What is Grapeseed?
Grapeseed comes from the small seeds of grapes, usually a byproduct of winemaking. While grapes are widely enjoyed as fruit or wine, grapeseed extract offers another way to benefit from the tiny but nutrient-rich seeds that are often discarded. These seeds are packed with plant compounds, most notably oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), which are powerful antioxidants.
Traditionally, grapeseed has been used in herbal practices for circulation and skin health. Today, grapeseed extract is found in supplements, offering a concentrated form of these beneficial compounds in convenient capsules.
Grapeseed Nutritional Information
Grapeseed extract contains:
- Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs): Potent antioxidants studied for their role in protecting cells against oxidative stress.
- Vitamin E: A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps support overall skin and cellular wellness.
- Flavonoids: Plant-based compounds that could potentially play a role in circulatory health.
According to previous studies, grapeseeds can contain from about 3.5% up to nearly 16% proanthocyanidins by weight, depending on formulation and processing methods.
(Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central; Rodríguez-Pérez C, García-Villanova B, Guerra-Hernández E, Verardo V., 2019, Nutrients.).
Potential Health Benefits of Grapeseed
While results vary across studies and more clinical trials are needed, research suggests several possible benefits of grapeseed extract:
Cardiovascular Support
Some studies suggest grapeseed extract helps support healthy blood pressure and improve circulation by supporting blood vessel function (Schön C, Allegrini P, Engelhart-Jentzsch K, Riva A, Petrangolini G., 2021, Nutrients.).
Antioxidant Activity
Rich in OPCs, grapeseed extract can help protect cells from oxidative stress and support long-term wellness (Sochorova L, Prusova B, Jurikova T, Mlcek J, Adamkova A, Baron M, Sochor J., 2020, Molecules.).
Skin Health
Research suggests grapeseed extract could potentially support skin elasticity and protect against UV-related oxidative damage (Tao et al., 2022, Cosmetics.).
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Preliminary findings indicate that grapeseed extract may help reduce markers of inflammation, though more research is needed (Foshati S, Rouhani MH, Amani R., 2021, Int J Clin Pract.).
These potential benefits are based on research, but grapeseed supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How to Add Grapeseed to Your Diet
While whole grapes provide natural nutrients, grapeseed extract offers a more concentrated form of beneficial plant compounds. It’s not commonly eaten directly, but supplements such as Healthmax Care Mangosteen Plus 8 Berries provide a convenient way to incorporate it into your daily routine. Simply taking the supplement as directed allows you to enjoy grapeseed’s potential benefits without needing to consume large amounts of grape seeds.