Grape Seed Extract
If you’re looking for or have taken a general health product, chances are you’ve used grape seed extract before. Similarly, if you’ve used a testosterone enhancer that was formulated within the last 4-6 years, there’s a good chance you’ve used it before as well. Grape seed has a plethora of data showing positive effects, although it does have just as much data showing that it provides marginal benefits.
What it does
Grape seed extract has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, but only in extremely small amounts[1]. It has also been shown to minimally decrease cholesterol levels[2]. A major benefit of grape seed which does appear to be repeatable and of value, is its blood flow enhancing properties, which may make it a beneficial addition to a pre-workout or nitric oxide themed product[3]. If looking for general health benefits, it is a proven antioxidant that may provide increased health levels[4].
In recent years, it has been touted as an effective natural anti-estrogen due to specific active components within it such as resveratrol. While the ingredient does show incredible promise in vitro, in vivo testing shows it is currently not so great at reducing estrogen[5].
How it works
Grape seed extract contains high levels of natural antioxidants which may increase circulatory health, helping to make the heart do its job more efficiently. The healthier our circulatory system is, the easier it is for blood to be pumped throughout the body, allowing users to benefit from reduced blood pressure levels. This decrease in blood pressure may also be accomplished via increases in nitric oxide thanks to compounds such as proanthocyanidin and procyanidin.
Dosing
Dosing of grape seed extract will vary depending on one’s goal. For general health or to increase cardiovascular health, 150-300mg per day is suggested. For those looking to increase their nitric oxide and pumps, larger doses of 400-800mg taken 30-60 minutes prior to exercise are suggested. As for those after anti-estrogenic benefits, studies suggest amounts of 1,000-2,000mg (usually taken over 2-3 doses during the day) are most effective.