Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.  

Both grape seed extract and resveratrol come from grapes. But unlike resveratrol, grape seed extract is made from pulverized seeds of grapes, while resveratrol is usually collected from the skins of grapes, but it is also found in many other resources as well like peanuts and berries. They both produce quite similar effects in the body and people often get confused - grape seed extract vs resveratrol - which one is better? If you too wonder, keep reading till the end. 

In this article, we’ll be considering the benefits of grape seed extract vs resveratrol in a bit detail. But first, we’ll need to understand exactly what these substances are and what is the difference between grape seed extract and resveratrol. So, let’s get started. 

Table of contents 

• What is grape seed extract? 
• What is resveratrol?
• Grape seed extract vs resveratrol: role and function
• Grape seed extract vs resveratrol: effects and potential benefits 
• Can grape seed extract and resveratrol be taken together?
• Final words

What is grape seed extract?

As the name suggests, grape seed extract is prepared by removing, drying, and pulverizing the seeds of grapes, especially those used to produce red wines. Although grapes have long been a part of traditional medicines throughout the world for thousands of years, the use of seed extracts from grapes in medicine is fairly new and is considered to be helpful in a wide number of health conditions. 

What is resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a part of a large class of plant chemicals called polyphenols. Polyphenols are naturally occurring nutrients that plants produce to fight against diseases and survive drought. Resveratrol is found in foods such as berries, peanuts, and grapes, but it’s most prevalent in the skin of grapes. 

Grape seed extract vs resveratrol: role and function 

Both grape seed extract and resveratrol have been found to have significant antioxidant properties. Antioxidant activities are important for neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals contain unstable oxygen molecules that cause oxidative reactions and may lead to damage to cell DNA and or even cell death. 

The antioxidant benefits of grape seed extract majorly seem to come from the oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) it contains. It also contains various other ingredients such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and most importantly resveratrol as well.

Resveratrol, in contrast, is itself a powerful antioxidant that is found not only in grapes but also in many other plants. By neutralizing free radicals, both grape seed extract and resveratrol can hugely help to protect against damage or aging to cells, tissues, and organs and thereby can prevent various health conditions ranging from heart disease to cancer to stroke.  

Besides, resveratrol might act as the estrogen hormone, which is why it’s often considered a phytoestrogen or plant-based estrogen.  

Grape seed extract vs resveratrol: effects and potential benefits 

Grape seed extract offers a whole variety of health benefits that are majorly attributed to its strong antioxidant actions. The mixture of catechins, especially procyanidins, and tannins seems to exert similar effects to green tea catechins on the body. It has been shown to have significant vasodilation and anti-estrogenic activities on the body that can hugely help with hormone health, cardiovascular health, and metabolic health as well as others. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most prevalent ways how grape seed extract can benefit human health:   

Potential health benefits of grape seed extract 

• Can help increase blood flow in poor circulation 
• Helps lower cholesterol levels 
• Speeds up the wound healing 
• Helps protect cells and tissues against free radical damage 
• Stops or slows cognitive decline 
• Helps treat various blood vessel-related conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, atherosclerosis, hypertension, high cholesterol, and edema 
• Strengthens bones by enhancing collagen levels 
• May help in cancer prevention 

Resveratrol, on the other hand, is best known for its cardioprotective and cancer-prevention effects. The health benefits of resveratrol are assumed to come from its potent antioxidant and estrogen-like activities. It can also serve as an effective insulin sensitizer and improve blood flow as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most prevalent ways in how resveratrol can benefit human health: 

Potential health benefits of resveratrol

• Improves cardiovascular health and protects the heart and blood vessels from developing diseases
• Promotes healthy aging and longevity 
• Reduces inflammation 
• Supports brain function and memory and helps prevent age-related brain and nerve conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s 
• Reduces blood clotting 
• Helps keep blood glucose levels in check 
• Helps fight against infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria 
• May help with joint pain 
• May help inhibit the growth of cancer cells 

Can grape seed extract and resveratrol be taken together?

The combination of grape seed extract and resveratrol has been found more efficient than each either used alone. Research suggests that grape seed extract and resveratrol combination is effective in suppressing cancer stem cells in the colon. Though more research is needed to confirm their efficacy, it’s clear that they work better when combined in appropriate conditions. But it’s always compulsory to work with a certified natural health provider to determine whether they together are right for your specific condition at the same time.   

Final words 

In the comparison of grape seed extract vs resveratrol, we find that both have tremendous antioxidant properties that can help the human body in many different ways ranging from cardiovascular health to having potential cancer prevention abilities to healthy aging and longevity. It all depends on a person’s individual health status and goal, which one to pick between them. 

Moreover, they can work even better together in certain conditions. But it’s always important to consult with a licensed naturopathic doctor or nutritionist to determine whether they are right for your personal health status and what would be the best method of use.

Here you can see Vorst’s Premium Grape Seed Extract Capsules 

Here you can see Vorst’s high-quality Resveratrol Powder 

Important resources: 

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/grape-seed-extract
2. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-resveratrol#:~:text=Resveratrol%20has%20antioxidant%20and%20anti,for%20arthritis%2C%20and%20skin%20inflammation.
3. https://www.livestrong.com/article/266890-what-is-the-difference-between-resveratrol-grape-seed-extract/
4. https://purovitalis.com/blogs/nutrition/grape-seed-extract-vs-resveratrol-the-benefits-comparison
5. https://www.differencebetween.com/what-is-the-difference-between-resveratrol-and-grape-seed-extract/#:~:text=The%20key%20difference%20between%20resveratrol,in%20killing%20colon%20cancer%20cells.
6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grape-seed-extract-benefits
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263332#benefits
8. https://examine.com/supplements/grape-seed-extract/
9. https://examine.com/supplements/resveratrol/
10. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/resveratrol-benefits/
11. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/resveratrol#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
12. https://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/resveratrol-benefits
13. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/resveratrol-benefits#benefits
14. https://eyepromise.com/blog/what-to-know-about-resveratrol
15. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/resveratrol-grape-seed-combination-suppresses-colon-cancer-stem-cells