Suprising but grape seed extract may be better for you than the grapes from which it comes. For countless centuries, people from many different cultures have enjoyed a fine glass of wine, but only recently have scientists discovered that it might be good for us, too. Yes, moderate wine drinking actually has a number of excellent potential health benefits, although of course the alcohol is not the part that does all the good! In fact, one of the surprising advantages of millions of consumers enjoying the fruits of the wine industry is that its by-products can be made into some really useful health supplements. Take grape seeds, for example. Grape seed extract is known as waste product of the winery and grape juice industry, because they don’t go into the finished drinks. What is in grape seed extract? What you may not know is that grape seed extract contains a vast array of health-giving ingredients, such as protein, lipids, carbohydrates and polyphenols (which come mainly in the form of flavonoids, also known as
The term flavonoid is used for a class of plant chemicals known for their activity as highly potent and therefore for their capability in protecting the body against oxidative and free radical damage. It’s not really surprising when you consider the scientific studies: they show that the antioxidant power of polyphenols is 20 times more powerful than and 50 times greater than Because of its polyphenol content, purple grape juice provides a far greater antioxidant effect than orange juice. What else can grape seed extract do? Some people call these polyphenols “nature’s biological response modifiers” because of their ability to help the body fight viruses, allergens, and carcinogens. That means that among their many talents, they exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, Not bad for a “waste product”! Procyanadin: The secret anti aging vitamin? One particular type of phenol found in grape seed is called procyanidin. It was initially discovered in 1936 by Professor Jacques Masquelier, who called it Vitamin P, (although the name didn’t really catch on, and has since fallen out of usage).
As well as the disease prevention mentioned above, procyanidins are thought to protect the body from Scientists think they do this by increasing levels in the cells and scavenging for toxins so the organs can get rid of them. A good "side effect": Younger looking skin Procyanidins also bond with collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and a key component of skin, gums, bones, teeth, hair and body tissues. The bonding promotes cell health and skin elasticity, making it seem more youthful, in a process that works almost like a natural face-lift. Procyanidins additionally help protect the body from sun damage, which can also cause premature ageing of the skin. More importantly it helps inside the body Vanity is one thing, but underlying health is quite another. Far more important to your body than looking good, is the fact that procyanidins can improve your vision, the flexibility of your joints, the health of your arteries and body tissues (such as the heart) and also strengthen capilliaries and veins to improve your circulatory system.
This is important because the health of your circulatory system affects the health of your heart. It seems that grape seed extract delays the oxidation of low density lipoproteins, the fats that are responsible for “bad cholesterol”. The longer it takes for LDL to oxidize, the less likely it is to start clogging up your veins and arteries. People who drink purple grape juice can show an increase in oxidation lag time of 27%. So, procyanidins present in grape seeds are known to exert anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities, to prevent to scavenge oxygen free radicals and to inhibit the damaging effects of UV radiation from sunlight. Since most of these processes are linked to it follows that grape seeds are probably strong anti-carcinogenic and/or anti-tumor-promoting agents. Studies show they may have particular use against colorectal cancer, and scientists are devoting a fair amount of new research to grape seed because they’re pretty confident about its abilities.
The other "secret ingredient" of grape seed extract. One other of the grape’s hidden health weapons is also worth a mention: it’s called resveratrol. This chemical is found primarily in the skin and seeds, particularly in muscadine grapes, and it confers a number of beneficial effects to the body. They include all those mentioned above, but also an ability to help the brain and its processes work efficiently i.e. they have neuroprotective capabilities. In rats, this has life-prolonging effects, so it’s reasonable to assume it may do the same for other animals, humans included. Whats the best way to get grape seed extract into your body? Luckily, you don’t have to drink litres of wine or grape juice, or eat sacks of grape seeds to get these helpful chemicals into your body. Thanks to modern technology, we now have grape seed extract in the form of supplements. That means you can enjoy all the health-giving properties of grape seed simply by taking a pill.
Meanwhile, it’s a bonus to know that all these amazing added benefits are coming from the “waste products” of wine, so that an enjoyable pastime for some folks results in a health boost for millions of others. Next time you toast your good health, you might like to spare a thought for the humble grape seed and all the wonders it can offer your body. For more information on this topicWhat is Vitamin B Complex? The vitamin B-complex refers to all of the known essential water-soluble vitamins except for . These include (vitamin B1), (vitamin B2), (vitamin B3), (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (), , and the cobalamins (). "Vitamin B" was once thought to be a single nutrient that existed in extracts of rice, liver, or yeast. Researchers later discovered these extracts contained several vitamins, which were given distinguishing numbers. Unfortunately, this has led to an erroneous belief among non-scientists that these vitamins have a special relationship to each other.
