Grape Seed / Bioflavonoids

Grape Seed is an important source of one of nature's most potent antioxidants - proanthocyanidins (also called "OPCs" for oligomeric procyanidins, or "PCOs" for procyanidolic oligomers). These nutritionally valuable substances have been utilized to treat deteriorating diseases and conditions with great success. Grape Seed helps Vitamin C enter the body's cells, thus strengthening the cell membranes, and protecting the cells from oxidative damage. Research has shown that proanthocyanidins (which are bioflavonoids) are anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antiallergenic, and are major free radical scavengers. Proanthocyanidins help promote tissue elasticity, help heal injuries, reduce swelling and edema, restore collagen and improve peripheral circulation. Proanthocyanidins also help prevent bruising, strengthen weak blood vessels, protect against atherosclerosis, and reduce histamine production. Grape seeds strengthen and support cardiovascular function, and improve the performance of the nervous system and immune system.

Citrus Bioflavonoids are natural substances found in plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, bark, and buckwheat. Citrus Bioflavonoids help protect capillaries, prevent bruising, and intensify the effect of vitamin C in the body. In fact, Bioflavonoids are essential for total vitamin C effectiveness. Citrus Bioflavonoids provide natural antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. In addition, certain bioflavonoids are beneficial for fighting infections, free radical damage, viruses, and common colds. Bioflavonoids have also been used to help alleviate symptoms related to allergies and respiratory conditions. Citrus Bioflavonoids are sometimes considered vitamins because they possess the properties of a vitamin, and are sometimes referred to as vitamin P. They are found in several forms, including hesperidin, eriodictyl, quercetin, rutin, and hesperitin. They cannot be produced by the body, and therefore have to be taken as dietary supplements. Typical sources for Bioflavonoids also include the natural substances found in the peels of citrus fruits, peppers, and black currants. Other sources include apricots, cherries, grape fruit, grapes, lemons, oranges, prunes, rose hips. The Bioflavonoid Quercetin is typically available in capsule form as a supplement by itself. Rutin, commonly used in vitamin C supplements to boost its effectiveness, is derived from the buckwheat plant, and provides a non-acidic source of vitamin C. Daily use of Citrus Bioflavonoids can be helpful to those suffering from bruising, varicose veins, spider veins, arthritis, hemorrhage, phlebitis, high cholesterol levels, herpes, cataracts, general inflammation, bleeding gums, blood clots, scurvy, hemorrhoids, edema, and hypertension.