Nature's Approved - Grape Seed Flour
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OPC is oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) or procyanidin. OPCs are very powerful bioflavanoids used as a natural food supplement. OPCs are found in most plants and thus are a part of the human diet. Especially the skin, seeds and seed coverings of plants contain large amounts of oligomeric proanthocyanidins. They are known to help reverse the physical signs of aging, increase blood flow and circulation, and combat stress and fatigue. OPC's are used to slow the progress of symptoms and relive the pain of such ailments as Varicose Veins, Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis. They have also been known to help patients with ADHD and stroke victims. .
Research by Prof. Treutter, Centre of Sciences Weihenstephan, 2000.
Although the science of it is still in it's infancy, OPC is rumored to treat conditions raging from high cholesterol, heart disease, aging skin, and cancer. ScienceDaily (Jan. 27, 2012), Carcinogenesis. (Nov. 2002), The Journal of Nutrition (Dec 8 2008),
Grape seeds are also a rich source of magnesium, iron, and calcium. When compared with the anti-oxidant effectiveness of isolated vitamin E, Grape Seeds was found to be superior. Common antioxidants currently used are vitamin C and vitamin E; however, studies show that proanthocyanidins (OPC's) antioxidant capabilities are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E. Proanthocyanidins found in pine bark and grape seed extract work directly to help strengthen all the blood vessels and improve the delivery of oxygen to the cells. Proanthocyanidins also have an affinity for cell membranes, providing nutritional support to reduce capillary permeability and fragility. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 2006
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OPCs have been used for over 20 years throughout Europe. Extensive studies and laboratory testing reveal no evidence for human toxicity, allergic reactions, birth defects, or carcinogenicity. It has been reported by Professor Jack Masquelier of Bordeaux that during 40 years of using procyanidin from cold pressed grape seed oil in therapy he never heard of side or after effects or any other negative reaction from his patients. It can be taken in combination with any medication/any other vitamins and is absolutely safe for use by all including elderly people, pregnant women or children. We don't recommend massive continuous doses of Grape Seed Flour. Too much of anything may cause problems.
For a look at 1993 Review of the Scientific Research on Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC's) by Dr Hank Liers go to: http://www.integratedhealth.com/infoabstract/pycdes.html
- Safety of OPC
Resveratrol, a polyphenol in the skins of red grapes, has significant cardioprotective activity, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A potent antioxidant, resveratrol reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. LDL oxidation is a necessary step in production of fat deposits called plaque that may harm your coronary arteries and predispose you to heart disease. Resveratrol also inhibits aggregation of platelets, lessening clot formation and further reducing buildup of plaque in your arteries. The seeds of grapes contain polyhenols called proanthocyandins that also reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering your blood levels of LDL and by protecting your heart from the damaging effects of toxins and certain drugs.
- Cardiovascular Benefits
- Sun Damage
Grape seed OPCs may protect your skin against oxidative stress caused by the sun, says S.X. Zi, lead author for a study published in the "International Journal of Molecular Medicine." UV-induced oxidative stress can cause skin damage. The OPCs' sun protection is due to their antioxidant effects, such as improved scavenging of free radicals, leading to improved skin cell health.
Grape Seeds may help to reduce carcinogenic effects. Cancer develops when cells become abnormal following changes in their DNA, causing the cells to grow out of control and become malignant. Resveratrol, quercetin and other polyphenols in grapes may lower your risk of cancer. Because these compounds are antioxidants, they protect your cells from DNA damage caused by environmental toxins and metabolic byproducts called free radicals. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center lists skin cancer, leukemia, breast cancer and neuroblastoma as cancers that may be prevented by resveratrol and other polyphenols in grapes. In addition, a paper published in the "FASEB Journal" in 2010 describes laboratory studies showing that grape polyphenols stop growth of cultured prostate cancer cells and cause the cells to die.
- ADHD & ADD
ADHD & ADD
The use of OPCs to treat ADHD has been circulating for years. The most significant improvements noted by patients are in areas relating to sustained attention and distractibility
Flavonoids/antioxidants (specifically ginkgo biloba found in OPC Factor) improve memory and concentration and are used to treat ADD.
- Allergies
Allergies
OPCs counteract allergic reactions and are natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. OPCs inhibit the production of histamine, which is the cause of allergic reactions.
OPCs fights the free radical activity that produces inflammatory and allergic reactions. Since OPCs neutralize the production of histamine, allergy sufferers who take OPCs find that their allergy symptoms (like sniffling, sneezing and congestion) improve.
- Energy
Although there is no direct evidence that OPCs increase energy, it is the #1 reported benefit from our customers. Perhaps a side effect from the body getting what it needs nutritionally helping it to operate effectively.
One's own healthy energy level is restored when the body's normal processes are working efficiently from being supplied with the proper nutrients.
- Athletic Recovery/Injuries
According to researchers, post exercise muscle damage occurs as a result of increased free radical activity. This increase in free radical production may be directly related to an increase in oxygen consumption that accompanies increased cardiovascular function.
To counter this production of free radicals, antioxidant vitamins such as B-carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, help to reduce physiological damage that results from exercise.
Capillaries become fragile when blood vessels are weak and this causes tendencies to bruise, swelling and varicose conditions in the legs. Defects in the vascular system are one reason for excessive fatigue and subsequent inferior muscular activity. OPCs attaches itself to proteins in the vascular wall making the walls solid and supple allowing for a complete and unhindered blood flow to the tissues.
During athletic performance, an efficient circulatory system with strong blood vessels is essential for the blood to deliver fuel and oxygen to the muscles and remove any accumulation of lactic acid. Lack of this leads to slow recovery or an accumulation of lactic acid after exercise.
Research supports that OPC supplementation helps vein strength, aids in reduction of bruising, reduces swelling (edema). Thus OPC Factor is believed to facilitate athletic recovery.
- Anti-carcinogen?
- Inflammation
Inflammation is a process now known to be pivotal to the development of diseases as diverse as arthritis, asthma and Alzheimer's. Inflammation is your body's response to injury or infection. It can be visible (like redness, swelling, pain and warmth) or invisible at the microscopic cellular level. Inflammation can be produced by the body by excess free radicals.
Rapid progress in Inflammation science and medicine have led to many new treatments and reduced suffering. Scientific research into the variety of serious diseases with inflammatory processes is ongoing.
OPCs work in the body as a natural anti-inflammatory to alleviate the symptoms caused by inflammation.
References:
hhttp://www.livestrong.com/article/181733-benefits-of-opc-3/ttp://www.livestrong.com/article/181733-benefits-of-opc-3/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/485456-grape-polyphenols/
http://www.mycellessentials.com/opc/benefits.php
http://essenzagrapeseed.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=6
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Resveratrol
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Grape Seed
Natural News: Resveratrol and Grape Seed Polyphenols Combine to Prevent Diabetees
"British Journal of Nutrition"; Resveratrol Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Reduces Oxidative Stress...; P. Brasnyo, et al.; March 2011
University of Maryland Medical Center: Quercetin
"FASEB Journal"; The Sphingosine Kinase-1 Survival Pathway is a Molecular Target for ...Polyphenols in Prostate Cancer; L. Brizuela, et al.; October 2010
COSMETIC USES
Used in many cosmetics, creams and masks in Europe. GS Flour and water as a mask, will provide powerful antioxidants to improve the health of your skin. 20 minute (or more) application.