Grape Seed Extract is Full of Healing Powers and Antioxidants

Grape seed extract has been used by people as a form of medicine for thousands of years. Egyptians ate grapes at least 6,000 years ago, and the Greek used the sweet little fruit for its healing powers, usually consumed in wine form. In ancient times, different parts of the grape were used to treat various ailments. The sap from the grapevines was used for skin and eye diseases while the grape leaves were used to help stop bleeding, pain and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids. Dried grapes helped treat constipation, and unripe grapes treated sore throats, while sweet and ripe grapes were believed to help with nausea, cholera, cancer and liver and skin diseases.

Although some may focus on the grape itself, scientists are pointing a finger at the grape seed extract as having the health benefits. The reason many believe that grape seed extract is able to treat various illnesses is due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances known for their ability to scavenge and expel harmful free radicals from the body. Free radicals are a damaging compound that form naturally in the body but when in excess can cause problems to DNA, cell membranes and also lead to cell death. Free radicals are thought to be responsible for aging, and ailments like heart disease, cancer and macular dystrophy. The antioxidants in grape seed extract can help neutralize the free radicals.

In modern medicine grape seed extract is used to help with blood sugar regulation, cancer and heart disease. There are studies that supported the use of grape seed extract for these ailments. This extract is considered safe, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take grape seed extract supplements.