Many people have wondered how a certain town in Italy has produced more septuagenarians than any other place in the world. Researchers looked into their diet and found that these men drank red wine everyday, in addition to their heart healthy diet of fresh fish and tomato-based foods.

This may be linked to other studies showing how wine-drinking populations like the French and Italians seem to live longer than their non-wine drinking counterparts. Research has also been conducted into polyphenols which are found in grapes, and consequently red wine.

Benefits of Grapeseed

The active ingredient in grapes that has been singled out as responsible for the potency of wine and grape juice is grapeseed extract, a nutrient that is obtained from the seed of grapes.

As an antioxidant, grapeseed extract is many times more powerful than Vitamin C, E and beta carotene. Known and marketed in capsule or tablet form simply as grapeseed extract, this antioxidant boasts of a variety of life-saving benefits:

• It prevents heart disease by improving blood circulation, maintaining normal blood pressure, and inhibiting the formation of plaque in the arteries.
• It is closely linked to the prevention of breast and skin cancer, and in recent years, even of a hematological cancer like leukemia. Laboratory tests on animal cancer cells show that grapeseed extract can reduce and arrest the formation of malignant cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
• It promotes the healing of wounds and protects collagen throughout the body most especially in the skin.
• It delays the onset of degenerative diseases by protecting the brain and nerve tissues. It prevents senility and improves mental awareness.
• Unlike Vitamin C, grapeseed extract is not immediately excreted and is said to remain in the body for as long as 3 days. This allows the body to reap the maximum benefits of this powerful antioxidant.
• Grapeseed extract is a natural antihistamine. It keeps the body from releasing histamines that are responsible for producing allergic reactions.
• Grapeseed extract boosts the health-giving properties of Vitamins A and C, making it a valuable aid in improving eyesight and preventing wrinkles.

Uses

While those who habitually consume red wine may reap the benefits of grapeseed extract, health professionals do not advise non-alcohol drinkers to start drinking wine now. Grapeseed extract is usually incorporated into a nutritional plan in the form of dietary supplements that are commercially available. The following are some of its common uses:

• Allergies
• Cellulite
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Blood clots
• Gout
• Heat attack
• Leg cramps
• Cataracts
• Psoriasis
• Varicose veins
• Wound healing
• Wrinkles
• Stretch marks

Drawbacks

Grapeseed extract is available over the counter. But before incorporating new or additional supplements to your diet, it is still best to seek the advice of a qualified health professional who can tell you if a grapeseed extract supplement will complement your current medication and the right dosage for your purposes.

Adding grapeseed extract, for example, while taking a blood thinner, may cause excessive bleeding. Some users have also reported mild side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and dry and itchy scalp.