Grape Seed Extract for Weight Loss
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The grape seed extract is a dietary supplement commonly prescribed by physicians to reduce calorie intake during the day leading to weight loss. Bitter-tasting grape seeds are removed, dried, and grounded to make the extract. Grape seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes.
Owing to its high antioxidant content, grape seed extract helps prevent fat deposition, increase weight loss, fight oxidative damage and prevent diseases.
This article details the benefits of grapeseed extract for weight loss, other potential benefits, and possible risks or side effects.
It should remember that grape seed extract and grapefruit seed extract supplements come with the abbreviation as GSE, hence both are obtained from different fruits.
Is Grapeseed Effective for Weight Loss?
Obesity or overweight is a common condition affecting millions of people around the globe and the condition is increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity may occur when the body’s system fails to regulate energy balance leading to deposition of excessive fats. Obesity may lead to the development of various other chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, joint problems, and cancer risks.
Reducing body fat and maintaining healthy body weight are mandatory and several studies are focusing on these subjects. Well, there are a lot of dietary supplements claiming to promote weight loss and grape seed extract is one of them.
Studies revealed that grape seed extract possesses high antioxidant levels which prevent the deposition of fats and decrease their absorption from the diet. In addition to providing energy to the body, grape seed extract also increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
What Does Research Say?
Various studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of grape seed extract on weight loss and fat burning.
According to research from Maastricht University in Netherland, supplementing grape seed extract resulted in a significant reduction of calorie intake within a period of 4 hours in people with increased energy requirements.
Various in vivo and in vitro studies found that grape seed extract possesses high antioxidant content that can accelerate the breakdown of fats and restrict fat deposits in the body.
In another double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 51 normal to overweight individuals were instructed to use grape seed supplements 30-60 minutes before meal for three days.
Results revealed that people with grape seed extract consumed fewer calories than the group of individuals with placebo.
In addition, studies also revealed that grape seed extract also boosts mitochondrial respiration, increases the heat production capacity of brown adipose tissue, and improves energy consumption to decrease weight gain.
How Does It Work?
Prevent Fat Deposits
Grape seed contains high antioxidant levels which can prevent the deposition of fats in adipose tissues and stimulate fat breakdown. In addition, grape seed extract also reduces the absorption of fats in the food we eat.
Improve Metabolism
Grape seed extract supplements also have the potential to affect the intestinal microflora, increase metabolism, stimulate fat breakdown and reduce weight.
Decrease Calorie Intake
Reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity is a key to promoting weight loss. Research showed that supplementing grape seed extract 30-60 minutes before breakfast, lunch, or dinner may induce satiety and decrease calorie intake. It works by decreasing the absorption of diet and the person feels less hungry leading to less calorie consumption.
Regulate Balance between Adipokines and Insulin Resistance
Adipose tissues are an important part of the endocrine system and organs. They secret adipokines which are greatly associated with obesity. Studies found that supplementing grape seed extract decrease obesity, affect metabolic pathway by increasing adipokine secretion and prevent oxidative stress.
In addition, long-term supplementation of grape seed extract targets insulin-sensitive cells and affects beta cells of the pancreas preventing lipid accumulation, and improving insulin resistance.
Other Benefits
Can Regulate Blood Pressure
Studies revealed that GSE supplements have the potential to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases. According to a study, consumption of grape seed extract for 6 weeks resulted in a reduction of systolic blood pressure by 5.6% and diastolic blood pressure by 4.7%.
Prevent Oxidative Damage
Grape seed extract contains flavonoids and other phytochemicals with potent antioxidant abilities. These antioxidants act as radical scavengers, neutralize the toxic effects of free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. They also prevent cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and degenerative diseases.
In addition, GSE supplements also prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and plaque formation.
Improve Musculoskeletal Health
With high antioxidant levels, GSE supplements may improve collagen and strengthen bones. Various animal studies showed that GSE supplements stimulate bone formation, increase mineral content and boost bone strength. They also help relieve inflammation, reduce bone and joint pain, improve collagen and prevent cartilage loss.
Reduce the Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids in grape seed reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. GSE contains a bioactive compound known as gallic acid which restricts the formation of amyloid crystals and improves cognitive abilities.
Food Sources of GSE
The grape seed extract is only prepared from the bitter-tasting seeds of grapes and there is no other food source for these supplements.
Dosage of Grape Seed Extract
There is no standard dosage of grape seed extract, however, in some clinical studies dosage of 100-300, mg/day was used. The same dosage is prescribed in some European countries but the highest and safest dose is not known yet.
Possible Risks or Side Effects
Grape seed extract offers a perk of benefits to the body and is generally considered safe to use. However, some people may experience mild symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and itchy scalp.
Some people may get allergic reactions to grape seed extract. In case of high blood pressure and bleeding, quit taking grape seed extract to avoid any serious side effects.
GSE supplements may interact with some medications like a blood thinner, NSAIDs, chemotherapeutic drugs, and heart medicine. Consult your health care professional before taking these supplements if you are already taking these medications.
There is not enough research on the safety of grape seed extract in children and pregnant women. To be on the safe side, it is suggested to avoid these supplements in children and pregnant women.
Bottom Line
The grape seed extract is a dietary supplement most people consume to help reduce their weight. They may increase metabolism, reduce calorie consumption and prevent fat deposition which may boost weight loss. In addition, GSE supplements offer a huge variety of benefits to the body.
Antioxidants present in grape seed extract help reduce inflammation, prevent oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage hence lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Here you can check out Vorst’s Grape Seed Extract 100mg with 90 Capsules and our Premium Grape Seed Extract 300mg with 60 Capsules.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2788190/
https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/502235
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16954063/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21401106/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30250849/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27503946/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26568249
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258672/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258672/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4288281/