Grape Seed and Wine Health Benefits

Grapes have been enjoyed in their natural form and as wine for centuries. They are great finger foods and made into great alcohol. But grapes were used as more than just pleasure food. These old civilizations discovered that grapes increased their health.

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all noticed the health benefits of wine. These civilizations had few people with heart issues. Those in the Mediterranean still enjoy the health benefits of regular wine consumption.

In France, they are known for their wine. They, like the previously mentioned ancient civilizations, noticed the health benefits of regularly consuming wine. The French have also used grape seeds and grape seed extract as a treatment for blood vessel disorders.

In Japan, they used grape seeds and wine as a food additive. They also discovered grape’s antioxidant properties.

Many studies have been done to assess the true health benefits of grapes. Grape seeds contain resveratrol, antioxidants, quercetin, and other flavonoids. All these elements help improve the immune system and cardiovascular function among other various benefits.

The benefits linked directly to grape seeds are:

• Reduced oxidative stress
• Deceased tissue damage
• Anti-inflammatory

Grape seeds may aid with:

• Reduced blood pressure
• Increased circulation
• Reduce injury swelling
• Improve kidneys
• Reduce cancer risk
• Slows brain aging
• Slows physical appearance aging

Grapes can have several side effects.

• Headaches
• Itchy scalp
• Nausea
• Lower blood pressure
• Dizziness

These side effects usually occur when consuming too many grapes. They especially occur when wine is over consumed.

Though wine has been documented to have many of the same health benefits as grapes, grapes are still better than wine. The alcoholic properties of wine can quickly overcome the health benefits. However, regulated amounts of wine can be beneficial

Obviously, wine should be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Also, those with high blood pressure should consult their doctor and use caution with grapes and wine, and grape supplements. In combination with blood thinners, they may thin the blood too much. Thinner blood means you are less likely to get blood clots. But if the blood gets too thin, your blood might not clot when you get a cut.

Grapes can improve heart and blood issues. Whether taken as a supplement or naturally, grapes can greatly improve your overall health.

References

Drugs.com. (2018, June 7). Grape Seed Uses, Benefits & Side Effects – Drugs.com Herbal Database. Retrieved September 13, 2018, from https://www.drugs.com/npc/grape-seed.html

Hill, C., MHumNutr, BSc. (2018, July 10). 10 Benefits of Grape Seed Extract, Based on Science. Retrieved September 13, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grape-seed-extract-benefits

Live Longer with This Fruit. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2018, from https://draxe.com/grapes-nutrition/

Mercola, Dr. (2016, January 11). Grape Seed Benefits for Your Heart Health, Skin, and Brain. Retrieved September 13, 2018, from https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/01/11/grape-seed-benefits.aspx

WebMD. (2016). Grape Seed Extract. Retrieved September 13, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/diet/grape-seed-extract