Researchers at the University of California Davis, Department of Internal Medicine recently concluded that grape seeds have the nutritional power to lower blood pressure. In a study, the scientists showed that either a dose of 150 mg or 300 mg per day of grape seed extract had a major impact in lowering blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Other grape seed studies have shown that the extract activates friendly nitric oxide (eNOS) by turning on the enzyme (nitric oxide synthase) that helps to make it. This actions relaxes the arteries, helping blood flow more easily.
The scientists tested 27 adult participants with metabolic syndrome over a 30 day period. The systolic blood pressure was lowered 11-12 points and the diastolic was lowered 7-8 points, when the subjects were given either 150 mg or 300 mg grape seed extract doses. Also, the participants who took the 300 mg dose of grape seed extract reduced the amount of bad LDL cholesterol that would have usually formed plaque in the arteries.
Metabolic syndrome is a difficult health issue that gets more serious over time. Grape seeds can be a healthy alternative with no adverse side effects to help lower blood pressure.