Benefits of grape seeds, from protecting the heart to fighting cancer

Maybe not many people like to eat grapes complete with seeds. In fact, grape seeds actually have many health benefits. Uniquely, you can get the benefits of these tiny seeds in various ways. Starting from being converted into extracts, oils, to be eaten directly.

Health uses of grape seeds

All grape varieties have edible seeds. You may need to familiarize your tongue with the bitter taste, but this bitter taste actually comes from the content of antioxidants and various other nutrients.

Here is a list of uses that you can get from grape seeds:

1. Reducing the risk of heart disease

Grape seeds contain various types of antioxidants, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins complexes (OPC). Flavonoids help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body, while OPCs can lower blood pressure.

Grape seeds also contain tannins which provide benefits for blood vessel health. Tannin strengthens the walls of blood vessels so they are not easily damaged. If the blood vessels are damaged, the risk of a heart attack can increase.

2. Potential against cancer

Research contained in The Journal of Nutrition found that grape seed contains many anticancer compounds. This compound consists of various antioxidants, enzymes, and substances that can kill cancer cells and prevent their spread.

This research has only been conducted on animals and still needs to be studied further. However, the anticancer compounds in grape seeds still have great potential in fighting breast, lung, prostate and colon cancer.

3. Prevent atherosclerosis

Another little-known benefit of grape seed is preventing atherosclerosis. This disease is characterized by a buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels so that blood flow is obstructed. Gradually, atherosclerosis can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease.

The flavonoids in grape seeds can prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting the formation of cholesterol in blood vessels. Flavonoids also protect blood vessels from free radicals that can damage blood vessel walls.

4. Accelerate wound healing

In research conducted on animals, proanthocyanidin in grape seed extract is proven to accelerate wound healing. This benefit is obtained by applying grape seed extract directly to the surface of the injured skin.

The mechanism is not certain. However, researchers believe that grape seed extract can trigger the production of a special protein needed for the growth of new blood vessels.

5. Maintain bone strength

Apart from protecting the circulatory system, the flavonoid content in grape seeds is also beneficial for bone health. Flavonoids can maintain healthy bones by maintaining their density and strength.

This compound also increases collagen production. Collagen is a protein that makes up bones, muscles, skin, hair and various other tissues that make up the body. The health of all these tissues is highly dependent on adequate collagen production.

Grape seeds have many benefits that are a pity to miss. You can even get these benefits in a very easy way, which is consumed directly.

To reduce the very bitter taste, you can eat grape seed along with its delicious flesh. As long as they are consumed in reasonable amounts and there are no allergic reactions, grape seeds can be one of the best sources of antioxidants for you.