Many of the food ingredients contain bioactive substances that can be used as a natural alternative to treat various diseases. Grape seeds are a major source of catechins and procyanidines, they are easy to procure, cheap and beneficial for our health. Grape seed powder has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anticancer, anti-aging and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the potential of substituting or supplementing the medication in various human diseases cannot be neglected. [1]
Beneficial effects:
- Grape seed powder increases intestinal peristalsis, being an excellent adjuvant in controlling and combating chronic constipation [1]
- Grape seed extract hastens wound healing and reduces the inflammation caused by them.
- It is an excellent supplement in relieving chronic venous insufficiency (when the return of blood from the extremities of the body to the heart is hampered)
- It is beneficial adjuvant in treating some cardio-vascular diseases, in lowering the level of bad cholesterol and in relieving eye diseases related to diabetes.
- Through the antioxidants contained, it protects the cells from damaging the membranes.
- It is studied the possibility of using grape seed extract in the prevention of certain types of cancer, especially the skin.
- It has a calming effect in premenstrual syndrome and improves the tone of the epidermis affected by acne.
- Grape seed powder improves kidney functions due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [2]
Most mammals get energy from food nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, food intake, digestion, motility / peristalsis,secretion and absorption of nutrients, all are key physiological processes. Intestinal motility/ peristalsis changes with food and is regulated by smooth muscles, extrinsic and intrinsic neurons, interstitial cells of Cajal and a few hormones. [1] Grape seed powder seems to help cells in the digestive system to be more active.
There is little research on a firmly established dose of grape seed extract. Doses between 100-300 milligrams/ day have been used in studies and are prescribed in some European countries. But still no one knows what the highest safe dose is. Grape seed powder is more versatile and can be included in different ways in the current diet.
Are there any risks in eating powder or grape seed extract?
We can make allergy to anything from eggs, to strawberries or broccoli. And in this case, headaches, itchy scalp, dizziness and nausea may occur. People allergic to grapes should not use grape seed extract or powder. If there is high blood pressure or problems with arterial circulation in general, it should be discussed with your doctor before consuming any of these products. The same if you are under drug treatment, because grape seed extract could interact with vasodilators, NSAIDs analgesics AINS (such as aspirin and its relatives), certain heart medications, cancer treatments and others. Grape seed extract should be consumed with great caution by children, pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. [3]
But the seed powder does not have the same side effects, it can be included in different preparations, especially in the bakery ones. The bread with grape seed powder has a slightly nutty, cinnamon and caramel taste and depending on the degree of grinding of the seeds, we could find the squeak of nysps between the teeth. It is precisely this "sand" that adds benefits to our intestines.
Where do we get powder/powder from grape seeds or extract?
Powder from grape seeds is obtained by grinding dried grape seeds. We can get them from any wine cellar that uses pneumatic presses. We dry the marc well tescovina and strain through a sieve so that only the seeds fall out. These seeds dry for a while, until they can be ground to result in powder.
You can use any grape seeds, including those from table grapes, if you have the patience to gather and dry them properly. But the best are the seeds from black grapes for wine. Their content in compounds beneficial to the human body is undeniably higher than that of any other grape seeds.
Grape seed extract is found in pharmacies, because the process of obtaining it is more laborious and thus, the dosage of the amount to be consumed is more accurate. The content in vitamins C and E make the grape seed extract a precious component of cosmetic anti-aging products.
Grape seed powder, brought to the appearance of powder can also be used in cosmetics, in the composition of scrub creams. Infusion / tea from grape seed powder is a good skin soothing, being easy to use on compresses applied after sunburn, but it can also be a refreshing drink, if it is well cooled and sweetened with honey.
Is there something from the vine that is not beneficial to man? From its shade to the seeds, we can use everything for our benefit.
Sources:
[1] https://medsci.org/v19p0941.htm
