What is Grape Seed Extract?
Grape seed extract is a substance created by crushing grape seeds into a more potent powder form. Crushing the seeds removes the oil, creating a powder rich in the nutrients found in grape seeds, (which will be discussed later on).
Grape seed extract is a polyphenol, which is a chemical substance found in plants that has antioxidant effects within the body. An antioxidant is a substance that is used to neutralize harmful compounds in our bodies called free radicals. Free radicals are damaging compounds in our cells that are typically introduced to the body through environmental pollutants and chemicals we breathe in. Free radicals are unstable, and require antioxidants to become neutralized, and diminish their harmful potential.
Although, due to the increasing exposure many of us among the population have to environmental pollutants in our food, air, and water, the amount of free radicals we have in our body is rising, requiring the need for more antioxidants. In addition, individuals who exercise will typically have a higher oxygen consumption, once again increasing the amount of free radicals that are able to enter the cell. When balanced correctly, free radicals can be used to bind to other harmful compounds in the body.
Without adequate antioxidants in the cell they begin to break down, break down DNA, lipids, and proteins in the cell in order to stabilize. Free radical damage to DNA leads to genetic mutations. Free radical damage is the first stage of the development of cancer. In addition, free radicals can damage enzymes in our cells that are critical factors in hormonal and neuronal function, such as memory. Thus, excess free radicals have been linked to a numerous number of neurological disorders such as alziemers and Parkinson’s disease.
When inflamed, immune cells will release free radicals in an attempt to protect the area, but if the inflammation is not due to some sort of excess of an unwanted substance, the body will have excess free radicals present, requiring more antioxidants.
An excess of antioxidants has not been shown to have any deleterious effects. With that being said, a small amount of free radicals can be beneficial because a small amount of stress or damage will force the body to adapt and create stronger systems, allowing for adaptation and growth.
A grape seed extract is estimated to have 15x more antioxidants per ounce than a full grape, thus allowing you to get an extremely potent and direct form of antioxidants. In addition to the antioxidants, multiple experiments have shown grape seed to be helpful in reducing blood pressure, but I currently do not know the mechanism of action well enough to further elaborate.
Grape seeds contain melatonin, which is the central nervous system depressant that is created before and during sleep. An increase in melatonin is correlated to a decrease in heart rate and cortical, and can allow you to get into deep sleep. Although, the increase in melatonin may lead to drowsiness if you consume grape seed extract early in the morning, so it would be beneficial to wait until later in the day to consume grape seed extract. For example, taking a multivitamin containing grape seed extract, or a pure grape seed supplement alongside dinner.
As of now, grape seed has not shown any deleterious side effects, warranting its daily use. There may be merit and potential to large doses of grape seed extract as an acute mechanism to combat sickness or injury. Antioxidants can be used as a more natural, and much less harmful, alternative to antibiotics. Thus, if you are concerned about the effects of taking an antibiotic, there may be a justification for taking a large dose of Grape seed extract and other antioxidants.