Who doesn’t want to be that little bit healthier? Especially if improving your health involves minimal effort. With this in mind we’ve made it our mission to bring you news each week of a product, a foodstuff, an exercise technique or a pill that promises potentially magical health-giving properties.
By Robert Carry
This week’s magic ingredient: Grape seed extract.
Not to be confused with: Seedless grapes.
Ah, grape pips. Always interesting to see whether a young lady chooses to spit or swallow these things. It’s indicative. Hmm. Okay. Anyway, grape seed extract is an industrial derivative of whole grape seeds.
So what’s in it? Tests have shown that grape seed contains antioxidants which help protect against cell damage. Antioxidants bring with them a range of health benefits in a number of areas.
What does it do for you? Grape seed can be taken by anyone looking to boost their general health, but is believed to be useful in tackling a range of specific conditions.
It’s particularly good for heart and blood vessel problems such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve circulation, tackle vision problems and swelling stemming from injury or surgery. It is believed to have cancer prevention properties and improves the rate of wound healing.
Are there any side effects? Some studies have seen complaints of minor side effects, but they are highly unusual. They include an itchy scalp, nausea and headaches. If you are the one in a million, discontinue use. Also, you should consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements if you are already on medication or suffer from underlying health problems.
How do you take it? Grape seed extract typically comes in a capsule or tablet. You can also get it in liquid form – plop a couple of drops into your orange juice. It doesn’t have much by way of taste in either case.
Where do you get it? Grape seed extract is becoming increasingly popular as a dietary supplement and is now widely available across Ireland. Pretty much every health food shop, as well as some of the larger pharmacies and supermarkets,w will have some knocking around the place.
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