Grape seed extract (GSE) contains antioxidants that may support heart, brain, and skin health–but the clinical evidence on its effects is weak and inconslusive. Does GSE increase testosterone and boost weight loss? Does it improve skin appearence? Read on to find out if these and other purported benefits of GSE are supported by solid science.<\/p>\n
Grape seed extract is a concentrated source of antioxidant polyphenols from grape seeds [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Grapes and other berries abound with specific polyphenols, proanthocyanidins<\/b>. They are responsible for the dry mouth sensation you get from drinking red wine or berry juice, but they also act as potent antioxidants [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Proponents:<\/b><\/p>\n Skeptics:<\/b><\/p>\n Preliminary research on grape seed extract promises a lot, but the available clinical evidence in people with health conditions is limited. The following studies should encourage further investigation before we make any definite conclusions and recommendations. <\/i><\/p>\n Remember to speak with a doctor before taking grape seed extract supplements. They can not replace medical treatment for any health condition.<\/i><\/p>\n Oxidative stress lurks as an underlying cause of many health conditions. Grape seeds are among the best sources of powerful antioxidants, proanthocyanidins, which build oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes<\/b> (OPCs) with unique antioxidant properties [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Phenolic acids and flavonoids from grape seeds also combat oxidative damage [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Truth be told, this doesn\u2019t mean grape seed extract can help with all conditions in which oxidative stress plays a role.<\/p>\n Apart from free-radical protection, this unique mixture of grape seed components may [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n In 36 subjects, one-month supplementation with grape seed extract (2 g daily) protected blood vessels against free-radical damage by boosting nitric oxide [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a series of smaller clinical trials (130 people in total), grape seed extract lowered the risk of heart disease by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation. It prevented the oxidation of LDL (“bad cholesterol”) in the blood vessels. Oxidized LDL can trigger plaque buildup or atherosclerosis [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Keep in mind that some of the above results were observed in diabetics and heavy smokers only, and they might not translate to the general population.<\/p>\n Animal trials confirmed the ability of this extract to protect the heart and blood vessels against [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Two meta-analyses of 25 clinical trials (1,200 patients in total) concluded that grape seed extract can lower blood pressure. The effect was stronger in younger participants, obese patients, and those with metabolic disorders. That said, the impact on diastolic blood pressure (lower value) was less conclusive and requires further investigation [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In 36 patients at risk of high blood pressure<\/a>, the extract (300 mg daily for 6 weeks) reduced blood pressure and lowered their risk [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nSnapshot<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Grape Seed Extract Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n
How It Works<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Likely Effective For:<\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Circulatory and Vein Health<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Blood Pressure<\/h4>\n