Grape Seed Extract: Health Benefits, Uses, Precautions
When you eat grapefruit, what do you do with the seeds? I’m guessing you’ll spit them out or remove them from the beginning. What if I told you that these grapefruit seeds, especially in the form of grapefruit seed extract (BSE), can actually have plenty of health benefits. Although grapefruit seed extract has a different set of benefits than grapefruit flesh, it overlaps with the amazing abilities of grapefruit essential oil. Today we know that grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and they recommend its use for many problems, such as candida, ear pain, throat infections and diarrhea.
What is Grapefruit Seed Extract?
Grapefruit seed extract, also known as GSE or citrus seed extract, is derived from the seeds, pulp, and white shells of grapefruit. Grapefruit seeds (Citrus paradisi) are derived from grapefruit, which comes from the grapefruit tree. This is a citrus tree from the Rutaceae family that produces edible fruits. Grapefruit seed extract is made by mixing grapefruit seeds and pulp into a very acidic liquid. After additional processing, the mixture turns into a yellow, thick liquid that has a strong, bitter taste. It is then usually combined with vegetable glycerin to reduce bitterness and acidity. The main biological compounds in grapefruit seeds that are believed to be responsible for its ability to destroy infectious invaders are polyphenols known as limonoids and naringenin.
Bioflavonoids are found in the membrane and fruit of grapefruit
While grapefruit seeds have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, and are excellent for suppressing bacteria, viruses and fungi, the grapefruit itself contains bioflavonoids in its membranes, which, in addition to helping the absorption of vitamin C, are also excellent antioxidants. Therefore, the best extracts are those that contain both seed extract and fruit extract together. Because this combination raises immunity the most.
Grapefruit is very healthy
Grapefruit is a very popular fruit, as it is full of substances such as vitamins (especially vitamin C) and citric acid. The grapefruit tree is five to six meters high, has dark leaves and a large fruit from which it is easy to extract the necessary substances. Because of this, the production and sale of grapefruit is quite cheap, so the grapefruit fruit seed extract itself is an affordable product. The strength and quality of the ingredients contained in grapefruit seeds is evidenced by the fact that it can be used to disinfect the air in the room.
Health benefits
- Inhibits candida
Candidiasis, commonly referred to as “candida”, is a fungal infection that can affect men and women of all ages on different parts of the body. It most commonly occurs in the mouth, ears, nose, toenails, hands, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. Grapefruit seed extract may be part of a candida diet plan, as studies show that GSE can effectively inhibit Candida albicans.
- Fights urinary tract infections
A significant case study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that grapefruit seeds were highly effective at killing antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections. The study observed several patients who were treated orally with grapefruit seeds (Citrus paradisi) for two weeks. The dose was five to six grapefruit seeds every eight hours. Within those two weeks, all patients responded satisfactorily to treatment minus one. However, this patient initially had bacterial UTI resistant to three different antibiotics, but after taking grapefruit seeds, there was a reversal of the antibiotic resistance pattern.
- May relieve digestive problems
One preliminary human trial investigated the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract in patients with atopic eczema who also had intestinal dysbiosis, microbial imbalance, or maladjustment in the digestive tract. All patients showed severe atopic eczema, including bleeding lesions on the face, limbs, and trunk, while 14 of the 25 also had intermittent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, intestinal flushes, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Subjects received either two drops of 0.5 percent liquid grapefruit seed extract concentrate twice daily or 150 milligrams of encapsulated grapefruit seed extract (ParaMicrocidin®) three times daily. After one month, all subjects who took the capsules experienced significant improvements in terms of constipation, bloating and abdominal discomfort, as well as night rest, while 20 percent of the subjectsSubjects who took the liquid experienced significant improvements in their negative digestive symptoms. The extract was most effective against Candida, Geotrichum sp. and hemolytic E. coli. No side effects were registered throughout the study.
- Acts as a general antimicrobial
The benefits of grapefruit seed extract can be felt when taken by mouth for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, including fungal infections. There are also many uses for grapefruit seeds that don’t involve taking the extract. Due to its antimicrobial activity, grapefruit seed extract is often included in many throat sprays, nasal sprays, ear drops, mouthwashes, toothpastes, shower gels, wound disinfectant sprays, and other personal care products. Instead of using unnatural and synthetic preservatives, many natural companies are turning to grapefruit seed extract for its ability to preserve products by killing unwanted bacteria.
- May inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
It is widely used in the food industry for food preservation, and few studies have looked at how it works against the biofilm-forming strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- May relieve athlete’s foot and nail fungus
Athlete’s foot is a skin disease that usually occurs between the toes and is caused by a fungus. As a natural treatment for athlete’s foot, you can try applying full grapefruit seed extract to problem areas two to three times a day. You can also use GSE as an alternative to tea tree oil to treat toenail fungus. Simply apply the extract to infected nails twice a day until you see improvement.
What are the other health benefits of grapefruit seed extract?
Venous insufficiency and edema
Wound Recovery
Skin (UV or anti-aging protection)
Diseases Of The Eye
Age-related macular degeneration
Viruses
Increased cholesterol
Prevention of blood clots
Grape seed extract could be good for your heart. Some studies have shown that it may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. For someone with obesity, grape seed extract may be more beneficial. When participants in a small trial of 40 people followed a calorie-restricted diet and took extract supplements for 12 weeks, their many risk factors for heart disease — including cholesterol levels — improved.
How to use
Grapefruit seed extract is available in supplement form as a liquid concentrate, capsule, or tablet. It is available at your local health food store or online. Never buy a product with grapefruit seed extract that contains synthetic chemicals hazardous to health such as methylparabens, benzethonium chloride, or triclosan. The recommended formula contains only two ingredients: grapefruit seed extract and vegetable glycerin.
The typical recommended dosage for a liquid extract is 10 to 12 drops in a glass of water (at least five ounces), one to three times a day. For capsules and tablets containing dried grapefruit seed extract, the usual recommendation is 100 to 200 milligrams, one to three times a day. The amount depends on the strength of the BSE and the reason you are taking it. Grapefruit seed extract can destroy the good bacteria in the gut if taken for a long time. If you plan to take it for three or more consecutive days, be sure to take a probiotic supplement a few hours before taking your BSE dose.
Possible side effects and caution
Before using grapefruit seed extract, talk to your healthcare professional if:
you are currently taking any other medications, especially blood thinners or medications used after an organ transplant
you are allergic to any medication (prescription or over-the-counter or dietary supplements)
you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy while using this medicine
Breast-feeding
you have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart/blood D blood vessel disease
Never put the extract in the eyes or use at full strength in the mouth, ears, nose or sensitive areas. If used in full force on the skin, it can cause irritation. See a healthcare professional immediately if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking BSE. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face or hands, swelling or burning sensation in the mouth or throat, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, hives, or rash. Grapefruit seed extract is not known to cause any side effects when taken as directed. However, rare side effects may include nausea, vomiting, a swollen or painful tongue, and burns in the mouth, throat, or stomach. Discontinue use if you show any negative side effects.
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