Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric flavonoids, mainly found in grapes. They are dimers (see picture) or oligomers of catechin and epicatechin and their gallic acid esters.
Consumption of red wine, red grape juice, grape skin and grape seeds has been linked to many health benefits. There are mainly two grape phytochemicals responsible for these benefits: proanthocyanidins and resveratrol. Proanthocyanidins are in the first place very strong antioxidants. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins act as anti-cancer and anti-allergic agents, and that they improve heart health.
Grape Seed Extract Benefits:
1. Grape Seed Extract Antioxidant Proanthocyanidins protect against oxidative damage and could reduce the damage caused by tobacco smoking, pollution and free radical form in our body during normal metabolism.
2. Grape Seed Extract Hearth Disease Many studies have shown that proanthocyanidins help to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and improve fat metabolism.
3. Grape Seed Extract Anti-Cancer Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins have anti-cancer and anti-tumour activity.
4. Grape Seed Extract Anti-Allergic Proanthocyanidins inhibit enzymes that produce histamine and help to ease of allergies