Grape Seed Extract Benefits

Do you wish there was a single ingredient that could benefit every aspect of your health?

Looking for a supplement that improves heart health, supports healthy cholesterol levels, helps you achieve youthful-looking skin, and even fights against cancer?

What if I told you that you can get all of those benefits from a single seed?

Readers meet grape seed extract benefits.

This mighty seed is loaded with antioxidants that provide a long list of health benefits. From collagen production to reversing oxidative stress, I get into all the grape seed extract benefits provides and how to incorporate grape seed extract into your diet.

What Is Grape Seed Extract?

GSE, short for grape seed extract, is a dietary supplement. It is made by removing the seeds from grapes and grinding them into powder form.

Although small, grape seeds are a mighty source of health benefits.

This is mainly due to its active antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. Flavonoids contain anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties, while proanthocyanidins contain anticancer properties. (Source)(Source)

Combined, these compounds make grape seed extract a powerful antioxidant. It may reduce blood pressure, support healthy cholesterol levels, reduce oxidative stress, encourage collagen production, improve cognitive function, and protect the body against chronic disease. (Source)

Its antioxidant properties make grape seed extract similar to olive leaf extract. However, grape seed extract seems particularly effective at fighting against oxidative stress and preventing the onset of chronic disease. (Source) 

You can get the benefits of grape seeds by eating grapes or taking a supplement containing grape seed extract.

Antioxidant Properties Of Grape Seed Extract

An antioxidant is a naturally occurring or man-made substance that either prevents or delays cell damage. It does so by reversing oxidative stress, a process that can damage the cells.

Oxidative stress is caused by the formation of free radicals, which are unstable molecules.

Your body creates free radicals when you exercise or convert food into energy. However, you can also be exposed to them from external sources like air pollution, sunlight, and smoke. (Source) 

Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to a range of conditions including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, cancer, and some eye diseases. (Source) 

Fortunately, antioxidants have been shown to counteract the effects of oxidative stress. You can get antioxidants by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, including grape seed extract. (Source) 

Research shows that grape seed extract is a particularly great source of antioxidants. Due to this, it may reduce inflammation and reverse the effects of oxidative damage. 

For example, one review found that taking grape seed extract may help reduce inflammation, tissue damage, and oxidative stress in people with chronic illnesses. The review also concluded that the antioxidants in grape seed extract contain properties that can reduce the risk of some cancers. (Source)

Another study produced similar results. It found that grape seed extract can potentially accelerate the death of pancreatic cancer cells. (Source) 

Moreover, a different study determined that the antioxidants in grape seed extract could influence oxidative damage and reduce inflammation in liver cells. (Source) 

Overall, existing research shows that grape seed extract is a great source of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic disease.

Cardiovascular Health Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract

Cardiovascular health has never been more pressing in the United States.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease. (Source) 

The main risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking.

However, being obese, eating a diet high in saturated fats, not getting enough exercise, and drinking too much alcohol can all increase your risk of heart disease too. (Source) 

Fortunately, research suggests that grape seed extract may support cardiovascular health, albeit indirectly. It does so by helping prevent the risk factors of heart disease.

Grape seed extract has been shown to improve blood pressure and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Grape Seed Extract And Blood Pressure

Some research has discovered a positive relationship between grape seed extract and blood pressure.

For example, one review of 16 studies found that taking 100 to 2000 mg of grape seed extract daily reduced blood pressure in people with or at risk of high blood pressure. (Source)  

Of all the participants in these studies, people who were obese and under fifty seemed to experience the most improvement. (Source)  

A different study found that taking 300 mg of grape seed extract for six weeks lowered blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure. (Source) 

By lowering blood pressure, grape seed extract may decrease the risk of developing heart disease.

Grape Seed Extract And Cholesterol Levels

High levels of LDL or bad cholesterol is a key risk factor of cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, the oxidation of bad cholesterol heightens this risk. It may also cause fatty plaque to build up in the arteries, which is a process known as atherosclerosis. (Source) 

Several studies show that grape seed extract may slow down or prevent bad cholesterol from being oxidized.

For example, a study showed that people who took 300 mg of grape seed extract after a high-fat meal experienced less fat oxidation in the blood than the placebo group. (Source) 

Another study found that people who took 400 mg of grape seed extract before heart surgery experienced less oxidative stress than the placebo group. (Source) 

Overall, research suggests that by preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol, consuming grape seed extract regularly may reduce one’s risk of heart disease.

Skin Health Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract

The skin is a window into our overall health. Skin issues can be a sign that something else is going on underneath the surface, like weakened immune function or inflammation.

Grape seed extract seems to support skin health in various ways.

Studies suggest that it can promote collagen production and aid the skin’s healing process.

