Does Grape Seed Extract Lower Cholesterol

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Aside from heart disease, high cholesterol is considered as another major health concern in some parts of the world today – including America. Many drugs can lower circulating cholesterol levels, but they are not infrequently associated with severe side effects. There is good news. Grape seed extract has been known to reduce cholesterol levels without potential side effects.

High levels of LDL-cholesterol are harmful to our health mainly because this substance is highly susceptible to becoming oxidized by reactive oxygen species, including free radicals. When that occurs, the LDL-cholesterol tends to produce atherosclerotic plaque in our arteries—a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Grape seed extract can help to lower cholesterol levels. In present day, conclusive research on red wine has determined that grapes contain high amounts of antioxidants, which is extremely helpful in fighting cancer and slows the aging process. Red wine is also good for the heart, as it contains Resveratrol, a substance in grape seeds and skin that increases good cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of developing ...
... a blood clot.

The potential of grape seed extract to lower human cholesterol was first demonstrated by researchers at the University of California Davis. Their study put eight participants into three groups. Each of the three groups was given a different treatment of grape seed extract supplements daily, and their blood pressure and cholesterol levels were monitored periodically. The first group received a placebo and had no significant differences in their readings throughout the study. The second group was given 150 mg supplements and reported significant declines in blood pressure. The third group was given 300 mg supplements and had significant reductions in both blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

Using guinea pigs as their model, researchers at the University of California Davis provided a diet rich in coconut fat, with one group being supplemented with grape seed extract. After 12 weeks, the cholesterol accumulation in the animals’ tissues was significantly lower in the group that received the grape seed extract.

In a study undertaken at Georgetown University Medical Center, researchers gave 40 participants supplements of grape seed extract and chromium. Those participants were all considered hypercholesterolemic, a condition that can lead to cardiovascular problems. At the end of the study, researchers found significant decreases in LDL (“bad” cholesterol) in the blood. The study concluded that the mixture had greatly reduced LDL levels and grape seed extract was beneficial for this purpose.

In a word, with thousands of years of historic tradition and recent laboratory research behind it, grape seed extract shows a lot of promise in keeping your cholesterol low.

Get to know grape seed extract and grape seed extract suppliers. Grapefruit seed extract can benefit you as medical use.