Grapeseed extract

For years, grapeseed extract, which is available via liquid, tablets, or capsules, has been well-established and applauded for its antioxidant activity. It has potent health benefits, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing symptoms of poor circulation in the leg veins.

StudiesTrusted Source are confirming that regular consumption of grapeseed extract has anticancer effects and seems to halt cancer cell growth.

INTERESTING FACT

Grapeseed extract contains the same antioxidants found in wine.

Grapeseed extract could be beneficial for:

• cancer
• lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol
• leg vein circulation
• edema
• blood pressure

Things to consider

• Proceed with caution if you take blood thinners or blood pressure medications, or if you’re about to go in for surgery.
• It may reduce iron absorption.

Can lower blood pressure

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of GSE on high blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 810 people with high blood pressure or at risk of developing it discovered that taking 100-2,000 mg of GSE daily reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the top and bottom numbers) by an average of 6.08 mmHg and 2.8 mmHg, respectively. Those under the age of 50 who had obesity or a metabolic disorder improved the most. Lower doses of 100-800 mg daily for 8-16 weeks yielded the most promising results, rather than a single dose of 800 mg or more .

Has the potential to improve blood flow

According to some studies, GSE may improve blood flow. Taking 400 mg of GSE for 8 weeks had blood-thinning effects in 17 healthy postmenopausal women, potentially lowering the risk of blood clots. An additional study in 8 healthy young women looked at the effects of a single 400-mg dose of GSE proanthocyanidin followed by 6 hours of sitting. When compared to not taking GSE, it was shown to reduce leg swelling and edema by 70%. In the same study, 8 other healthy young women who took a daily 133-mg dose of GSE proanthocyanidins for 14 days had 40% less leg swelling after 6 hours of sitting. GSE has been shown to increase blood flow and decrease blood pressure.

Could help to reduce oxidative damage

An elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol level in the blood is a known risk factor for heart disease. The oxidation of LDL cholesterol increases this risk significantly and is a key factor in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fatty plaque in your arteries. GSE supplements have been shown in animal studies to reduce LDL oxidation caused by high fat diets. Human studies have yielded similar results. When 8 healthy people ate a high fat meal, taking 300 mg of GSE inhibited fat oxidation in the blood, whereas those who did not take GSE saw a 150% increase. Another study found that taking 400 mg of GSE reduced oxidized LDL by 13.9% in 61 healthy adults. A similar study, however, was unable to replicate these findings. In addition, a study of 87 people undergoing heart surgery discovered that taking 400 mg of GSE the day before surgery reduced oxidative stress significantly. As a result, GSE most likely protected against further heart damage (15Trusted Source). GSE may help lower your risk of heart disease by inhibiting LDL (bad) cholesterol oxidation and reducing oxidation to heart tissue during times of stress.