Grape Seed Review – 8 Things You Should Consider
By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc, Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir (Expert Reviewer)
Rebecca Williams studied medicine at Cambridge University where she also obtained a degree in Experimental Psychology. A widely known General Practitioner in London, Rebecca also served in Community Pediatrics, and has published research in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
Rebecca relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa where she has been able to pursue holistic community healthcare by developing a community health training program which she has taught in Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda and Nepal.
Some of Rebecca’s published research can be viewed on Researchgate.
Grape Seed is advertised as a dietary supplement designed to strengthen the capillaries and to minimize both risk and appearance of varicose veins. The manufacturing company, Golden Glow, offers extremely limited information on the formula; except for a short description of the main benefits, ingredients, and usage directions, there is no information offered to support any of the benefit claims.
Golden Glow is located in Australia and is an experienced manufacturer of dietary supplements. Founded more than 35 years ago, the company offers a broad range of vitamins, minerals, herbal formulations, as well as numerous beauty, skin and care products. Additionally, all company products are covered by a 30 day money back guarantee. The company takes pride in its high quality products and quick order turnaround. All customers and potential customers have the possibility to receive free advice from the company’s qualified naturopathic team, which they can reach online.
Grape Seed extract is a popular herbal remedy, with numerous studies and scientific papers having been published on its medical properties. We will detail the entire spectrum of benefits for the formula in the following sections, and assume these also apply to the product being reviewed here.
According to the manufacturer, Grape Seed is recommended to adults regardless of age. If symptoms should persist, consumers are recommended to contact a healthcare provider.
1) What is Grape Seed?
Grape Seed contains an extract of grape seeds. The extract is often used as a liquid concentrate, oils, capsules, cream or tablets.
Grape seed is a supplement obtained by grinding the seeds of red grapes. It often comes in the form of an extract, liquid concentrate, oil, capsule, tablet or cream and people use it for a variety of health promoting purposes. Although few side effects have ever been associated with the use of grape seed supplements, it is recommended that a healthcare provider is consulted prior to taking Grape seed if you taking anticoagulant drugs, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning on using it for more than 12 weeks.
The research done on Grape seed seem to indicate that the extract has significant antioxidant properties. Studies indicate it is 20 times more potent in antioxidant terms than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E, two of the most important natural antioxidants. Its benefits derive from the extract’s ability to fight oxidative stress and include prevention or treatment of age related macular degeneration, mild cognitive impairment, heart disease and stroke, liver damage, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, lack of concentration, and mental focus. Mild and rare side effects may appear and include nausea, itchy scalp, headache, and dizziness. Although a recommended dosage has not yet been agreed upon, the daily dosage should not exceed 300 mg.
2) Grape Seed Nutrition Facts
Grape Seed includes the following ingredients: Vitis vinifera (Grape seed) extract equivalent to dry seed (12g) 12,000mg.
3) Is Grape Seed Right for You?
Grape Seed by Golden Glow includes Viti’s vinifera extracts with the purpose of strengthening capillaries and preventing the appearance of spider veins.
This extract is commonly used in dietary supplements but usually combined with other ingredients. It contains high amounts of Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs. OPCs, in particular, are important as they have numerous positive qualities. Besides other properties, they are powerful antioxidants, far stronger than Vitamin C, E or beta-carotene. Grape seed extract is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help maintain healthy skin, eyes, brain and may prevent artery blockage. It may also slow down the aging process, increasing the lifespan of cells. It is often combined with other forms of natural extracts with the purpose of treating various diseases, but so far, scientists could not find any improvements in the conditions of test subjects.
It is usually taken orally as capsules or tablets. Some side effects, such as dizziness, nausea or headaches have been reported. However, there are no known contraindications with any supplements or medications. Because this product contains OPCs, it may influence the results of blood tests.
For best results, one should take one to two tablets three times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
4) Grape Seed: Pros and Cons
- A 30 day money back guarantee is available
- The manufacturer offers prospects and clients the opportunity to chat online with a naturopath
- Grape seed has been scientifically researched
5) Grape Seed Product Warnings
- A general lack of consumer testimonials on most of Golden Glow products including this one
- Extremely limited amount of information available on this products
- Potential side effects and special precautions associated with the use of Grape seed extract
6) Grape Seed Cost
Considering the average price per daily serving, Grape Seed is an expensive supplement. Each bottle contains 50 tablets which should be enough only for a couple of weeks.
This product can be purchased from numerous online or offline retailers. It can be purchased directly from the manufacturer via their website. Money-back guarantees are offered for unsatisfied customers.
7) Directions For Taking Grape Seed
The recommended daily dosage is one to two tablets three times daily. No Grape Seed side effects are mentioned.
8) Conclusion
Grape Seed features an extract of grape seeds, advertised to benefit capillaries. Generally, Grape seed extracts are recognized for their strong antioxidant capacity, therefore it is highly probable that their benefits will not stop here. The manufacturer offers limited information on the product. The fact that there are no consumer testimonials documented online makes it even harder to evaluate this formula’s effectiveness. Also, there are certain precautions one should take into considerations before using grape seed extracts, such as its blood thinning properties and the fact that long term safety is not systematically studied. Just to be on the safe side, we recommend that a doctor is consulted before using Grape Seed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grape Seed
- Recent:
Grape Seed includes the following ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Extract.
Grape Seed is advertised to help strengthen the capillaries, which implies a lower risk of appearance and improved aspect of spider veins. The manufacturer is a reputable Australian company called Golden Glow. Grape seed extract is used for a large number of benefits and enjoys much popularity as a natural remedy. Among others, Grape seed has shown encouraging results against neuronal and cognitive function, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Grape Seed should be used by adults.
Grape seed extracts are very popular among alternative medicine practitioners but are also commonly included in dietary supplements. Grape Seed by Golden Glow may be effective as it contains these Viti's vinifera extracts. Natural products, such as this one, are usually safe but it should be used with care. Besides meeting the manufacturer's claims, this formula may also strengthen the immune system, offer antioxidant protection and promote weight loss.
Before making a purchase, one should always investigate the formula and compare it with similar products available on the market.
Grape seed is an excellent antioxidant and blood thinning agent. I take it to treat my varicose veins and I can actually notice an improvement after almost 6 weeks of usage.