grape seed extract Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Prevent Tooth Decay and Extend the Life of Fillings with Grape Seed Extract

The AHA! Team — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 06:10:26 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Are you worried about the health of your teeth? Grape seed extract is a fantastic example of how good nutrition can help keep your smile strong. If you’ve ever had a tooth repaired by a dentist, this report is worth your attention. It’s important to note that most fillings, whether made from amalgam or composite resin, don’t last a lifetime. Amalgam, a blend of metals, tends to be more durable. However, its mercury and other toxic materials make it a harmful option. On the other hand, composite resin offers some great benefits. This material, made from a mix of plastic and fine glass particles, can be custom-tinted to perfectly match your natural tooth color. The only downside is that composite fillings generally last about half as long as amalgam fillings. Still, many consider this a small price to pay for their health and peace of mind. Dental fillings tend to fail due to secondary cavities However, research shows that natural compounds contained within grape seed extract could help strengthen the dentin within the teeth. This, in turn, could increase the lifespan of composite resin fillings. The dentin portion of the teeth forms most of their calcified extracellular tissue and is located right underneath the hardest portion of the tooth, the external enamel. In addition, dentin is comprised mostly of collagen – the same protein that gives structure to the skin and connective tissues. Composite resin fillings must bind to the dentin; however, the interface between the two can weaken, paving the way for tooth restorations to break down. When fillings fail, what usually happens is that tooth decay has formed around it, compromising the seal between the tooth and the filling. Reinforcing the interface in the dentin layer sets the stage for a better bond and a longer-lasting restoration. Flavonoids in grape seed extract support tooth resin in adhering to dental fillings In one study, grape seed extract was found to increase the strength and integrity of the dentin layer effectively. This allowed it to be a better receptacle for composite fillings. The researchers believe that the effectiveness of grape seed extract in preventing tooth decay and preserving dental fillings is due to its support in the self-repair process within teeth. It seems that damaged collagen can repair itself faster in the presence of plant-based flavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Grape seed extract is particularly rich in these compounds. It assists in interlocking the collagen-rich dentin and resin of the fillings – creating better adhesion and durability of the filling. Use grape seed extract to help prevent tooth decay and increase the lifespan of dental fillings Over 90 percent of U.S. adults have had at least one cavity. But millions of people have this problem – and don’t even know it! Cavities form when bacteria produce acid that, in turn, erodes tooth enamel minerals faster than it can self-repair. Secondary cavities – around the margin of the filling – are the most common causes of failed tooth restorations. If you have composite resin fillings, consider using grape seed extract to increase their lifespan. Some tips on caring for your teeth are as follows: First, floss your teeth. Use a Hydro Floss® oral irrigator to clean your teeth and gums. Inside the oral irrigator, you can put 20-30 drops of grape seed extract in the reservoir with about 20 ounces of water. Use the oral irrigator to clean your teeth and gums. Finish by brushing your teeth with an herbal toothpaste or make a paste with a small amount of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Naturally, we suggest you see a well-trained biological dentist for any repairs that are needed. By the way, another related study found that Chinese red pine root bark extract could also have similar tooth-strengthening properties. Of course, to keep your teeth healthy, minimize the consumption of processed sugars, eat a diet rich in minerals, and maintain good oral hygiene habits, on a regular basis. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ScienceDaily.com To read the original article click here.

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Red Wine “Waste” Could Extend Your Lifespan

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 08:00:18 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – I enjoy drinking a nice glass of red wine with my grass-fed steak dinner. And the health benefits are an added bonus! But, it turns out the seeds from red grapes have even more health benefits than wine. These seeds – the same ones my brothers, sister, and I used to spit out at each other whenever we ate grapes – contain disease fighters so potent I call them super-antioxidants. In fact, a recent study from the National Institutes of Health backs up what I’ve been telling my patients for years… Grape seed extract’s antioxidant capacity can reduce the inflammatory process at the root of today’s chronic diseases. But, its regenerative benefits go even further… A breakthrough study published in the journal Nature Metabolism recently revealed grape seed extract successfully prolonged the lifespan of old mice by 9%.1 Researchers focused on a phenomenon known as cellular senescence – the process during which your cells lose function as your body ages. Specialized compounds called senolytics destroy these rogue cells, allowing the body to repair the damage. In the breakthrough study, researchers discovered a previously unidentified senolytic derived from a compound in grape seed extract called procyanidin C1, or PCC1. This newly discovered senolytic induces a type of programmed cell death called apoptosis in senescent cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. In the new study, the mice were exposed to doses of radiation that caused them to develop abnormal features such as significant amounts of gray hair. They also lost muscle mass and suffered damage to their kidneys, livers, and lungs. But once the compound in the grape seed extract was introduced, this damage was reversed. According to the study authors, there’s no reason to believe that this compound can’t do the same for human beings. It’s just one more advantage to add to a growing list of benefits we get from these seeds. To date, they’ve been proven to: Dramatically reduce the risk of prostate cancer2 Improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity3 Slow brain aging and increase cognitive function4 Boost HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure5 Restore cardiovascular health6 Fight infections and kill germs7 Make Grape Seed Extract Part of Your Life There are two distinct ways to add the seeds of grapes to your diet. Grapeseed extract comes from the small seeds (and occasionally the skins) of red grapes – the same kind that is pressed to make wine. Grapeseed oil comes from the same seeds – but after the juice is pressed. Supplement With Grape Seed Extract: I recommend taking 250 mg of grape seed extract twice per day. It’s available in capsules, tablets, or in liquid form. Look for products that are standardized to 40 to 80% proanthocyanidin polyphenols. Cook with Grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is a joy to cook with. It smokes at a much higher temperature than olive oil – which means you can sauté and pan-sear your favorite meats, fish, and vegetables without burning anything. You can also rub fish or chicken with the oil before baking. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Xu Q, et al. “The flavonoid procyanidin c1 has chemotherapeutic activity and increases lifespan in mice.” Nat Metab. 2021 Dec 6. doi: 10.1038/s42255-021-00491-8. Online ahead of print. 2. “Garavaglia J, et al. “Grape seed oil compounds: biological and chemical actions for health.” Nutr Metab Insights. 2016 Aug 16;9:59-64. 3. Sapwarobol S, et al. “Postprandial blood glucose response to grape seed extract in healthy participants: A pilot study.” Pharmacogn Mag. 2012 Jul-Sep; 8(31): 192–196. 4. Bell L, et al. “Grape seed polyphenol extract and cognitive function in healthy young adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups acute-on-chronic trial.” Nutr Neurosci. 2020 Jan 16;1-10. 5. Grohmann T, et al. “Efficacy of bilberry and grape seed extract supplement interventions to improve glucose and cholesterol metabolism and blood pressure in different populations-a systematic review of the literature.” Nutrients. 2021 May 17;13(5):1692. 6. Feringa H, et al. “The effect of grape seed extract on cardiovascular risk markers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011. Aug;111(8):1173-81. 7. Su X, Dsouza D. “Grape seed extract for control of human enteric viruses.” Appl Environ Microbiol. 2011 Jun; 77(12): 3982–3987. To read the original article click here.

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Create BETTER Blood Circulation with These 3 Nutrients

