There is much more to this plant than its delicious fruit. You might be aware of its use in wine making, but not many people are aware of the medicinal properties of various parts of grapes. Besides its fruit, the leaves, stem and seeds can also be used for treating several health problems. Due to the various health benefits of grape seeds, the use of grape seed powder is becoming increasingly popular.

Grape seed comprises of several important ingredients such as linoleic acid, polyphenols, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). It is believed that grape seed extract is packed with powerful antioxidants that can protect the cells in our body from free radical damage. These antioxidants are believed to be more potent than those contained in vitamin C, E and beta-carotene.

Grape has been used for good health since ancient times from China to Greece. Grape was believed to have curative and preventative powers. It is now known that Grapes, particularly the skin and seeds, are beneficial to overall health due to their high concentration of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are biologically active substances that are responsible for giving plants their fragrance, color and flavor. Phytonutrients also contribute to the plant's self-defense system by protecting it from pests, viruses, bacteria, and excessive sunlight. Evidence indicates that these same phytonutrients may also protect the human body from certain cancers and heart disease. There are probably thousands of phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, grains and some herbs. Grapes are loaded with phytonutrients such as resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanin and catechin. Resveratrol, found primarily in the skin of grapes, has been found in preliminary studies to fight breast, liver and colon cancers. Resveratrol is also believed to play a role in the reduction of heart disease and has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

Supplementing with Grape products will give your body vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients essential to good health. Scientists have just begun to discover how drinking red wine (a grape skin product), which contains the compound resveratrol, in moderation has contributed to controlling disease. Resveratrol has been shown to support integral proteins that aid in the prevention of cancer cells. The proteins responsible for stimulating gene functions that promote cell survival are known as nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-kB) and are located inside the nucleus of all cells.

Researchers have found that a compound in red wine or grape skins may also help to minimize brain damage from strokes. Many Americans have suffered from a stroke, whether it's themselves or family members. As many people know, strokes can be very unexpected and the results can be permanent. Research has discovered that resveratrol can absorb the free radicals, stopping them from doing any more damage to the brain.

Botanical Name: Vitis vinifera; Vitaceae family

Kosher. Non-irradiated.