Don’t spit out the kernels or OPC for health and beauty

50 times more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C – this property alone would make the grape seed proanthocyanidin complex known as OPC an exceptional substance. However, it can do much more. It also influences the activity of genes important for the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases.

They are called microRNAs and are small ribonucleic acid molecules that carry no genetic information. But they are very important. They are the ones that determine whether or not individual genes are read. And when a gene is “switched off” and the organism cannot read it, it is essentially the same as if it were not present in our cells.

When, for example, a gene responsible for suppressing tumour growth mechanisms is switched off, we have a problem – potential cancer cells suddenly have a great opportunity to multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. And the same goes for genes that influence the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other diseases. Yet even then, nothing is lost. The so-called epigenetic processes, which include the aforementioned regulation of microRNAs, are reversible and a number of common plant substances are effective weapons against them. One of the most interesting ones is OPC from grape seeds. When we combine its epigenetic and antioxidant action, we get a great tool for improving our health.

Protects blood vessels, helps lose weight

The epigenetic action of OPCs makes it an excellent agent for cancer prevention. It is particularly effective in the fight against the two most common types of this disease – colon and breast cancer. However, it has also been shown to be effective against skin, lung and prostate cancer.

OPC can also protect our heart and blood vessels. It destroys free radicals that damage blood vessel wall cells, lowers blood pressure and prevents the formation of deposits in blood vessels. It is beneficial not only for prevention, but also for people who have already suffered a heart attack or stroke. It promotes the regeneration of heart and brain tissues that have been damaged by the limited supply of life-giving oxygen during a heart attack or stroke.

A big plus not only for the prevention of cardiovascular disease is the fact that it can help obese people lose weight. It affects the mitochondria (i.e. the energy centres of cells) in brown adipose tissue, and thus helps to correct disorders

energy metabolism, which may be the reason why weight loss is failing.

The positive effect on mitochondria, specifically those in muscle cells, will also please runners, cyclists, swimmers and other endurance athletes. Thanks to OPC, it will improve the ability of muscles to use oxygen, which is one of the most important indicators of endurance.

Brain and eyes in shape

The OPC is a great hope for people with Alzheimer’s disease. The deterioration of cognitive functions, especially memory and intellect, that accompanies this disease is caused, among other things, by the accumulation of so-called Abeta oligomers and the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. OPCs can effectively slow down both of these processes.

In particular, its strong antioxidant action is the reason why OPCs are suitable for the prevention of macular degeneration, a disease that damages the retina and in many cases results in blindness.

Diabetes is another in the list of serious diseases that OPCs play an important role in preventing and treating. In fact, it helps diabetics to reduce blood sugar and fat levels and increases the sensitivity of tissues to insulin.

Is beauty in our genes?

In contrast to the serious illnesses mentioned above, worrying about how many wrinkles have been added to our faces can seem petty. But everyone wants to look great into old age, and it’s not just the weaker half of humanity. This is also where both the antioxidant and epigenetic effects of OPCs may play an important role.

One of the things that devastates our skin the most is UV radiation, specifically its UVB component. It also has an epigenetic effect, but quite the opposite of what we would like. It affects the activity of the genes that protect our skin, both from cancer and from the processes that lead to premature ageing. OPCs can reverse these epigenetic reactions and thus preserve the youthful appearance and health of the skin for longer.

However, the antioxidant action of OPCs also plays an important role. Free radicals damage collagen fibres responsible for skin elasticity and its willingness to resist gravity. And to make matters worse, OPC also has a beneficial effect on cellulite (both when used internally and when applied externally as a cream) and also promotes wound healing.

See the box for other beneficial effects.

How to use OPC?

As we mentioned at the beginning, a mixture of proanthocyanidins called OPCs is most abundant in grape seeds. So both regular consumption of grapes and drinking wine, especially red wine, is beneficial. On the other hand, the recommended daily dose of OPCs is between 50 and 300 mg per day (depending on whether it is used for preventive or therapeutic purposes), and if we were to obtain this amount just by drinking wine, it would smack of alcoholism. It is therefore preferable to take food supplements containing grape seed extract.

OPC can also be used in combination with other substances. One of the most advantageous combinations seems to be with resveratrol, a substance that naturally accompanies OPC even in its best source – grape wine. This is a dye contained in grape skins and seeds, which, like OPCs, has both significant antioxidant and epigenetic effects. However, while OPC regulates gene activity mainly through microRNAs, resveratrol significantly affects it mainly through another major epigenetic reaction – histone acetylation. As a result, the two substances complement each other perfectly, especially in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as in the prevention of premature ageing and the positive effect on skin condition.

However, for the sake of completeness, we would like to add that OPC is not a “harmless vitamin”, but a very potent natural substance that can even influence the effectiveness of some drugs. Therefore, the recommended dosage should never be exceeded and sick persons should always consult their doctor about the use of OPC.

Beneficial effects of OPC

• It contributes to protection against cancer.
• Protects the heart and blood vessels, lowers blood pressure.
• It is useful in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
• Helps to lose weight, promotes endurance performance.
• Improves the condition in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Acts against certain types of bacteria.
• It protects the liver from the harmful effects of free radicals and alcohol.
• It improves bone mineralisation, which is important in osteoporosis.
• Supports skin protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation.
• It is beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration.