If you want to strengthen your immune system, taking grape seed extract could help. Healthista’s Nutritional Director Rick Hay explains its benefits, in our Trendy Nutrients A – Z series
‘Grape seed extract is a dietary supplement which is derived from the ground-up seeds of red wine grapes,’ says Healthista’s nutritional director Rick Hay.
‘This super ingredient will help you to boost immunity naturally, because it’s packed full of antioxidants called OPCs.
These antioxidants are some of the most powerful we know of – they’re anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. They help to protect cells from damage and may help prevent many diseases.’
‘As you boost immunity, you may find that your energy levels go up and your nervous system may also improve, because the body starts working as a whole. Not only is this good for energy production, but it’s also good for cardiovascular health.
‘Several studies have done research on how grape seed extract can help reduce blood pressure.
An analysis of 16 studies conducted in China on 810 people with high blood pressure or risk of high blood pressure examined the effects of taking grape seed extract.
The studies found that taking 100-2,000mg of grape seed extract per day led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (the top number) by an average of 6.08mmHG and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by 2.8mmHg.
‘You can take grape seed extract as a supplement or in a tincture in a liquid, or you could buy it as part of a superfood powder.
Looking for a nutrient powder that contains grape seed powder? Try a scoop of the Healthista ‘Glow Food‘ nutrient powder or take it in Biocare’s Antioxidant Complex.
Rick Hay is an Anti-Ageing and Fitness Nutritionist with many years clinical experience in nutrition, naturopathy, botanical medicine and iridology. He specializes in obesity treatment and weight management. He writes a regular Natural Health and Fitness Blog for Healthista. Find out more at rickhay.co.uk. Follow Rick on Twitter @rickhayuk
Rick Hay’s book the Anti Ageing Food and Fitness Plan is available to buy on Amazon.
More from Rick Hay:
Anti Ageing Fitness Plan: Week 6
5 foods to keep your body young
5 foods to eat when you’re frantic
10 pre-exercise snacks that WON’T ruin your diet
FOOD is seven a day the new five a day?
HOW TO Choose a protein powder
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