Grapes, as we know are fruits that are uniquely tasty and amazingly mouth watering. Not only that, it is also rich in so many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential for the betterment of the health. Furthermore, it isn’t just the outer or the fruit itself that is highly nutritious. The seed of the grapes also have some hidden amazing nutrients and a lot of benefits. Yes, you read it right, there are health benefits on seeds of the grapes –most precisely the seed extract. The health benefits of grape seed extract are all staggering and are all for the betterment of the health. If you want to know more about it, feel free to give this article a read.
Grape Seed Extract: What is this?
In the recent years, the strong nutritional tools like the grape seed extract have become very popular. But, what really is this grape seed extract. Actually, grape seed extract is the substance that comes from the seed of the grapes. This scientifically belongs to the genus, Vitis. The grape seed extract is mostly made from the Vitis vinifera. This is also the same genus of grapes that many types of wines are made from.
The grape seed extract is actually produced by means of grinding the seeds that are found at the grape’s center or core. After that, by the use of the steam distillation process and the cold-compressing method, the extract has been produced from the seeds. There are a lot of important compounds present in the grape seed extract including, epicatechins, catechins, oligomeric procyanidins, and tannins. Furthermore, it also has linoleic acid and vitamin E.
The grape seed extract is mostly consumed in the form of supplement. Its recommended amount is between 100 to 300 milligrams a day. Since the only food source for this extract is a grape seed, the supplements are mostly in the logical form. those people who have grinder or cold press in the comfort of their home may also make an extract for themselves. Specifically if they are in a vineyard and have excessive grapes plant to work with. In most of the cases, you can find grape seed extract in the form of tablet, pill or capsule form. Take note, all of these can deliver the same health benefits.
Uses of the Grape Seed Extract
There are a lot of forms of the grape seed extract, just equal to the small quantities that are required for the after effects to be felt. As stated above, the most common form of the grape seed extract is a supplement. This has an average amount of 100 to 300 milligrams a day. These essential supplements are readily and widely available in some health food stores. And it may come in either capsule, tablet, or liquid form.
Some people choose to have their grape seed extract by buying the grape seed in its whole form and eat them directly. This may taste a bit bitter. However, some people really choose this over the processed one. Take note, it is not recommended that you eat grapes and then you will not spit out the seeds. This is because you need to eat a very large amount of grapes that have high amounts of fructose.
Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract
Here are some of the best health benefits of grape seed extract:
Helps in lowering the oxidative stress. Consuming grape seed extract regularly may help in countering the effects of oxidative stress in the organs as well as in the hair and the skin. moreover, these compounds are also beneficial in reducing the rick of chronic illnesses, which is a great threat as we age.
Helps in controlling the blood pressure. The oligomeric procyanidins present in the grape seed extract helps in protecting the blood vessel as well as the arteries against further damage. Furthermore, they also help in stimulating the activity of the vitamin C in the body –boosting the collagen production and speed up the repairing process.
Helps in lowering the cholesterol levels. The flavonoid in the grape seed extract is beneficial in lowering the levels of cholesterol in the body. Furthermore, it also helps in improving the HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol balance. This may help in reducing the dangers of plaque deposition in the blood vessels and arteries.
Helps in taking care of the skin. This is one of the most amazing health benefits of grape seed extract. Since the grape seed extract has so many antioxidant properties, it is beneficial in improving the skin appearance. Furthermore, it also have flavonoid, combining the two may help in neutralizing the free radicals in the skin, which threatens the skin durability and elasticity.
Helps in losing weight. Research shows that the active ingredients in the grape seed extract are beneficial in inhibiting the fat deposition of the body. Furthermore, it also helps in lowering the level of fat absorption in the diet.
