What are the benefits of grape seeds and how to eat grape seeds

Grape seeds contain a substance called grape polyphenols, also known as anthocyanins (OPC), which have a strong antioxidant effect. Grape seed beauty is a new beauty concept that has attracted much attention recently. Relevant studies have shown that OPC can help the skin enhance oxygen exchange and effectively resist skin oxidation and aging. Grape seeds are also natural sunshades that can prevent ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin. OPC, the main component of grape seed extract, can also repair damaged collagen and elastic fibers. It is best used in summer and can keep the skin white and healthy.

Benefits of Grape Seed

1. Eliminate free radicals and resist oxidation

Free radicals are one of the important factors that cause human aging and many diseases. About 80% to 90% of aging and degenerative diseases are related to free radicals, including skin dark spots, wrinkles, cataracts, cancer, heart disease, etc. The high-concentration grape seed extract contained in grape seeds is a pure natural substance and one of the most effective plant-derived antioxidants discovered so far. It can remove free radicals and improve immunity.

2. Reduce spots and whiten skin

From the physical aspect: With the increase of age and the pollution of the environment, the human body produces a large number of free radicals, causing metabolic disorders and excessive production of lipofuscin in the body. Its decomposition pathway is blocked, and a large amount of lipofuscin (RN=CH-CH=NHR', i.e. Schiff base) is deposited in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, brain and blood vessel cells, forming lipofuscin spots, which damage the organs and cause functional decline; lipofuscin is deposited in skin cells (especially the skin of the face and hands), forming skin spots, chloasma, butterfly spots and age spots, which seriously affect the patient's appearance and cause great mental pain to the patient. Grape seeds are known as the "most effective free radical scavenger". It can decompose lipofuscin, protect various organs, and play a role in fading spots from the body. In addition, proanthocyanidins are different from general antioxidants. They can cross the blood vessel barrier (Blood-brain barrier) to protect the brain and blood vessels from damage by free radicals.

From the skin surface: Polluted air, strong ultraviolet rays and cosmetics (fragrances, preservatives, pigments) and other factors stimulate the activity of free radicals, causing more attacks on the skin. In the process of free radicals attacking and destroying cells, a large number of cells die and metabolic disorders occur. Impurities in cells cannot be metabolized, causing pigment deposition and a large reduction in the number of new cells (new cells are an important factor in skin whitening). Grape seeds can not only effectively remove free radicals in the human body, but also promote skin metabolism, isolate environmental pollution and cosmetic damage, decompose melanin, and achieve the effect of whitening the skin.

3. Maintain skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles

The skin belongs to connective tissue, and the collagen and elastin contained in it play an important role in the entire structure of the skin. Proanthocyanidin soft capsule plays a dual role in the skin: on the one hand, it can promote the formation of moderate cross-linking of collagen; on the other hand, as an effective free radical scavenger, it can prevent the skin from "excessive cross-linking". This abnormal physiological condition also prevents the appearance of skin wrinkles and scars, keeping the skin delicate and smooth. Proanthocyanidins can also prevent the production of hard proteases, inhibit their activity, and prevent free radicals or hard elastase from degrading hard proteins, thereby improving the health of the skin from the inside. It improves skin elasticity, reduces skin diseases and wrinkles, and even eliminates scars. Therefore, proanthocyanidins enjoy the reputation of "skin vitamins" and "oral cosmetics" in developed countries in Europe and the United States, and are a kind of beauty and skin care products favored by women of all ages.

4. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects

The anti-inflammatory property of grape seeds was noticed as early as the 1950s. This is due to its antioxidant properties. Because it can inhibit the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors such as histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, it can play an anti-allergic role, especially for pollen allergies. In addition, proanthocyanidins are natural UV shields that can repair damaged collagen and elastin fibers, and enhance the skin's resistance and immunity. Proanthocyanidins can selectively bind to the connective tissue of the joints to prevent joint swelling, help heal damaged tissues, and relieve pain. Therefore, proanthocyanidins have a significant effect on various types of arthritis.

5. Enhance immunity, anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects

A large number of research results have shown that proanthocyanidins can greatly reduce the incidence of various cancers. Free radicals are the main cause of cancer and tumors. This statement has been widely recognized by the medical community. Another study showed that people with low vitamin E levels in their bodies have a 21.4 times higher risk of cancer than normal people. The antioxidant capacity of grape seeds is 50 times that of VE, which is much stronger than VE in preventing cancer. Grape seeds are the most efficient free radical scavenger from plant sources, which can protect cells from free radical damage and prevent gene mutations that cause cancer. The Russians were the first to understand the protective effect of grape seeds. The former Soviet astronauts took a plant drink rich in proanthocyanidins for a long time to protect them from radiation damage from space rays during space flight.

6. Protective effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems

Grape seeds can significantly improve vascular resistance and reduce capillary permeability. As we age, elastic fibers in arteries gradually oxidize and harden. This hardening is the main cause of hypertension in the elderly. Proanthocyanidins improve vascular elasticity and lower blood pressure. After patients take proanthocyanidin capsules for a period of time, their blood pressure will drop significantly. Animal experiments and clinical studies have also shown that proanthocyanidins can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the volume of cholesterol deposits deposited on blood vessel walls. Proanthocyanidin soft capsules can also lower blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin resveratrol.

How to eat grape seeds

Taking grape seeds directly or grinding them into powder will hardly have any effect. The human body cannot absorb them directly and they must be processed and purified before they can be taken.

Precautions for eating grape seeds

The following people should use grape seed products with caution:

Those with bleeding tendency or coagulation disorder;

If you are currently taking medications, herbs, antioxidants or other health supplements, grape seed products may affect the effects of these medications.

People who are allergic to certain foods or plants and animals;

Pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding.

In addition, since previous studies on grape seed products have not involved children, it is best not to use them for children.