Red Wine Grape Extracts and Health Benefits
Red Wine Grape Extracts and Health Benefits by Mark Juliano
Decades ago, scientists also discovered the French Paradox, and determined that despite a high fat diet, the French lived longer and healthier, and have concluded that the causes had largely to do with their daily dose of Red Wine.
More recently, discoveries by Dr. Joseph Baur and Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard Medical School in 2006, coupled with many follow-on university and research laboratory studies (including University of Pennsylvania, Marywood University, Yale, University of Michigan, University of Connecticut, Wake Forest, Oregon State, University of South Carolina, and many more), have shown that there are natural plant extracts that can activate sirtuin “survival genes” which increase longevity and reduce the incidence of age-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.
These natural plant extracts were discovered after investigating over 20,000 compounds. Nineteen (19) of these compounds were identified, and 17 (all polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties) are found in Red Wine Grapes, including Resveratrol, Quercetin Catechin, and others. Futhermore, it has been proven that the combination of these red wine polyphenols allow them to work together, and to remain longer in the blood stream (bioavailability) after being ingested.
Extensive medical research has been conducted by university professors, pharmaceutical companies, and nutraceutical companies into the medical benefits of red wine extracts. These studies have shown many health benefits including: anti-inflammatory, blood thinning and reduced risk for artery clotting (anti-coagulant), normalization of blood sugar (for diabetes), increase mental capacity and memory, increase in strength and endurance, and even the inhibition of many types of cancers (lung, colon, skin, liver and pancreatic).
Parts of the Grape
There are basically three (3) parts that have different components of beneficial polyphenols: 1) pulp, 2) skins, and 3) seeds. Studies have been conducted with each of these components, as well as the overall combination (whole grapes), and have shown a variety of positive results. The best supplements use whole grape extracts, which ensure you’re getting the full complement of polyphenols from all parts of the red wine grapes.
Red Wine and Grape Juice
A logical question is whether or not the same health benefits can be derived from red wine and grape juice. While these liquids produce health benefits, a person would consume entirely too much alcohol and calories to get the equivalent dosage of a nutraceutical supplement.
Dosages
Assuming a high quality extraction and concentration system is used, red wine grapes can be expected to achieve up to 90% concentration of polyphenols (be sure to check the Supplement Label). If the polyphenol concentration is not listed, be cautious, as it is most likely inferior-grade product.
Approximately 500 mg of Red Wine grape extract is equivalent to one (1) bottle of high quality red wine. This is the concentration used by Dr. Smoliga in his studies, and by Naturex with their PowerGrape product.
Types of Red Wine Grape Supplements
There are two (2) broad categories of Red Wine grape supplements on the market today:
1. Pure Red Wine Grape supplements
These use a variety of different types of red wine grapes, whole grapes, grape skins, grape seeds, etc. Each claim a different amount of polyphenols and Resveratrol based upon the types of grapes used, the extraction and concentration process. Each have a slightly different blend of polyphenols, and again, the total concentration of about 90% polyphenols will be the maximum achievable level.
The maximum level of a specific polyphenol, such as Resveratrol, will generally be in the 5-10% range. So for a 500 mg red wine grape supplement, the most Resveratrol or Quercetin, for example, would be 25 – 50 mg (not very much, and well below therapeutic dosage).
2. Polyphenol Formulations with Red Wine Grape Extracts
As stated, there is only so much Resveratrol, Quercetin, Catechin, and other specific polyphenols that can be extracted and concentrated irrespective of the types of grapes, or process used. In order to maximize a particular polyphenol, it must be specifically added.
Products such as Vindure 900, for example, add an additional 400 mg of Resveratrol and 100 mg of Quercetin, which means you’re getting the Resveratrol-equivalent of over 100 bottles of red wine in a single daily dosage
Recommendations
According to Dr. Joseph Maroon in an article published by Bottom Line Health, in September 2009 (The Simple Supplement that May Prevent killer Diseases – All about resveratrol), “because Resveratrol absorption is thought to be enhanced when combined with other natural polyphenols, a mixed-polyphenol supplement is best.” [Dr. Maroon is a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and author of The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life ]
Red Wine Grape Studies (reference)
Grape extract and Resveratrol improves endurance and memory. In 2006, 54 sedentary adults were given a mixture of 400 mg red wine grape extract, 400 mg of Resveratrol, and 100 mg of Quercetin. Results included improved (decreased) submaximal heart rate, improved neurocognitive performance, and improved memory. By Dr. James Smoliga of Marywood University. A second study is underway with 400 mg of only pure whole red wine grape extract.
Grape extract improves athletic performance and recovery. A group of twenty athletes, aged between 18 and 34 took part in the study in 2005, a collaboration between researchers from Avantage Nutrition and the French Agronomic Research Institute (INRA). the athletes were given 400mg of Bordeaux extract per day. Results indicate that the grape extract could reduce the risk of muscular damage, improve the explosive sports performance during effort, improve recovery capacity after effort, and improve the antioxidant status in athletes.
Grape extract reduces heart disease risk. Conducted by UC Davis cardiovascular researchers in 2006, the study was the first human clinical trial to assess the effect of grape extract on people with metabolic syndrome, a combination of risk factors that increase the risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure, excess abdominal body weight, high blood cholesterol fats and high blood sugar. In 24 patients, the extract lowered blood pressure by 8-12 points.
Grape extract reduces incidence of heart attacks. A study at the University of Wisconsin of 15 adults with coronary artery disease discovered that the flavenoids in red grapes may prevent cardiovascular events. A 14 day supplementation improved endothelial function and reduced the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation.