New Roots Grape Seed Extract 500mg - 60 V-Caps

NEW ROOTS GRAPESEED EXTRACT

Grape seed extract is a rich bioflavonoid which is used for fighting free radicals and maintaining capillary health. It is very similar to pine bark extract, with a high content of proanthocyanidins. Free radicals do damage in the capillaries in two ways: (1) by inactivating a compound called a 1-antitripsin, whose role is to restrain the enzymes that break down collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, and (2) by turning the fats in the cell membranes rancid (lipid peroxidation).

Proanthocyanidins protect both the 1-antitripsin and the lipids by neutralizing the specific types of free radicals most likely to damage them, and may also directly inhibit the damaging enzymes . Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid make up much of the inner wall and supporting matrix of the capillaries; when they are in good shape the capillaries stretch to let red blood cells through the tight places and do not let the fluids in the blood leak out.

Proanthocyanidins have shown a marked tendency to accumulate in tissues with high contents of glycosaminoglycans (complex amino sugars), such as capillary walls and skin. This may also apply to cartilage and synovial fluid. Proanthocyanidins have also shown antimutagenic effects in vitro at high concentrations (250 mcg/ml). Proanthocyanidins (also known as leucoanthocyanidins and pycnogenols) are a form of polyphenol, which is in turn a form of bioflavonoid. Proanthocyanidins are at least 15 to 25 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing the iron and reactive oxygen species/free radicals that attack lipids.

Grape seed extract is used for its free radical fighting capabilities, and for a variety of conditions related to capillary health and permeability. It is synergistic with vitamin C, which is more potent and absorbed more rapidly when used together with proanthocyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins present in grape seeds are known to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-allergic activities, to prevent skin aging, to scavenge oxygen free radicals and to inhibit the damaging effects of UV radiation from sunlight. They also bond with collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and a key component of skin, gums, bones, teeth, hair and body tissues.

Proanthocyanidins have been indicated for: poor distribution of microcirculatory blood flow in the brain and heart; altered capillary fragility and permeability (in diabetes mellitus); chronic arterial/venous insufficiency in the extremities; altered platelet aggregation and other characteristics of blood flow in capillaries; breakdown in the elastic fibers of the capillaries (collagen and elastin) due to free radical and enzyme action; microangiopathy of the retina, edema of the lymph nodes, varicose veins and other symptoms of the problems listed above; the cumulative effects of aging and reducing the risk of degenerative diseases.

GrapeSeed Extract
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) are a group of flavinoids that have powerful antioxidant potential. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. They are produced in the body as a byproduct of normal metabolism or can come from pollutants, UV radiation, infections and the liver's processing of toxins.

In studies, OPCs are shown to be far more powerful than antioxidants like vitamins E and C. Additionally they work with the primary antioxidant in the liver, glutathione and recycle vitamin C so it can continue to fight free radicals. OPCs are easily taken in by the body and even cross the blood brain barrier to provide protection to our brain and nerves. OPCs are used for cardiovascular health because they strengthen the collagen lining of vessels, thus increasing circulation, and decreasing inflammation and blood clots. OPCs have anti-aging properties because they protect the body from environmental pollutants, keep tissues, like the skin, elastic and keep the immune system in good working order. Finally, OPCs stop the release of histamine thus reducing inflammation and allergic symptoms like runny nose, congestion and watery eyes.

OPC supplements are made from two sources, grape seed (Vitis vinifera) and pine bark. The cardiovascular benefits of drinking red wine are due in part to the antioxidants from OPCs. Grape seed extract can be purchased as a powdered beverage or encapsulated extract. Grape seed supplements should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of OPCs they contain. Pine bark extract is found as encapsulated extract. It should also be standardized as an assurance of the amount of OPCs it contains. Pycnogenol is a trademarked name for pine bark extract.

Grape seed and pine bark should not be used with blood thinners or NSAIDs, by individuals with blood disorders or a decreased ability to clot. Grape seed and pine bark should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental work. Do not use grape seed or pine bark concurrently with xanthine oxidase inhibitors or methotrexate.

Cranberry
Cranberry has been well studied for its ability to prevent and decrease the severity of urinary tract infections. It contains compounds called lectins that prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. The bacteria are then flushed out through the urine and do not lead to infection. Cranberry also acidifies the urine, which makes it an uncomfortable environment for bacteria to live and reproduce.
Cranberries also contain significant amounts of vitamin C, which is important for the healing of the lining of the urinary tract. Finally, the proanthocyanidins that are found in cranberry have been shown to have anti-cell growth effects in laboratory testing. More studies are needed to determine if cranberry will be clinically useful for patients.

Cranberry can be purchased as a raw berries, encapsulated dried berries or concentrated juice. The concentrated unsweetened juice is the best way to consume cranberry for its medicinal qualities. The juice is very tart but be sure to dilute the juice with water, not other fruit juices. Likewise, avoid drinking sweetened cranberry cocktails because they often contain little actual cranberry juice and lots of sugar.

Sugar actually feeds the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Encapsulated cranberry ranges in strength and quality. Purchase a product that gives an equivalent value of raw cranberries or concentrated cranberry juice. Combination products for urinary tract infections may contain cranberry.