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Did You Know There Are Five Benefits of Grape Seed Extract for Heart Health?

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Over the years, scientific evidence has shown that grape seed extract (GSE) has the potential to save many lives thanks to its amazing health benefits.

In particular, the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on reducing the risk factors linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases have received a lot of attention.

Today, novel grape seed extracts are being used to manufacture dietary supplements marketed as great options for people at risk of developing heart disease, such as those who are obese or have a family history of heart complications.

In this article, we will look at five scientifically proven benefits of grape seed extract and help you decide whether you should be taking them for the good health of your cardiovascular system. Read on to find out more!

What Are Grape Seed Extracts?

Knowledge of the health benefits of grape seed extract dates back many centuries to the time when ancient Greeks used the skin, leaves, grape juice, and seeds of grapes to cure a variety of ailments.

Although at that time, the specific compounds involved, such as grape seed proanthocyanidin extract were unknown, the results of using them were clear. Today, we know that when using grape seed extract, heart disease complications can be reduced, as well as other benefits, such as:

  • Blood sugar control
  • Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency
  • Acts as blood thinners
  • Reducing leg swelling
  • To aid wound healing
  • Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease

Grape seed extract refers to a specialized group of compounds that are derived from the removal, drying, and pulverization of grape seed into powder. The plant used is called Vitis vinifera, more commonly known as the grapevine.

Grape seed extract should not be confused with grape fruit seed extract, although they are both dietary health supplements marketed using the acronym GSE.

According to scientists who have studied its interactions, grape seed extract appears to work in a similar process to that of green tea. This is why grape seed proanthocyanidins are said to have complementary and integrative health benefits for the human body.

Research also suggests that grape seed extract may help prevent diseases, such as cancer due to its anticancer and chemopreventive potential, although larger clinical trials may still be needed.

One of the reasons why grape seed extract is so effective in preventing heart disease and other ailments is that, unlike conventional medicine, it can target a wide range of issues at the same time.

Grape seed extract also remains in the body for a long time without getting flushed out of the system, which means its effectiveness can be felt for many days after taking it.

Dietary Supplement Based on Grape Seeds

Five Effects of Taking Grape Seed Extract for Heart Health

Do you want help maintaining healthy blood pressure and optimal cardiovascular health? You should talk to your healthcare provider about the heart health benefits of grape seed extract!

Consider the following five benefits of grape seed extract for heart health:

Has Antioxidants That Reduce Oxidative Damage

Due to the effects of free radical damage, our bodies are constantly battling against oxidative stress. Grape polyphenols found in grape seed extracts are used as antioxidants that neutralize the effects of these free radicals.

The risk factors that are a result of free radicals are increased in older people, smokers, heavy drinkers, those who sleep poorly, and people exposed to pollution and radiation.

While not all free radicals are damaging to the human body, a lot of them do results in undesirable chemical interactions that have been linked to:

  • Heart failure
  • Tumor growth
  • Atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels
  • Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure

Can Inhibit C-reactive Protein in Blood Vessels

Ever since the discovery of C-reactive proteins in 1930, their detection has been used as a marker to accurately predict the onset of inflammation and its related complications.

Grape seed extract has been shown to reduce the levels of C-reactive proteins in the blood vessels.

Left unchecked, the increase of these C-reactive can lead to serious complications, such as the buildup of plaque on artery walls which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Grape Seed Extracts Increase Blood Flow

The blood thinning effect of grape seeds is well documented and these extracts have been regularly used to increase blood flow and reduce the chance of developing heart disease.

Poor blood flow has been linked to a wide range of complications, such as:

  • A weak immune system
  • High heart rate
  • Unhealthy skin
  • Swelling of the extremities, such as feet and hands
  • Increased risk of heart disease

The blood thinning effects of grape seed extract were shown in a study conducted on 17 postmenopausal women who showed significant improvement in blood flow after taking 400mg of grape seed extract.

Also, in office workers who take blood-thinning medications that contain grape seed extract, heart health, and blood flow have both been significantly increased to help prevent leg swelling caused by sitting for long periods.

Regulates the Heart Rat

One of the easiest heart disease precursors to identify is an erratic heart rate. It is believed that having a high resting heart rate is directly linked to high cardiovascular risk, especially in people with a family history of heart disease.

Thanks to the cardiovascular benefits of grape seed extract, heart palpitations, and high resting heart rate are both significantly reduced.

It is thought that the blood-thinning properties of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract are directly linked to the regulation of the heart rate.

Decreases High Blood Pressure

Having a higher blood pressure than normal is one of the most concerning health risks associated with developing heart disease. Let us first look at what is meant by blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure vs Diastolic blood pressure

Blood pressure is measured by the following:

  • Diastolic blood pressure in between heartbeats
  • Systolic blood pressure when your heart beats

Normal blood pressure usually falls below 120 systolic and 80 diastolic pressure. Numbers above this are referred to as hypertension or high blood pressure.

Taking grape seed extract for blood pressure compilations is effective in reducing hypertension.

A Dietary Supplement Based on Grape Seeds Could Save Your Life!

Thanks to the versatility of grape seed extract, blood pressure, heart rate, inflammation, and all other problems associated with poor cardiovascular health can be managed. Talk to your doctor today and see if grape seed extract is the right option for you.

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