AHA Publisher — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Over the course of an average lifetime, the human heart beats an astounding 3 billion times, pumping blood through a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries totaling a stunning 60,000 miles. We may take these phenomenal inner mechanisms for granted, but we do so at our own risk. The all-important circulatory system ensures that oxygen-rich blood reaches the organs and tissues and clears away carbon dioxide and waste products. In addition, efficient circulation facilitates better coronary health, quicker healing of wounds, sharper mental function, and a more effective immune system. Fortunately, natural nutrients and supplements can go a long way toward keeping veins and arteries healthy and functional. For example, recent research supports the ability of grape seed extract to significantly boost blood flow efficiency. So let’s look at three of the most effective natural substances for supporting healthy circulation. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Support Healthy Circulation, Enhance Workout Recovery Omega-3 fatty acids, naturally found in fatty cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are believed to have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective effects. These beneficial fats support healthy circulation by promoting the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. In addition, omega-3s inhibit the tendency of blood platelets to form into clumps and clots, thereby helping to keep blood free-flowing. In a study published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research, scientists found that fish oil supplementation significantly increased blood flow to the legs of healthy male participants after exercise – and concluded that supplementation could benefit those undergoing high-intensity workouts. For maximum benefit, look for fish oil that contains both EPA and DHA, considered the two most beneficial types of omega-3s. Natural healers typically advise fish oil amounts of 500 mg to 1,000 mg a day but consult your integrative doctor before supplementing. Ginkgo Biloba Supports Healthy Circulation With Two Groups of Beneficial Compounds For thousands of years, healers in traditional Chinese medicine have recommended ginkgo biloba for improving vein health. Modern analysis has supported this ancient use, revealing that ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidant flavonoids – which scavenge harmful free radicals – and terpenoids, which dilate blood vessels and promote blood flow. Ginkgo biloba is available in capsule and liquid form, with natural health experts advising products standardized to contain 23 to 32 percent flavonoids (also called heterosides) and 6 to 12 percent terpenoids. Herbal healers typically recommend amounts of 120 mg to 240 mg a day to promote healthy circulation – but consult your experienced integrative doctor before trying ginkgo biloba. (Important: ginkgo biloba extracts are made only from the leaves. The fruits and seeds of the ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, may be toxic and should not be eaten). In addition to promoting healthy circulation, ginkgo biloba is also believed to offer cognitive and memory benefits. Grape Seed Extract Improves Blood Flow and Protects Health of Arteries Derived from the seeds of grapes, grape seed extract contains high levels of proanthocyanidins, a group of purple/bluish plant pigments also found in blueberries and other “superfoods.” Proanthocyanidins have been “wowing” researchers over the past few decades with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities – so it’s not surprising that they benefit circulation. In addition to decreasing oxidative stress, proanthocyanidins are believed to protect the delicate walls of arteries, regulate blood pressure and reduce the “stickiness” of blood platelets, making them less likely to form clots. A 2019 double-blind controlled study published in Nutrients, researchers found that grape seed extract reduced arterial stiffness, increased elasticity, and lowered blood pressure in a group of adults with prehypertension or elevated blood pressure. Within a separate study, healthy young women who took grape seed extract for two weeks experienced 40 percent less leg swelling after six hours of sitting. Grape seed extract is antibacterial and antifungal, meaning it could potentially improve the balance of gut bacteria and protect the body against pathogens and “nasties” such as S. aureus and Candida fungal overgrowth. Yet another “plus” for grape seed extract is that it may help support healthy cognitive function as people age. Typical amounts may range from 300 mg to 800 mg a day – but get the “go-ahead” from your integrative doctor before supplementing. Optimize Blood Flow Naturally You can help keep the highways and byways of your circulatory system clear by maintaining a healthy weight and eating a diet rich in antioxidant-laden, fiber-containing organic fruits and vegetables (particularly nitrate-rich dark leafy greens and anti-inflammatory cherries and berries), along with sufficient quantities of healthy omega-3 fats. Good to know: ginger, walnuts, turmeric, and cayenne pepper also receive high marks from natural health experts for their ability to stimulate healthy circulation. If you still smoke, quitting is one of the most vital steps you can take for circulatory health. You can also improve vasodilation through regular exercise. Finally, it’s important to manage stress through natural means, such as guided meditation, biofeedback, yoga or acupuncture. Look at it this way: Protecting the health of your arteries and veins is a way to say “thank you” to your hard-working circulatory system. Sources for this article include: ClevelandClinic.org Healthline.com NIH.gov HenryFord.com MedicalNewsToday.com MountSinai.org Healthline.com CFS.gov To read the original article click here.

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Blood Clot RISK: This Unique Compound in Grape Seed Extract Helps to Protect Your Circulation

