OPC EFFECT: HOW GOOD IS GRAPE SEED EXTRACT REALLY?
Table of contents
- What is OPC and how does it work?
- What are the known effects of OPC?
- How can the OPC effect help with various complaints?
- Which OPC product is right for me?
- Are there any undesirable side effects of the OPC effect?
- What should I look out for when buying OPCs?
- CONCLUSION: OPC effect proven in many ways
1 What is OPC and how does it work?
2 Which OPC EFFECTS ARE KNOWN?
The human cell has the natural function of detoxifying and repairing itself. However, excessive stress can disrupt this protective function and cause allergic reactions. Oxidative stress is therefore a burden. The OPC effect contained in grape seed extract can help to protect the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is mainly caused by negative environmental influences and an unhealthy lifestyle. This can result in all kinds of damage:
- Allergies
- Premature ageing of the skin
- Impairment of the cardiovascular system
- Eye problems
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- Joint problems
The OPC effect against oxidative stress has been scientifically proven1. In fact, OPCs are considered the most powerful antioxidant known to date. An antioxidant is a chemical compound that acts against free radicals and thus slows down the oxidation of other substances. In a way, it acts against free radicals like a natural protective barrier for health, which is why it is also known as a radical scavenger. Antioxidants or radical scavengers can be used to counteract the damage caused by free radicals. These mainly include enzymes and vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, as well as selenium and, above all, OPC.
3. how can the OPC effect help with various complaints?
The effects of OPCs are covered in numerous media reports and many people rely on grape seed extract to alleviate various ailments. But where do OPCs actually show their effectiveness and what do scientific studies say about them?
OPC effect against cancer: One study looked at whether OPCs can inhibit tumor growth. After all, oxidative stress appears to play a role in the development of cancer2. However, the statement "OPCs help against cancer", as is sometimes made in advertising for OPC products, is not serious and is also not permitted for legal reasons.
OPC effect on cardiovascular diseases: Are OPCs beneficial for heart health? This has been investigated in various studies. The results show that OPCs have a positive effect on the regeneration of heart muscle cells3. Other studies have also produced promising results. Finally, oxidative stress is also considered a significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke and thrombosis.
OPC effect onblood vesselsis actually supported by two laboratory studies showing that OPCs can help to lower blood pressure.^4,5 Another study from Washington has shown that OPCs have a positive effect on lowering cholesterol levels.cholesterol levelslevels.6
OPC effect against viruses and bacteria: Laboratory studies have actually confirmed that OPCs are effective against various viruses, such as the hepatitis C virus.7 Even the effectiveness of OPCs against yeast fungi has been investigated.8
Antitoxic effect of OPCs: There is evidence that OPCs can protect cells from toxins, heavy metals and side effects of medication.9,10
OPC effect on the skin: The positive effect of OPCs on the skin also relates to protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation and support for collagen and elastane production.
The study situation is therefore promising - but this does not mean that the OPC effect against all these complaints has been scientifically proven. More intensive research is needed in this area in order to better understand the mechanisms of action of OPC. Therefore, beware of suppliers who advertise OPC capsules as an anti-ageing miracle cure that can stop the physical ageing process. Such claims have not yet been sufficiently scientifically proven. The following statements on the effect of OPC grape seed extract have been submitted to the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for review:
- It is considered an antioxidant.
- It contributes to the maintenance of normal skin function.
- It can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
- It supports the regulation of the cardiovascular system.
4 Which OPC product is right for me?
If you want to benefit from the effects of OPC, you are probably asking yourself the question: Which is the best OPC product for me? OPC capsules usually contain either OPC powder or high-dose OPC extract, or grape seed extract. The powder is the ground form of dried plants, in this case grape seeds. In OPC extract, the valuable nutrients are extracted, resulting in a significantly higher concentration of these nutrients. For this reason, OPC extract is generally considered to be the higher quality OPC variant.
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5. are there any undesirable side effects with the OPC effect?
There are no known side effects of OPC. Can OPCs do harm if they are taken in too high a dose? There is a suspicion that OPCs can damage cells if taken in extremely high doses. You should therefore always ensure that you follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendation. Avoid taking OPC with dairy products, as these can impair absorption. If you are already taking blood-thinning medication, you should bear in mind that OPCs can also have a slightly blood-thinning effect. People with sensitive stomachs may experience slight nausea if OPCs are taken on an empty stomach. In this case, make sure you eat something beforehand. If in doubt, consult your doctor before taking OPCs.
6 What should you look out for when buying OPC?
High-quality OPCsare created through complex production processes in which extracts from grape seeds or maritime pine bark are used. Using special processes, a purity of up to 95 percent can be achieved, whereby this degree of purity is decisive for the quality. However, it is important to exercise caution, as there are now numerous suppliers of OPC products. When buying, it is important to ensure that the grape seed extract is highly concentrated.
Often only the powder - without extracted OPC - of ground grape seeds, grapefruit seeds, pine or vine leaves is offered. These products have a much lower OPC content and are therefore not only significantly less effective, but ultimately also much more expensive. As with allfood supplementsthe following applies: The quality should have been tested in Germany or in the EU.
CONCLUSION: OPC effect proven in many ways
The antioxidant properties of OPC have been demonstrated inrepeatedly proven in numerous scientific studiesrepeatedly demonstrated (e.g. the effect of the OPC factor on energy levels by the University of Pennsylvania). In addition, numerous indications suggest that OPCs have positive effects on cardiovascular and vascular health, as well as having an effect against toxins, various viruses and bacteria. Nevertheless, definitive conclusions are not yet possible - OPCs will keep researchers on their toes for some years to come!
Sources:
1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24751946/
2 3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28294148/
4https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19608210/
5https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24171039/
6https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11508317/
7https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19531480/
8https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20806417/