Heard through the grapevine
We all know that grapes are good for us, but I am sure most people think their seeds are just a waste product of the wine and grape juice industry. Interestingly, supplement manufacturers have discovered that these seeds have health-boosting...
We all know that grapes are good for us, but I am sure most people think their seeds are just a waste product of the wine and grape juice industry. Interestingly, supplement manufacturers have discovered that these seeds have health-boosting properties and the potential to fight ageing, obesity and even cancer.
Grape seeds have health-boosting properties and the potential to fight ageing, obesity and even cancer- Kathryn Borg
Grape seed extract (GSE) is now a popular dietary supplement that is said to harness the power of grape seeds. It is claimed to encourage weight loss, promote younger-looking skin, improve heart health and even kill cancer cells. However, where is the science behind the claims?
The seeds of the grape, as well as its skin, contain numerous active components known to have health-boosting effects, including flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins and reservatrol. These are all potent antioxidants.
Proanthocyanidins have 20 times more antioxidant power than vitamin E and 50 times more than vitamin C (J. Med. Food, 2003).
Antioxidants can protect your cells against the effects of damaging free radicals, which are thought to play a role in many diseasesand disorders.
GSE also displays anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities and may well have heart, liverand brain-protective effects too (Phytother Res., 2009).
In a study by the University of Colorado, researchers found that in lab experiments GSE killed head and neck cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
The extract was tested in both cell cultures and in mice and was shown to damage cancer cell DNA as well as stop the pathways that allow its repair. The result was that the cancer cells were not able to grow and ultimately died. Despite this, healthy cells were left intact and researchers saw absolutely no toxic effects to the mice themselves (Carcinogenesis, 2012).
Similar findings were reported in China on leukemia cells (Clin. Cancer Res., 2009). Clinical trials are now awaited in patients to ascertain whether the same results are found. The most exciting finding from these preliminary trials is the safety of good cells. While chemotherapy, the conventional cancer therapy, is known to kill good cells, GSE has shown to be more selective during trials.
A small trial by a team in Maastricht University in The Netherlands found that GSE might be a helpful slimming aid. They tested the extract on people after previous research on rats had suggested that it had a satiating effect that subsequently reduced the amount of food the animals ate. At the same time, test tube studies showed that GSE stimulates the breakdown of fat.
In this study, 50 normal weight and overweight men and women took GSE before breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days. After a ‘washout’ period of three weeks, the participants then repeated the test while taking a placebo pill before every meal.
Those participants who had higher-than-average energy requirements, due to them carrying out more exercise, found that their energy intakes (food eaten) were reduced by four per cent after taking GSE, when compared with the placebo.
The researchers believe the energy intakes remained four per cent lower for a year, which could result in either weight loss or prevention of weight gain. (Eur. J. Clin. Nutr., 2004). This requires further testing to clarify the full effects on those who do not carry out regular exercise.
GSE is also a common ingredient in anti-ageing creams, as it is rich in antioxidants. These are thought to fight the ageing process and to protect skin.
According to scientists from the Food Research Centre Guelph, Canada, extensive research in laboratories suggests that GSE can bond with collagen to promote youthful skin, cell health, elasticity and flexibility (J. Med. Food, 2003).
One Danish study has looked at the effect of a supplement called Imedeen Prime Renewal on skin ageing in postmenopausal women. The supplement contained GSE, fish protein, vitamins C and E, zinc and extracts of white tea, tomato, soy and chamomile. After six months the researchers claimed that women taking Prime Renewal had better skin condition, structure and firmness compared with those taking a placebo (Eur. J. Clin., 2006).
In addition, a small trial in Japan showed that GSE may help those who suffer from melasma, where the pigmentation of the facial skin appears brown and blotchy. This trial showed an improvement after six months of GSE supplementation (Phytother. Res., 2004).
Other studies have suggested that GSE may be helpful in the following conditions: Alzheimer’s – where GSE was found to block the formation of the abnormal protein plaques that disrupt normal brain function shown in the disease. (J. Alzheimers Dis., 2011).
Hair loss – proanthocyanidins from the GSE promoted the growth of hair follicle cells taken from mice and tested in a laboratory. (Acta. Derm. Venereol., 1998).
Arthritis – mice with rheumatoid arthritis showed improvement after being injected with GSE. The extract appeared to reduce joint inflammation as well as bone and cartilage erosion. (Immunol. Lett., 2009).
Red grapes are a staple ofthe Mediterranean diet, so it seems we should ensure we eat them regularly.
kathryn@maltanet.net