When was the last time you actually ate a grape seed on purpose? Probably never - they're small, hard and bitter, so most of us go straight for the seedless variety. But it turns out those overlooked seeds contain naturally occurring plant compounds, polyphenols and proanthocyanidins among them, both recognised for their antioxidant properties.
So, what is grape seed extract used for? These compounds can be extracted and concentrated to create grape seed extract, an ingredient commonly used in nutritional supplements. Here's a closer look at how grape seed extract is made, the compounds found in grape seed extract, and its everyday grape seed extract uses.
The Story Behind Grape Seed Extract
It's a bit of an unlikely origin story: something most of us throw away without a second thought turns out to contain some useful plant compounds.
Grape seeds contain polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, two of the main compounds found in grape seed extract. Together, these compounds are an important part of what gives grape seed extract its antioxidant activity.
Rather than eating the seeds themselves, these compounds can be extracted and concentrated into a more practical form. This is how grape seed extract ends up being used in nutritional supplements.
How Grape Seed Extract Is Made
Most grape seeds used for extract start out as leftovers from winemaking or juice production - a byproduct that would otherwise be discarded. The seeds are cleaned, dried and prepared for extraction.
From there, the seeds are processed to draw out the naturally occurring compounds inside them, including polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. The extracted material is then concentrated so that these compounds can be included in a smaller quantity.
The result is grape seed extract, ready to be used as an ingredient in nutritional supplements.
Grape Seed Extract Uses & Benefits
So, what is grape seed extract used for?
Much of the interest comes from its antioxidant compounds. Research has explored grape seed extract and antioxidant compounds across a few different areas, including:
- Antioxidant support: helping the body manage free radicals, which are produced naturally during everyday processes.
- Cardiovascular health and circulation: studied for a possible role in supporting healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood flow.
- Skin health: its antioxidant properties have made it an ingredient of interest in formulations for healthy-looking skin.
- Everyday nutrition: it can be combined with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in broader supplement formulations.
Polyphenols and proanthocyanidins are two of the key compounds behind this antioxidant activity. These compounds are also a key reason grape seed extract has been studied in different areas of nutrition.
In simple terms, grape seed extract makes use of compounds that would otherwise be left behind when the seeds are discarded.
Functions of Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract contains antioxidant compounds that have also attracted interest in skin health. But they're only one part of the picture.
Grape seeds contain a range of naturally occurring compounds, which is part of what makes grape seed nutrition interesting. Once these compounds are extracted and concentrated, they can be used in nutritional formulations alongside vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
For example, Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and the normal function of skin. This is why nutritional supplements designed for skin, hair and nails often bring together a combination of nutrients rather than relying on one ingredient alone.
Perfectil follows this approach, combining a range of nutrients to support healthy skin, hair and nails.
FAQs
What is grape seed extract used for?
Grape seed extract is commonly used in nutritional supplements because of its antioxidant properties. It has been studied for areas such as heart health and healthy circulation, as well as skin health, where its antioxidant compounds can complement other nutrients such as vitamin C.
Why is grape seed extract considered an antioxidant?
It naturally contains polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help counter free radicals, which are produced naturally through everyday processes in the body.
How is grape seed extract made?
It starts with grape seeds, often obtained as a byproduct of wine and grape juice production. The seeds are cleaned, dried and processed to extract their compounds, which are then concentrated for use in supplements.
What compounds are found in grape seed extract?
The main compounds of interest are polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. These naturally occurring plant compounds contribute to the antioxidant properties of grape seed extract.
Can you eat grape seeds?
Grape seeds aren't toxic to eat, but they're small, hard and bitter, so they're not something most people would choose to eat on their own. Instead, their compounds can be extracted and concentrated for use in nutritional supplements. Grape seed extract is one of the ingredients used in formulations such as Perfectil, alongside other nutrients for skin, hair and nails.
