Super-Antioxidants from the
Grape Seed Natural Pharmacy

What Active Ingredients in Grape Seed Extracts Can Do

A free radical is a chemical compound, usually an unstable form of oxygen, derived from radiation, toxic chemicals, air pollution, overly processed foods, and other contaminants, that damages cells in the body, degrades collagen, affects DNA, and is implicated in more than 60 diseases. An antioxidant is a substance that renders free radicals inactive. Most alternative medicine physicians recommend a daily intake of antioxidants, usually as vitamins C and E, to maintain good health.

Pycnogenols have been shown to be up to 50 times more effective than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C in this work. That's why many researchers contend that pycnogenols might be the most powerful antioxidant yet discovered. European scientists call it the "youth nutrient" because it helps slow cell mutation and keep collagen (the fibrous part of connective tissue) healthy and flexible. A British scientist calls pycnogenols the "arteriosclerosis antidote" because it helps maintain the integrity of arteries while enhancing circulation.

Grape Seed extract is now widely prescribed in France and Italy, which also happen to be abundant in grapes. Doctors prescribe grape seed for improving blood flow to the brain and heart, treating varicose veins, skin discoloration at the extremities, such as the nose, tingling in the extremities, bleeding gums, glaucoma, hemorrhoids, excessive menstrual bleeding, and hardening of the arteries.

How much should you take? Consult your physician for a precise prescription, but researchers suggest a dosage in the range of 200-300 mg a day for 5-10 days to saturate the body tissues, then to follow this with a maintenance dose of 60-150 mg. The substance is absorbed almost immediately by the body (in about 20 minutes) and produces no side effects.

Benefits of Grape Seed

• Improve blood and lymph circulation
• Improve eyesight
• Reduce thickening of the arteries
• Improve skin quality
• Protect the central nervous system tissues
• Dramatically improve peripheral circulation problems
• Block the release of enzymes that produce histamines (the bane of allergy attacks)
• Help restore elasticity and flexible strength to your body's connective tissues

Help restore flexibility to skin, joints arteries, capillaries, and other body tissues antioxidant: (meaning "against oxidation") is a natural biochemical substance that protects living cells against damage from harmful free radicals. Antioxidants work against the process of oxidation-the robbing of electrons from substances. If unblocked or left uncontrolled, oxidation can lead to cellular aging, degeneration, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. Antioxidants in the body react readily with oxygen breakdown products and free radicals, and neutralize them before they can damage the body. Antioxidant nutrients include vitamins A, C, and E, beta carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q10, pycnogenol (grape seed extract), L-glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and bioflavonoids. Plant antioxidants include Gingko biloba and garlic. When antioxidants are taken in combination, the effect is stronger than when they are used individually.

Free radical is an unstable molecule with an unpaired electron that steals an electron from another molecule and produces harmful effects. Free radicals are formed when molecules within cells react with oxygen (oxidize) as part of normal metabolic processes. Free radicals then begin to break down cells, especially if there are not enough free-radical quenching nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, in the cell. While free radicals are normal products of metabolism, uncontrolled free-radical production plays a major role in the development of degenerative disease, including cancer and heart disease. Free radicals harmfully alter important molecules, such as proteins, enzymes, fats, even DNA. Other sources of free radicals include pesticides, industrial pollutants, smoking, alcohol, viruses, most infections, allergies, stress, even certain foods and excessive exercise.

Blood is classified into 4 blood types or groups according to the presence of type A and type B antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are also called agglutinogens and pertain to the blood cells' ability to agglutinate, or clump together. Type O blood (containing neither type) is found in 47% of the Caucasian population; type A, 41%; type B, 9%; type AB, 3%. Another form of blood grouping is according to Rh-positive and Rh-negative types, based on the distribution of 6 different Rh antigens.

Enzymes are specialized living proteins fundamental to all living processes in the body, necessary as a catalyst for every chemical reaction and the normal activity of our organs, tissues, fluids, and cells. There are hundreds of thousands of these Nature's "workers." Enzymes enable the body to digest and assimilate food. There are special enzymes for digesting proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and plant fibers. Specifically, protease digests proteins, amylase digests carbohydrates, lipase digests fats, cellulase digests fiber, and disaccharidase digests sugars.

Return to Green Foods Home Page

FREE Monthly Newsletters

We publish four FREE monthly newsletters. To subscribe to any or all newsletters, click here: Subscribe to Newsletters

• 1) Inspired Lifestyles News for inspiring, motivating and empowering quotes, stories and articles.
• 2) Healthy Lifestyles News with articles, tidbits, resources and products to help you live a healthier, more vibrant life.
• 3) Inspired Biz News with articles, stories and resources to create a more spiritual, whole-living work environment.
• 4) InspiredLiving.com News & Sale Announcements to hear about sales events, new products and website upgrades.