study showed that people who took a grape seed supplement for 12 weeks had improved attention and memory, compared to those who did not take the supplement (7).
7. May Help Manage Diabetes
Grape seed extract may also help manage diabetes by improving blood sugar control. In one small study, people with type 2 diabetes who took a grape seed supplement for 8 weeks had lower fasting blood sugar levels than those who did not take the supplement (8). Another study found that taking a grape seed supplement reduced insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes (9).
8. Heart-Healthy Benefits
Grape seeds are a good source of antioxidants, including proanthocyanidins, which may offer heart-healthy benefits. These compounds have been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function (10). Additionally, grape seed extract has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol (11).
9. May Help Manage Weight
Though more research is needed, grape seed extract may also help manage weight. One small study showed that people who took a grape seed supplement while following a calorie-restricted diet lost more weight and body fat than those who did not take the supplement (12).
10. Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated. However, it can cause some side effects, such as headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset (13). Additionally, grape seed extract may interact with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin). If you take any medications, speak to your doctor before taking grape seed extract.
Pharmacokinetics
Grape seed extract is composed of a number of compounds, including proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and catechins. These compounds are rapidly absorbed from the gut and distributed throughout the body (14). They are then metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine (15).
Dosage
There is no recommended dose of grape seed extract. Some studies have used doses of 150-300 mg per day. If you’re considering taking grape seed extract, speak to your doctor first to discuss whether it’s right for you.
Mechanism of Action
The health benefits of grape seed extract are largely attributed to its antioxidant content. These compounds scavenge harmful free radicals from the body, which would otherwise damage cells . Additionally, grape seed extract may help lower blood pressure by promoting the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels.
