Boosting Collagen Production with Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract, also known as Grape Seed Extract, is derived from the fruit, its leaves, as well as its sap. Although this was only developed in the 1970s, the grape has long been used by the Ancient Greeks for a variety of health purposes. 

This medicinal tradition lives on, as Grape Seed Extract continues to fight inflammation and poor circulation - even promote faster wound healing. It may also help prevent collagen breakdown, thus making Grape Seed Extract a good supplement against the effects of skin aging.

What’s in Grape Seed Extract?

Grape seed extract contains a variety of antioxidants that are deemed beneficial to the skin. In fact, they can be 50 times more potent than Vitamin C and 20 times better than Vitamin E. 

Grape Seed Extract also contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that may help reduce inflammation, decrease cholesterol levels, and prevent insulin resistance, to name a few.

How Does Grape Seed Extract Boost Collagen Production?

Grape Seed Extract helps you achieve supple, youthful-looking skin through the following features: 

• Makes collagen more resistant to ‘breakdown’

The proanthocyanidins in Grape Seed Extract give grapes their color. Unbeknownst to many, these polyphenols also hold the key to having smooth and supple skin. 

According to a Brazilian study, these proanthocyanidins make collagen fibers ‘more resistant’ to factors that degrade them (enzymes, aging, etc.)

• Helps prevent collagen break down 

Apart from improving the structure of collagen, Grape Seed Extract may also help prevent its degradation in the body. 

According to a study, the proanthocyanidins in Grape Seed Extract may help stop the degradation of collagen fibers, which are primarily responsible for keeping bodily structures (bones, tendons, cartilage, and of course, the skin) strong. 

Results show that Proanthocyanidins help preserve the integrity of these fibers. Such is maintained even when they are exposed to enzymes that ‘digest’ collagen proteins. 

Usually, collagenase can break down the fibers in just 1 day. But with the help of grape seed antioxidants, these collagens managed to last for as long as 6 days. 

According to another study, these proanthocyanidins may also help inhibit the action of some enzymes that degrade collagen and other proteins. 

Results show that Grape Seed Extract antioxidants were able to help decrease the action of these enzymes in the body. As such, Grape Seed Extract may help avert the obvious signs of premature skin aging (wrinkles, fine lines, etc.)  

• Neutralizes collagen-damaging free radicals 

As mentioned, Grape Seed Extract is rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol and OPC. In a study, OPC was deemed beneficial in preventing oxidative stress, a state where the body is unable to fight the free radicals. 

Unfortunately, these molecules accumulate in your body after prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking, pollution, etc. These free radicals eventually work their way to the cells, where they wreak havoc and cause diseases. 

To make matters worse, the cumulative damages caused by free radicals bring about premature aging as well. This is supported by the oxidative stress theory of aging.

With that being said, free radicals can break down collagen fibers in the skin, thereby leading to wrinkles and fine lines. With Grape Seed Extract’s ability to neutralize free radicals, it may help prevent the untimely damage of collagen – so you maintain youthful-looking skin. 

• Protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays

As mentioned, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to a build-up of free radicals that damage collagen fibers in the body. Since UV radiation can bring about many adverse effects on the body, experts call for protective measures. As such, it is important that you wear sunscreen and protective clothing, as well as avoid exposure from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Apart from the aforementioned activities, experts also recommend ‘secondary sun protection’. This involves the intake of protective supplements such as antioxidants.

One of these vital secondary factors is Grape Seed Extract, which is rich in both proanthocyanidins and resveratrol. According to a study, these antioxidants may help protect the skin from UV exposure. With that being said, Grape Seed Extract may help minimize the sun’s harmful effects on collagen – and other structures in the body. 

• Helps manage blood sugar levels

Grape Seed Extract’s benefits are indeed aplenty. According to a study, it may help maintain blood sugar levels – which is the key to preventing diabetes development in at-risk people. 

So how is diabetes related to dermal collagen? Well, for one, high sugar levels lead to the development of byproducts that damage proteins such as collagen and elastin. True enough, AGEs can make you age because they lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and whatnot. 

Apart from breaking down collagen, AGEs can also transform your tough type III collagen into more brittle type I collagen. In summation, AGEs do not only make you look order – they can make your skin less supple as well. 

So if you want to prevent AGE formation - as well as its harmful effects on the skin – then you need to consider Grape Seed Extract. Taking this supplement is actually a win-win situation, as it may help reduce your chances of developing diabetes as well.  

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How to Take Grape Seed Extract Supplements

There is no set dose for Grape Seed Extract supplementation. Following European studies, it is believed that a dose of 100 to 300 milligrams daily is considered tolerable. 

Grape Seed Extract supplements are available as pills and liquid syrups. 

Side Effects

While Grape Seed Extract is generally safe to take, it comes with some side effects. They include scalp itchiness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and liver problems. As a precautionary measure, start with a small dose to avoid such unpleasant side effects. 

Interactions

If you are taking some medications, then you need to consult with your physician before taking Grape Seed Extract. After all, this supplement can interact with painkillers, blood thinners, and chemotherapeutic drugs, to name a few. 

In a Nutshell

Grape Seed Extract is a supplement that offers many health benefits to the body. As it is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it may help prevent the destruction of collagen due to UV exposure, free radicals, and high blood sugar levels. With its ability to minimize collagen breakdown, Grape Seed Extract may help strengthen these fibrous proteins – thus allowing you to maintain your youthful appearance throughout the years.

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