The health benefits of a Mediterranean diet have been established for a number of years. Related specifically to the presence of healthy fats, vitamin and mineral dense fruits and vegetables, and a glass of red wine daily with meals, these recommendations form the basis for a modern diet mimicking the potentially heart protective qualities of traditional Greek, Spanish and Italian diets.

Heart protective antioxidants - OPCs

Rather than the presence of alcohol, the heart protective qualities of a moderate intake of good quality red wine is related to the presence of highly antioxidant compounds known as OPCs (technically, OPC stands for Oligomeric ProanthoCyanidins). OPCs are found naturally in a number of extremely antioxidant plants, including some pine bark extracts and also in other purple and blue fruits such as blueberries and blackberries. One of the highest known natural sources is the skins and seeds of grapes. But whilst many are looking for the benefit of high dose antioxidants, drinking enough red wine to experience high levels of OPCs can be problematic, as the alcohol does more harm than the antioxidants have a protective effect. Thankfully, there is an easier way to get a benefial amount of OPCs into your diet without compromising the health of your liver.

Grape Seed supplements

Formulated from an extract made from grape seeds, supplements that contain Grape Seed extract are found to have extremely high levels of OPCs, as found in naturally fermented wine. Grape Seed extracts can be judged as beneficial through their labelling, with high quality extracts containing a listed amount of OPCs on their ingredient list on the back of pack. Grape Seed supplements are used to support the health of blood vessels (as grape seed is helps in the production of healthy tissue through its collagen forming effect) and as a result, is particularly suited to restoring health to the eye (specifically relating to its ability to respond to changes in light intensity). There is also evidence suggesting that OPCs protect and strengthen collagen and elastin which would make it helpful in skincare, particularly as you age.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Nutra-Life Grape Seed 50,000

This high strength antioxidant formula provides 320mg of Oligomeric Procyanidins (OPCs), which provide the potent antioxidant properties that protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. OPCs are beneficial for healthy blood vessels, circulation and cardiovascular health. It also helps eyes to adapt to variations in light intensity. Find out more about Nutra-Life Grape Seed 50,000 here