Grape Seed – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/12/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Grape seeds have long been prized by European and Middle Eastern folk healers due to their potent medicinal properties. Grape seeds are now primarily used as a dietary supplement that come in various forms, such as liquid form, capsules, or tablets.

List of known nutrients

Grape seeds are known to contain high levels of antioxidants and important nutrients that prevent certain diseases. According to NutritionData.Self.com, grape seeds contain:

Calcium
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids
Phytosterols
Polymeric flavan-3-ols
Proanthocyanidins
Vitamin E

Medicinal uses for grape seed

Grape seeds are notably high in antioxidants that potentially protect the blood vessels from being damaged. According to a one study, proanthocyanidin extracts found in grape seeds offer greater antioxidant efficacy compared with other essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Grape seeds are also known to promote good blood circulation and lower cholesterol levels. Likewise, grape seeds are found to regulate blood glucose levels.

Extracts from grape seeds are also found to contain anti-Candida properties. According to an Italian study, Candida albicans is a yeast-like parasitic fungus that may sometimes result in thrush. Grape seeds are a rich source of polymeric flavan-3-ols, which inhibit the fungus. The study concluded that grape seed extracts could be used to treat mucosal infections including vaginal candidiasis.

Significantly high levels of proanthocyanidins in grape seeds are also believed to have protective effects against cognitive decline. Another study had shown that the grape seed compound contained neuroprotective properties, which could potentially prevent the onset of cognitive loss associated with aging.

Grape seeds are also found to potentially fend off certain types of cancers. In an animal study, grape seed proanthocyanidins are shown to slow skin tumor development in hairless mice. According to the researchers, this showed that grape seeds may mitigate the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays absorbed in the skin. Some animal studies also note that grape seed extracts may potentially influence estrogen levels in the body, which could mean the extracts may show potential in staving off breast cancer development.

The high calcium content in grape seeds are also essential for improving bone strength. Another animal study revealed that grape seeds aided in bone formation and strength. According to the study, calcium and proanthocyanidins found in grape seed extracts may be essential in treating bone debility caused by mineral deficiency. In yet another animal study, grape seed extracts are found to accelerate wound healing in animal models.

Other conditions that may be addressed by grape seed extracts include chronic venous insufficiency, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetic retinopathy. The extracts are also notably beneficial in improving night vision, protecting against pathogens and mitigate the effects of aging.

Body systems supported by grape seed

Grape seeds are potentially beneficial to the heart and the circulatory, immune, and female reproductive systems. The extracts are also known to benefit the skin, eyes, and the brain. Grape seeds are also essential in promoting bone health.

Ways to use grape seed

Grape seeds can be incorporated in a variety of recipes, which include salads, meat and seafood dishes and vegetable dishes.

Where to learn more

Summary

Grape seeds may bolster treatment for high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, bone conditions, and macular degeneration.

Grape seeds may also be used to address poor circulation, nerve damage, and mucosal infections such as vaginal candidiasis.

Grape seeds may prevent the onset of certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, tooth decay, and diabetes-related complications.

Grape seeds benefit the heart and the circulatory, immune and female reproductive systems.

Grape seeds may also benefit the bones, skin, eyes, and the brain.

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