Grape Seed Extract And Collagen

Collagen is a protein that connects the body’s tissues. It is essential for skin, bone, and muscle health. (Source) 

Sadly, we lose collagen as we age. This loss reduces elasticity in the skin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. It can also contribute to bone and joint weakening. (Source) 

Research suggests that the flavonoids present in grape seed extract may encourage collagen production. This can not only increase skin elasticity but also strengthen the bones.

For example, one study showed that young men who used a grape seed extract topical cream for eight weeks reported increased skin elasticity and sebum content. These factors can both affect the appearance of the skin and prevent signs of aging. (Source)

Moreover, animal studies have shown that consuming grape seed extract can enhance bone strength and increase bone density. (Source) 

Both of these studies highlight grape seed extract’s ability to encourage collagen production, which can help you look younger for longer and support healthy aging.

Grape Seed Extract And Wound Healing

Research also suggests that grape seed extract can enhance wound healing.

One study showed, for example, that the wounds of subjects who applied a grape seed extract topical cream after surgery healed faster than the subjects who did not. (Source)

This accelerated healing could be attributed to the high proanthocyanidin levels in grape seed extract. Proanthocyanidins are plant-based chemical compounds with healing properties. (Source) 

However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Other Potential Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

We covered that grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that can support heart and skin health. However, the list of grape seed extract benefits does not end there. 

The antioxidant contents in grape seed extract may also support brain health.

Moreover, grape seed extract contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can help the body fight against a wide range of illnesses. 

Grape Seed Extract And Cognitive Function

Researchers suggest that the flavonoids in grape seed extract can potentially prevent the onset of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, one study found that grape seed extract improved short and long-term memory in its animal subjects. This was largely attributed to grape seed extract’s antioxidative properties. (Source) 

Another small study found that participants who took 150 mg of grape seed extract daily for 12 weeks experienced improvements in their vocabulary, attention, and memory. (Source) 

While these studies are promising, more human research with larger sample sizes is needed.

Grape Seed Extract And Bacteria

Bacteria is the main culprit of many illnesses. Several studies suggest that grape seed extract contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can fight against illness and support overall health.

For example, two studies showed that grape seed extract prevented the growth of foodborne bacteria E. coli and Campylobacter. (Source)(Source) 

Another study found that grape seed extract potentially stops the growth of over 40 strains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. (Source)

While more research is needed, the studies we do have to suggest that grape seed extract can support immune function by fighting against bacteria-borne illnesses.

How To Incorporate Grape Seed Extract Into Your Diet

The most obvious way you can incorporate grape seed extract into your diet is by eating grapes.

However, you can also take a grape seed extract supplement. Doing so may give you a more concentrated source of the beneficial properties grape seed extract provides.

Grape seed extract in supplement form is considered safe. Clinical studies have shown that it is well tolerated in doses ranging from 200 to 800 mg.

That being said, grape seed extract supplements are not for everyone. People who are breastfeeding or pregnant should consult a health professional before trying grape seed extract as research on its effects is limited.

In addition, grape seed extract may also interact with some medications. People who take blood-thinning or blood pressure medications should talk to a health professional before adding grape seed extract supplements to their diets.

Lastly, grape seed extract may interfere with iron absorption. People who have low iron levels should check in with a health professional before trying grape seed extract. (Source)

Conclusion

Grape seed extract provides a surplus of potential health benefits.

It may reduce blood pressure, support healthy cholesterol levels, reduce oxidative stress, encourage collagen production, improve cognitive function, and protect the body against chronic disease. (Source)

These benefits make it a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine.

While you can benefit from grape seed extract by eating grapes, a grape seed supplement is the easiest way to get a concentrated source of its benefits. Powder supplements often come with additional health perks too.

Take Red Tonik, for example.

Red Tonik is a powder supplement that combines 13 evidence-backed superfoods clinically shown to reduce inflammation, prevent chronic disease, and enhance heart health.

It contains 200 mg of grape seed extract alongside a blend of detoxifying ingredients like turmeric, ginger root, berries, cherries, and cordyceps mushrooms.

This makes it not only a great source of your daily grape seed extract but also of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and antioxidants that provide a wide range of health benefits. 

To enhance its effects, you can pair Red Tonik with a green powder supplement.

Doing so allows you to get all the benefits of green and red powders, from reduced bloating and inflammation to improved heart health and energy levels.

Red Tonik is third-party tested and made in the USA. It is vegan-friendly and soy-free,  making it suitable for any diet. It checks off all boxes of what you should look for in a grape seed extract supplement.

Kelly McGeehan, MSc

Kelly McGeehan is a freelance health and wellness writer based in Oahu, Hawaii. She’s a proud former Owl, graduating with her Master’s degree in English from Temple University. She is also a competitive runner with 15 years of mileage under her spikes. Kelly combines her background in healthcare, wellness, and fitness with her writing background to create content for various health-related businesses.

She brings a passion for holistic health to the keyboard and writes to inspire others to live happier, healthier lives. In her free time, you’ll find her reading on the beach or training for her next half marathon.