AHA Publisher — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 08:00:44 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – For many, working from home is now the “new normal.” And, for millions of Americans, this means long hours seated at a desk. Believe it or not, while excessive sitting hardly seems like a dangerous activity, it actually presents a serious risk to health. In fact, the threat is so severe that health experts are now characterizing prolonged sitting as “the new smoking.” Sitting for long periods of time – whether at a desk, in a car, or on a plane – raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body (usually, in the leg). In a life-threatening complication, the clot can break loose and head for the lung, where it can cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as many as 900,000 Americans are affected by blood clots every year, resulting in roughly 100,000 deaths. (Sitting doesn’t look quite so safe anymore, does it?) Fortunately, a clinical study supports the ability of proanthocyanidins in grape seeds to improve blood flow and dramatically lower the risk of thrombosis. Reduce Leg Swelling With a Single Serving of Proanthocyanidins From Grape Seeds Researchers have long puzzled over the “French paradox” – the fact that people in France enjoy a 50 percent reduced risk of heart disease when compared to Americans. (And this, despite eating a fatty diet and having generally higher cholesterol and blood pressure!) Many believe that the secret lies in the French tradition of regularly consuming red wine, which is made from grapes rich in healthful polyphenols (such as resveratrol and quercetin). And, the most potent polyphenols of all are the proanthocyanidins, which make up about 90 percent of the content of grape seeds. Of course, traditionally speaking, Europeans tend to eat higher quality food (less processed) and in smaller quantities … which is quite healthy for you. Back to our point for today: research has shown that these powerful antioxidants can improve blood flow, reduce swelling and prevent blood clots – particularly after long periods of sitting. (Just what the doctor ordered for those in sedentary occupations!) In a clinical study published in the Journal of Science and Food Agriculture, researchers assessed the effects of a single 400-mg serving of proanthocyanidins from grape seeds, taken before a session of six hours of sitting. The team found that the extract reduced leg swelling and edema by 70 percent – an impressive result. Grape Seed Extract Discourages Blood Clots Through Multiple Mechanisms In an animal study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, researchers found that grape seed extract reduced the size of blood clots while protecting the endothelium, the all-important lining of the veins and arteries. It also markedly lowered levels of inflammatory cytokines, reduced the number of adhesion molecules, and discouraged blood clots by reducing the “stickiness” of platelets. In other words, grape seed extract made blood less likely to clump together and adhere to the lining of veins. Calling grape seed extract a “promising candidate” for treating deep vein thrombosis, the impressed researchers went a step further and stated that “prompt administration of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract is instrumental to thrombus (blood clot) clearance.” The News Gets Even Better: Proanthocyanidins in Grape Seeds LOWER the Risk of Heart Disease, Heart Attacks, and Strokes While blood clots in veins can cause pulmonary embolism, blood clots that form in arteries are equally dangerous – and can cause a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, proanthocyanidins in grape seeds benefit cardiovascular health as well. In addition to helping reduce the ability of blood to form clots, they have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides in the blood and fight the systemic inflammation that can trigger heart disease. Proanthocyanidins can also prevent the harmful oxidation of fats. In one Italian study, 300 mg of a grape seed product, consumed with a meal, significantly reduced the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Incidentally, an extract from French maritime pine bark – sometimes coupled with an herb known as Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) – is making researchers sit up and take notice of its remarkable ability to act against artery-clogging atherosclerosis. What is the “secret weapon” of French maritime pine bark? Researchers say it’s the high content of – you guessed it – proanthocyanidins. By the way, when sitting for long periods of time, natural health experts recommend getting up and walking around at least once an hour. If you are on a plane or train, a short stroll down the aisle can go a long way towards avoiding blood clots. Slow the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Grape seed extract prevents memory loss, improves cognitive abilities, and even reduces specific proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. With advancing age, harmful beta-amyloid proteins accumulate in the brain, impairing the ability to make new cells. Studies have shown that grape seed extracts can not only prevent, but reverse this phenomenon. In an animal study conducted at the University of Alabama, scientists found that grape seed extract normalized over a dozen different brain proteins, restoring them back to youthful levels. While more studies are needed, this research offers an exciting glimpse of the potential of grape seed extract to improve cognitive function and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. And, there’s more. Grape seed extract also has protective, anti-aging effects on the skin, and helps to maintain strong bones and teeth. As if this weren’t beneficial enough, grape seed extract stabilizes blood sugar and acts against obesity by helping to metabolize fat and reduces appetite. Natural health experts generally recommend grape seed extract amounts of 300 to 800 mg a day for eight to 16 weeks. However, don’t use grape seed extract to treat deep vein thrombosis – or any other condition – without first consulting your integrative doctor. While the name is complex, the effects of the proanthocyanidins in grape seeds are straightforward and simple. These beneficial antioxidants can promote healthy circulation while reducing vulnerability to blood clots – a very substantial health benefit indeed. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov LifeExtension.com JournalofVascularSurgery.org Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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