Grape Seed Extract for Brain Health and Life Extension

Grape Seed Extract is a nutritional supplement that is touted for having some nootropic benefits to offer.

It is considered effective at reducing stress and inflammation in the brain, boosting memory and is being studied for potentially preventing some of the damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Grape seed also contains the polyphenols Pterostilbene and Resveratrol which have been publicized recently for their anti-aging effects and are sometimes used as life extension supplements.

Grapes have been used for their medicinal and nutritional value for literally thousands of years. Both the Egyptians and the ancient Greeks used grapes, although it was usually in the form of wine.

Unripe grapes were used for treating sore throats, and dried grapes were used for constipation and thirst. Even the leaves have been used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and even alleviate pain.

Grape Seed Extract

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Heart Health

Brain Function

Anti- oxidant

How It Works:

• Supports brain health & alertness
• Improves heart health & cholesterol levels
• Potent anti-oxidant & procyanidins source

Dosage:

Between 150 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Grape Seed Extract Effects

Grape Seed Extracts today are essentially industrial derivatives from grape seeds that have a strong concentration of vitamin E, flavanoids, linoleic acid, and phenolic compunds known as Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

These OPCs are what are normally touted as the powerful antioxidants of the bunch. They are found in the highest concentrations in grape seeds as well as lower concentrations in grape skin, grape juice, and wine.

Many of these grape seed extract compounds are now being studied in connection with treating a variety of diseases.

There are a number of different mechanisms of action for how Grape Seed Extract works. Since this natural supplement contains hundreds of different components, it would be difficult to characterize the effects of each of these ingredients.

However, the flavanoids and polyphenols seem to be the compounds that are the most active and cause effects. They both primarily work as antioxidants. They are able to scavenge free radicals and remove many different types of chemicals and compounds from the body.

Perhaps the most important constituent of Grape seed extract is Resveratrol, also known as 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene. This compound is currently the subject of much research and study following experiments in which it increased the lifespan of several species of animals.

In studies, Resveratrol has been seen to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as well as stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving cardiovascular function.

Grape Seed Extract Benefits

This supplement is believed to have a range of benefits related to the heart and other organs. Part of this involves lowering the LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. It is also considered to be a protector against bacterial infections like staphylococcus, saving many different organs from a number of infections.

There are also a number of diabetes-related complications that may be alleviated with Grape Seed Extract supplements. Studies have shown that supplementation significantly improves markers of inflammation and glycemia. It has been hypothesized that this may also have therapeutic roles in decreasing cardiovascular risk.

A 2009 study of people with metabolic syndrome found that a four week treatment with Grape Seed Extract had the effect of lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

This evidence also suggests that the supplement may have some benefits in terms of reducing a number of other health issues known to raise the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes such as excess belly fat, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

As a powerful antioxidant Grape Seed Extract reduces free radical damage and oxidative stress within the body. In fact, this antioxidant effect has been seen to be even more powerful than traditionally accepted vitamins like C and E.

Along with this, there is strong evidence to suggest that grape seed extract may help in reducing the risks of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and a number of other chronic diseases that are associated with aging. The supplement is also being studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Actually, the evidence suggests that using grape seed extract proactively may be even more effective as a way to prevent the disease as opposed to treating it. This is due its reducing affect upon inflammation and the accumulation of substances known as lipofuscins which are known to form brain plaque.

There are a number of other benefits associated with this supplement. These include atherosclerosis, poor circulation, complications associated with diabetes, constipation, gastrointestinal disorders and even age-related macular degeneration.

There is also evidence to suggest that using grape seed extract may lower blood sugar levels, protect collagen and elastin in the skin (anti-aging), improve hemorrhoids, and further protect against oxidative rancidity and bacterial pathogens.

The research on Grape seed extract has been very promising so far, however more research, especially large-scale human trials, is still needed to understand the full effects it can have in the body. At this time, grape seed extract is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved grape seed extract as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Grape Seed Extract Dosage

The first thing to consider when thinking about the proper Grape Seed dosage is the formulation and standardization. Grape Seed Extract come in tablets, capsules, and even liquid extracts. You want to find those standardized to between 40 and 80 percent proanthocyanidins and/or an OPC content of not less than 95 percent.

There is no generally accepted standard dose, particularly since each formulation has a different mix of Grape Seeds and Extracts. Some are heavier on the OPC’s than others. Doses between 50 and 900 mg have been commonly reported.

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking between 25 and 150 mg daily for general anti-oxidant support and 150 to 300 mg per day for chronic venous insufficiency.

These are general dosage guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different. It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your indivdual needs.

Grape Seed Extract Side Effects

There are no commonly reported side effects for this supplement with the possible exception of mild stomach discomfort. It is very safe and generally well-tolerated. Grapes and grape skin extracts have Generally Recognized As Safe status (GRAS) for use in foods in the USA.

The only two groups of people who are advised to avoid taking Grape Seed Extract are pregnant and nursing women (due to a lack of research on use in these groups at the moment) and those who are also using blood thinning medications (e.g. warfarin).

Grape Seed Extract Review

The potential health benefits of Grape Seed Extract are immense. As an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant, this compound can protect your cells from external damage and help keep them properly maintained. Grape Seed Extract can also support metabolic function and control blood sugar levels.

Due to the presence of Resveratrol, this natural supplement has also been used as a longevity-promoter and it may reduce signs of aging both on your body and your brain. Taking Grape Seed Extract is believed to reduce stress levels, improve energy, and it may even prevent some of the factors related to Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are a nootropic user interested in life extension supplements, this is an excellent one to try adding to your daily stack.

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