According to statistics, grapes are among the three most popular types of fruit in the world. Red grapes with seeds are particularly healthy because they contain valuable phytochemicals that act as natural wrinkle killers and protect the body from oxidative stress.
But don't worry: if you can't stand the small, bitter kernels, simply take the filtered and high-dose grape seed extract called OPC as a dietary supplement. We explain what benefits this can bring to the skin and body.
OPC is the abbreviation for oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These are secondary plant substances that belong to the group of polyphenols. The valuable plant substances can be found in high concentrations in the seeds of grapes, are extracted from them, and processed into a high-dose dietary supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or powder.
Why is it worth taking? Quite simply: OPC has extremely potent antioxidants. Their cell-protecting effect is said to be up to 50 times stronger than that of vitamin C or vitamin E.
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins are the insider tip for everyone who wants to support their skin not only from the outside with luxurious creams and serums but also from the inside. Because:
Nobody can stop the natural aging process of the skin. How quickly it ages can, however, be influenced. Antioxidants and free radicals play a key role in this. The latter is an intermediate product of the metabolism and can multiply rapidly due to influences such as stress, smoking, or UV radiation.
The oxygen compounds damage the cells in the human body and contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. These, in turn, are fiber proteins that give the connective tissue stability. If these break down, the connective tissue increasingly loses its elasticity, and wrinkles form.
This is where antioxidants come into play: OPC grape seed extracts have a very strong antioxidant effect and counteract free radicals. They protect the cells and prevent premature aging. This makes the capsules the perfect anti-aging ingredient for ingestion. The extract can also be found in selected creams.
In addition to wine, grapes can also be used to produce the active ingredient OPC, which is used in cosmetics against wrinkles
The grape seed extract OPC has a regenerative effect. This not only makes the skin look youthful but also accelerates wound healing. At the same time, the ingredient has an antibacterial and antifungal effect (i.e. against fungi).
The daily intake of capsules with grape seed extracts is said to alleviate chronic diseases such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis. The reason for this is the anti-inflammatory effect and the protective properties of the extracts.
Polyphenols are not just a beauty elixir - the dietary supplement with a high OPC content also promotes an all-round healthy body:
Free radicals can also damage blood vessels, harden them and promote the development of cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant agent OPC acts like a protective shield: It keeps the vessels elastic and stable and prevents hardening of the arteries. There is also evidence that OPC can help lower bad cholesterol levels, as confirmed by clinical studies.
Experience reports show that taking OPC capsules can have a positive effect on symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (such as headaches, cramps, etc.). It is assumed that the dietary supplement harmonizes the hormonal balance and contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
In order to optimize the positive effect of OPC capsules, it is advisable to take them in conjunction with a healthy diet. Grape seed extracts strengthen the (antioxidant) effect of vitamins and vice versa! Also, the reason why many capsules also contain vitamin C.
And that wasn't all. Because the effect of OPC grape seed capsules also includes preventing chronic inflammation, improving cognitive functions, preventing cancer, or protecting against damage caused by UV rays.
As always with dietary supplements: stick to the manufacturer's recommended daily dose. Most capsules and OPC tablets come with dosages between 200 and 500 mg of the ingredient. If you choose powder, one level teaspoon per day is dissolved in a glass of water or a smoothie.
Tip: Take capsules or powder between meals and with enough liquid so that they can develop their full potential. Due to the bitter substances, it contains, it should not be taken on an empty stomach.
There are so far few known side effects of grape seed extracts. Only people who have a grape allergy should refrain from using capsules and the like.
As already mentioned, capsules or powders with OPC can optimize the effectiveness of vitamins. You can combine pure OPC with natural vitamin C boosters such as camu camu or vitamin E. This brings an additional antioxidant boost and a strong immune system.
OPC products should always be high-dose, of high quality, and free from chemical additives such as flavors or colorings. Vegan capsules also come with plant-based capsule shells without gelatine. And: Vitamin C should ideally be added in natural form, but not as isolated ascorbic acid.
OPC is a natural anti-aging booster and supports a healthy body, as numerous scientific studies have already proven. Nevertheless, the following applies: grape seeds alone are not a miracle cure. The intake should always go hand in hand with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, for beautiful skin and an all-around vital body.
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