Grapes and grape seed extracts, with beneficial polyphenols and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), have been the focus of study for over half a century. While grape seed extract supplements initially provided a simple and popular way for people to protect their cardiovascular system and reduce their risk of cancer, adulterated products or extracts with large, unabsorbable (and ineffective) tannins also flooded the market.

However, research using high-quality grape seed extracts never stopped. In fact, French tannin-free grape seed extracts are currently being studied for their effects on tumor cells, and numerous other clinical and scientific studies continue to push the boundaries and understanding of these botanical components

While this review focuses primarily on the ability of grape polyphenols to reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes, grape seed extracts promote health in a broad spectrum of ways. Individuals seeking a grape seed extract should always focus on finding one that features small molecular size OPCs for maximum absorbability and use by the body.

Abstract:

Rasines-Perea Z, Teissedre PL. Grape Polyphenols’ Effects in Human Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes. Molecules. 2017 Jan 1;22(1).

The consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods enriched in bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals, has increased due to consumers’ interest in the relevance of food composition for human health. Considerable recent interest has focused on bioactive phenolic compounds in grape, as they possess many biological activities, such as antioxidant, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-ageing and antimicrobial properties. Observational studies indicate that the intake of polyphenol-rich foods improves vascular health, thereby significantly reducing the risk of hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Other researchers have described the benefits of a grape polyphenol-rich diet for other types of maladies such as diabetes mellitus. This is a comprehensive review on the consumption of polyphenolic grape compounds, concerning their potential benefits for human health in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Link to the study