DON'T SPIT OUT THOSE SEEDS! - Project Wellness Now

Don’t spit out those seeds! Grape seeds, the tiny little seeds that are found inside of grapes, are packed full of special oil that offers a myriad of health benefits. Though most snackers opt for the easier seedless varieties, or simply discard the seeds, research is showing that by not consuming them we may be missing out on vital nutrients.

The mighty oil is extracted for medicinal use using a process that removes the oil from the grape seeds. Grapeseed oil is used throughout the world for cooking at high heat, as it has a high smoke point when compared to other oils. Let’s take a look at some of the numerous health benefits associated with the consumption of grape seeds or grapeseed oil.

A POTENT SOURCE OF HEALTHY FAT!

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They are naturally low in saturated fat yet high in omega-6 fatty acids. In addition, the flavonoids (including catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, lutein, and camferol) found in grape seeds help to lower the concentration of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) within the body. LDL is the class of cholesterol that puts one at an increased risk for heart disease.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO HEART HEALTH

The flavonoids present in grape seeds also demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties, which help to counteract the effects of thrombosis. The phytoestrogens found in grape seeds help prevent the accumulation of cholesterol by the cells. A concentrated grape seed extract is recommended when counteracting a current health issue. Unsurprisingly, the components in grape seeds help to lower blood pressure and protect blood vessels from damage by improving dilation.

The seeds also contain phytoestrogens, which have been proven over multiple studies to prevent atherosclerosis, which is a disease that results in a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is more common in men than in women. Grape seeds are being studied further as a safer treatment option, without the harmful side effects that come along with the standard hormone replacement therapy, for atherosclerosis.

ANTIOXIDANTS FOR OVERALL WELLNESS

Grape seeds are a great source of antioxidants, including linoleic acid, vitamin E, and flavonoids. Antioxidants have been associated with a wide range of benefits, including the ability to boost the immune system, lower one’s risk of developing cancer, act as a natural antibacterial and antiviral, reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Grape seed has been shown to help reduce edema and swelling.

Grapeseed extract has shown significant promise in the treatment of two common ailments – type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

HIGH BIOAVAILABILITY, HIGHLY CONCENTRATED AND ALL-NATURAL

TYPE 2 DIABETES TREATMENT

When used accompanying a diet and exercise regimen, grape seed helps to improve the health of those with type 2 diabetes. Grapeseed does this by regulating blood pressure when blood pressure is high, improving lipid profile, and helping to control and stabilize weight and blood sugar.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE TREATMENT

Grape seeds help to reduce the oxidative stress that plays a role in mitochondrial and hippocampal dysfunction. Grape seeds are currently being hailed in the medical community as a promising new treatment for asymptomatic Alzheimer’s patients as well as those currently in the early stages of the disease.

If you would like to add grape seeds into your diet, there are a few simple ways to go about it. First, you can buy grapes that contain seeds and eat the entire grape, seeds and all, remembering to crunch the seeds first to guarantee high absorption of nutrients. Alternatively, you can buy the seeds by themselves and eat them raw – to improve taste they can be soaked, mashed, made into a tea or used to concoct a paste that resembles tahini. Cooking with grape seed oil is an easy way to add grape seed into your diet. Grape seed extracts, tinctures, and capsules are also available at select health food stores. These should be taken with caution, as they are very powerful!

So remember, don’t spit out those seeds!

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