It is calculated that over 40 percent of the American population suffers from obesity, classified in adults as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is a frustrating condition that, sadly, can lead to many other conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.

Because of this, researchers are intensively digging for more ways to alleviate the condition and see if there are natural solutions that help. One of them may be grape seed extract.

Grape seed extract is a source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular-supporting effects. Additionally, leading edge research has also found that it stops the return of cancer stem cells, the “seeds” of tumor growth. Now scientists are looking at the ingredient for its ability to stop the growth of fat cells and reduce the inflammatory processes that make weight gain more likely.

Studies so far have found that grape seed extract can improve the way the body burns and uses fat stores, aid in better digestion, and reduce the formation of new fat cells to slow the progression of obesity. While scientific laboratory research has been promising, the authors of this study conclude that clinical work needs to be done in order to establish reliable dosage levels of grape seed extract for an effective weight-loss program.

However, if you are thinking about adding grape seed extract to your own regimen, one way to be certain you are getting the botanical’s full potential is to look for a supplemental form that provides a tannin-free source of OPCs for maximum bioavailability.

Abstract:

Liu M, Yun P, Hu Y, Yang J, Khadka RB, Peng X. Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Obesity. Obes Facts. 2020;13(2):279-291. doi:10.1159/000502235

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease resulting from excessive fat accumulation and/or abnormal distribution caused by multiple factors. As a major component of metabolic syndrome, obesity is closely related to many diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer. Hence, the problem of obesity cannot be ignored, and recent studies have shown that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has an antiobesity effect. This paper systematically reviews the research progress and potential mechanism of GSPE emphasizing on obesity prevention and treatment.

Here is the link to the complete study: Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Obesity