Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) contains compounds known as proanthocyanidins as well as vitamin E, flavonoids and linoleic acid which act in the body as potent anti-oxidants and have many therapeutic benefits. Anti-oxidants are able to scavenge free radicals in the body that damage cells and create inflammation. Grape seed extract is often confused with Grapefruit seed extract as both may be abbreviated as GSE, but grapefruit seed is used mostly as an anti-microbial and should not be used long term. Grape seed extract on the other hand may be used long term as it can help reduce inflammation and LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol known to be associated with atherosclerosis. Grape seed has also been shown to protect normal cells during certain chemotherapies and can be toxic to cancer cells therefore increasing the effect of the cancer treatment while reducing side effects. The anti-oxidant properties of grape seed can also help to reduce the symptoms of both asthma and seasonal allergies.
Grape seed supplements come in many different forms and it is important to get a high quality product that has been standardized to the proanthocyanidins and contains a high enough dose to achieve a therapeutic benefit.
Grape seed supplements come in many different forms and it is important to get a high quality product that has been standardized to the proanthocyanidins and contains a high enough dose to achieve a therapeutic benefit.
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