Grape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. The antioxidant power of proanthocyanidins is many times stronger than vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants neutralize harmful radicals (toxic byproducts of metabolic functions) and protect against inflammation, cancer, and age-related diseases. Now research reports that grape seed extract may help prevent skin cancer.
Researchers are now finding that grape seed extract is an antioxidant
cocktail that is many times stronger than its popular counterparts.
Grape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. The
antioxidant power of proanthocyanidins is many times stronger than vitamin C and
vitamin E. Antioxidants neutralize harmful radicals (toxic byproducts of
metabolic functions) and protect against inflammation, cancer, and age-related
diseases. Now research reports that grape seed extract may help prevent skin
cancer.
The study, presented at the 223rd annual meeting of the American Chemical
Society on April 8, 2007, investigated the effects of grape seed extract on mice
exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Researchers from the University of Alabama,
Birmingham administered a standard diet supplemented with grape seed extract or
a standard diet without supplementation to hairless mice. The mice were exposed
to UVB radiation.
The researchers found that the mice in the grape seed group had a 35 percent
reduction in tumors, compared to the untreated mice. Findings also revealed that
the grape seed group had a 78 percent decrease in tumor size and 65 fewer tumors
than the untreated mice. Grape seed extract appears to block the suppression of
the immune system caused by UV light.
"It suggests that regular consumptions of GSPs (grape seed proanthocyanidins) as
a dietary supplement may be beneficial for the prevention of skin cancers," says
study chief Santosh K. Katiyar, PhD, in a news release.
By limiting oxidation, a process in which electrons lose a molecule, atom, or
ion, grape seed extract may help prevent and treat heart diseases like high
blood pressure and high cholesterol.
It has also been shown that the powerful antioxidants found in grape seed
extract, proanthocyanidins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels which protects
them against damage.
Some studies indicate that you may want to avoid grape seed extract if you are
taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. The result may lead to uncontrolled
bleeding, therefore caution should be exercised when implementing this
supplement into your diet. The studies are limited and therefore further
research is limited. Discuss grape seed extract with your doctor if you are
these medications.
If you are looking for a powerful supplement to take as a part of a healthy
diet, consider grape seed extract. The benefits described in the article only
begin to reveal its true potential as a free radical scavenger.
REFERENCES:
1. Grape seed extract may help prevent skin cancer. Yahoo news, March 26, 2007.
Brad chase owns and operates the health blog at supplementnews.org. He focuses on research articles that illustrate how nutrition, exercise, and diet affect well being.
