Discover a Truly Effective Grape Seed Extract
Contributed by Terry Lemerond
While grape seed extract has been available for decades, there have been times when its popularity has waxed and waned. About 20 years ago, grape seed extract’s popularity seemed to peak, but this burst of fame was short lived. Grape seed fell by the wayside, in what seemed like a sudden reversal. However, that change of fortune was not really surprising.
The problem was, many “grape seed” supplements were not really grape seed extract at all – even though they were labeled as such. As it happens, grape seed extract is one of the most adulterated supplements on the market. And for those extracts that really were from grape seed, many of them were so riddled with tannins that they couldn’t be effectively absorbed and used by the body. Unfortunately, companies flooded the market with poor quality products at a low price in order to gain sales fast. So, it’s not surprising that even though you may have tried grape seed extracts in the past, those particular supplements were not effective.
Taking the time to seek out an effective grape seed extract is critical because an effective form is well worth it. The best results come from small sized compounds in grape seed called oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs. Small but mighty, these compounds are fully absorbable through the intestines, so they yield the best health benefits for you, including benefits for your heart, brain, immune system, blood sugar levels, and more.
If you have cardiovascular concerns, grape seed extract has much to offer. An Italian clinical study showed that grape seed extract improved blood pressure in 93 percent of participants taking the higher 300-mg dose. Grape seed extract also protects blood vessel walls from free-radical damage and prevents low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation that leads to blocked arteries. Another placebo-controlled clinical study showed that grape seed extract improved lipid profiles and reduced oxidized LDL cholesterol in just eight weeks, which is great news if you’ve been taking prescription statins and dealing with their side effects.
For stopping cancer growth, preventing the return of tumors, and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy drugs, tannin-free OPCs from French grape seed extract are currently at the forefront of research. And, due to the natural inflammation-fighting and free-radical scavenging effects of grape and grape seed extracts, along with their interaction with gut microflora, grape seed extracts may help preserve memory and prevent age-related cognitive impairments.
If your own search for an effective grape seed extract has been challenging, that’s understandable. It takes a careful reading of supplement labels to ensure the product you are considering is standardized for only small and absorbable OPCs and tannins. Grape seed tannins are not well absorbed and can’t provide the nutrient value and full potential of this powerful natural medicine.
That is why looking for tested and verified French grape seed extract is the best route to success for an effective and reliable grape seed extract. Once you discover the real thing, you’ll notice the difference.