This article was co-authored by Patricia Somers, RD, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Patricia Somers is a Registered Dietitian and an Associate Professor of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Texas at Austin. She received her RD from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1979 and her PhD in Educational Administration (Higher Education Specialization) from the University of New Orleans. She received an Emerging Scholar Award from the American Association of University Women and the Faculty Excellence Award in Research from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Grape seed extract has gotten a lot of interest recently. Although more scientific studies are needed to determine its exact health benefits, early research indicates that grape seed extract may be a helpful addition to your diet. [1] Learn the basics about adding the supplement and consider using it to treat a specific condition or health concern.
Steps
Taking Grape Seed Extract
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1Purchase grape seed extract. Grape seed extract is a byproduct of wine making, and can be sold in liquid form and dried form. If you buy the dried extract, you can look for capsules or tablets. Regardless of what you choose, look for an extract that contains at least 40% of proanthocyanidins.
- Most standard doses of grape seed extract contain between 50 and 100 mg of the extract.
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2Talk with your doctor. You should always talk with your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you're taking other vitamins, supplements, or medications. Talk with your doctor about taking grape seed extract if you have a bleeding disorder. Avoid taking it if you're allergic to grapes since you'll also be allergic to the extract.[2]
- Children, pregnant women and nursing women shouldn't take grape seed extract.
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3Watch for side effects of using grape seed extract. Most people don't experience side effects when supplementing with grape seed extract. But if you do have side effects, cut back on your grape seed extract dosage until you no longer experience side effects. Watch for these side effects:[3]
- Headache
- Itchy scalp
- Nausea
- Hives
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
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4Avoid taking grape seed extract with vitamin C. If you're taking medication to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or you're just concerned about keeping your blood pressure low, avoid taking grape seed extract along with vitamin C. Research has shown that combining these supplements increases blood pressure.[4]
- If you're on high blood pressure medication, you should also talk to your doctor about foods that are high in polyphenols (like cocoa, dark chocolate, and flaxseed). Conflicting research states polyphenols may help lower your blood pressure, so consulting your doctor about a polyphenol-rich diet is advisable.[5]
Using Grape Seed Extract for Specific Health Concerns
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1Kick start weight loss. If you've gained weight because of a high-fat diet, grape seed extract can reduce your weight gain and other negative health effects that are associated with obesity. To get these benefits, take a standard daily dose of 250 mg of grape seed extract.[6]
- Grape seed extract reduces health problems associated with obesity, like heart disease, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids in the blood).
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2Lower your blood pressure with grape seed extract. Long range studies of grape seed extract and blood pressure indicates that grape seed extract is effective at lowering systolic blood pressure. It can also significantly lower your heart rate. To get these benefits, take the standard recommended dose of between 150 and 300 mg of grape seed extract a day.[7]
- The same study didn't find any reduction of lipid or cholesterol levels.
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3Reduce your risk for cancer. Although more studies are needed, early research shows that taking grape seed extract can reduce your risk for skin, colorectal, prostrate, breast and lung cancers.[8] The study was based on a daily dosage of between 100 and 500 mg of grape seed extract taken every day.
- You can also get similar anti-cancer benefits by eating a healthy diet that includes grapes.
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4Reduce leg swelling. If you've injured your legs or have had surgery, grape seed extract may be able to reduce the swelling. This is because it may heal the veins in your leg so they can return to their normal size. Grape seed extract may be effective in speeding healing time.[9] To take grape seed extract for swelling, take 150 to 300 mg a day.
- Grape seed extract is often used to treat hemorrhoids or swollen legs caused by problems with veins.
References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14977436
- ↑ http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/medications/pma_grape_seed/
- ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/grapeseed/ataglance.htm#cautions
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15662232
- ↑ http://universityhealthnews.com/daily/heart-health/polyphenols-benefits-antioxidant-anti-inflammatory-blood-vessel-dilator/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2788190/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21802563
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728696/
- ↑ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263332.php
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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