Further adding to confusion has been the "unofficial" designation of other substances as members of the B-complex, such as choline, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), even though they are not essential vitamins. Each member of the B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions in the human body. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and biotin participate in different aspects of energy production, vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid metabolism, and vitamin B12 and folic acid facilitate steps required for cell division. Each of these vitamins has many additional functions. However, contrary to popular belief, no functions require all B-complex vitamins simultaneously. At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement. Vitamin B-complex includes several different components, each of which has the potential to interact with drugs. It is recommended that you discuss the use of vitamin B-complex and your current medication(s) with your doctor or pharmacist.
How much should you take? Human requirements for members of the B-complex vary considerably from 3 mcg per day for vitamin B12 to 18 mg per day for vitamin B3 in adult males, for example. Therefore, taking equal amounts of each one as provided in many B-complex supplements makes little sense. Furthermore, there is little evidence supporting the use of megadoses of B-complex vitamins to combat everyday stress, boost energy, or control food cravings, unless a person has a deficiency of one or more of them. Again, contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence indicating people should take all B vitamins to avoid an imbalance when one or more individual B vitamin is taken for a specific health condition. Most multi vitamin products contain the B-complex along with the rest of the essential vitamins and minerals. Since they are more complete than B-complex vitamins alone, multiple vitamin-mineral supplements are recommended to improve overall micronutrient intake and prevent deficiencies.
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support. Our proprietary Star-Rating system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people. For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings.
We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being. Vitamin B Complex has been used in connection with the following health conditions:Used for AmountWhyFollow label directionsThiamine (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and other B vitamins have all been shown to play a role in wound healing. For this reason, some healthcare practitioners recommend a high-potency B vitamin supplement to promote wound healing.300 mg B1 daily, 20 mg B2 daily, 150 mg B6 dailyPeople with recurrent canker sores may have a B vitamin deficiency. Supplementing with vitamins B1, B2, and B6 has been reported to provide relief.Acne RosaceaRefer to label instructions The relationship between B vitamins and rosacea is unclear, one study found it caused rocacea-like symptoms, other preliminary reports have found benefits. Refer to label instructions Research suggests it is possible that successful treatment of B-complex vitamin deficiencies may actually reduce alcohol cravings, because animals crave alcohol when fed a B-complex-deficient diet.
AnxietyRefer to label instructions Double-blind research suggests that supplementing with vitamin B-complex multivitamin may reduce feelings of anxiety, perceived stress, and tiredness. Refer to label instructions B-complex vitamins are needed to produce energy from carbohydrates. Exercisers may have slightly increased requirements for some of the B vitamins, including vitamins B2, B6, and B5, athletic performance can suffer if these slightly increased needs are not met.Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderRefer to label instructions B vitamins have been used for ADHD. High amounts of B vitamins have shown mixed results in relieving ADHD symptoms. In one study, treatment with a hydrochloric acid supplement and a vitamin B-complex supplement helped to treat people with hives. For people who have inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 due to low stomach acid, supplementing with vitamin B complex can help correct a deficiency. In one trial postmenopausal women who combined hormone replacement therapy with B vitamins and other nutrients and dietary changes increased their bone density by a remarkable 11%.
Research has linked B vitamin deficiencies to PMS, so some women may benefit from supplementing with B-complex vitamins for symptom relief. In some studies, taking vitamin B-complex along with other nutrients appeared to prevent the development of tardive dyskinesia. PABA, a compound commonly found in B-complex vitamins, has been shown to repigment skin affected by vitiligo.Twinlab Super B Complex$25.49 "TwinLab is top of the quality line for liquid Super B Complex. It is not as nasty tasting as some super b products. The liquid is a little thicker than liquid cough syrup which is very nice. I have problems swallowing large pills, so this is my go to product. ..."Read Reviews >Zahlers B Complex$23.95 "Wow this formula has 100mg of each B vitamins so I went for it. feel more energized as well as relaxed on it...."Read Reviews >Now Foods B-100$19.99 "The best B complex vitamin, I prefer this to others...."Read Reviews >Twinlab Stress B-Complex$21.49 "I had taken these vitamins before and felt that I needed them again due to job stress.