You’ve probably heard that a glass of red wine has many health benefits. But red wine isn’t the only way grapes can supercharge your health.
The seeds of grapes are even more powerful. They contain disease fighters so potent I call them super-antioxidants. More effective and more diverse than standard antioxidants, they’ve been scientifically proven to:
- Dramatically reduce the risk of prostate cancer
- Fight Infections Like an Antibiotic
- Improve Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity
- Slow Aging of the Brain and Increase Mental Capacity
- Boost Good Cholesterol, (HDL) and Strengthen Blood Vessels
Today, I’ll tell you about two food products from grapes you almost never hear about – grapeseed extract and grapeseed oil. Adding these to what you eat is one of the easiest adjustments you’ll ever make. And one of the most beneficial.
The driving force behind grape seeds are something called proanthocyanidins. They go after free radicals like nothing else. In fact, they are 20 times stronger than vitamin E and 50 times stronger than vitamin C.
Years of scientific research backs this up: Studies from the State University of New York show that grapeseed oil raises HDL by 13% and lowers triglycerides (blood fat) by 17%.
In the VITAL study, a large study of over 35,000 men, researchers found that any use of grapeseed supplements was associated with a 41% reduced risk of total prostate cancer.1
Grapeseed is also high in linoleic acid – an important essential fatty acid. This helps prevent blood from clotting. Studies show that this action helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
The American Heart Association published results from a Japanese study. Researchers found that linoleic acid lowered the risk of stroke by 34%. They also found that it lowers blood pressure and improves circulation in small blood vessels.
Grapeseed extract has also been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure all by itself.2
Grapeseed also boosts glutathione, one of your body’s most powerful antioxidants. And did you know that people who have higher glutathione levels live longer and report a greater sense of well being along with lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and reduced body fat?3
How to Make Grapeseed Extract and Grapeseed Oil a Part of Your Meals
Grapeseed extract comes from the small seeds (and occasionally the skins) of red grapes – the same kind that are pressed to make wine. Grapeseed oil comes from the same seeds – but after the juice is pressed.
- Cooking with grapeseed oil is a real joy. You can use it instead of olive oil. Aside from the fantastic health benefits, grapeseed oil has a very high smoke point.
Regular olive oil starts to smoke at 250 degrees. Grapeseed oil won’t smoke until it reaches 485 degrees. This means you can sauté and pan-sear your favorite fish, meats and vegetables at high temperatures without burning the oil.
And you can rub fish or chicken with grapeseed oil before baking.
I like to use grapeseed oil when I make stir-fry, instead of peanut oil or sesame oil, because it preserves the individual flavors of the foods. That’s because grapeseed oil has very little flavor of its own at high heat.
- If you want all the benefits in a more convenient form, you can take grapeseed extract as a supplement. I recommend 100mg of grapeseed extract twice a day.
To get a consistent result, take it regularly. The proanthocyanidins dissipate over time. Only 30% will stay in your system after 24 hours.
1. Brasky T, Kristal A, Navarro S, Lampe J, Peters U, Patterson R, White E. "Specialty supplements and prostate cancer risk in the VITamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort." Nutr Cancer. 2011;63(4):573-82.
2. Feringa H, Laskey D, Dickson J, Coleman C. "The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers." J Am Diet Assoc. 2011 Aug;111(8):1173-81.
3. Julius M. “Glutathione and morbidity in a community-based sample of elderly.” Journal of Clinical Epid. 1994;47(9):1021-1026.