Here’s a waste product—yes, that’s right, it’s waste—that may be 20-times more powerful than vitamin E and 50 times more powerful than vitamin C when it comes to antioxidant power. This waste product is grape seed extract and it’s left over after making wine and grape juice. It just so happens that grape seed extract contains a whole host of health-boosting ingredients.
These ingredients include polyphenols in the form of flavonoids. Flavonoids are particularly good at protecting your body against free radical damage.
PLUS: More on the health benefits of flavonoids.
Because purple grape juice is chock-full of polyphenols, it has a far greater antioxidant effect than other popular fruit juices, such as orange juice. Not only can this juice extract put the brakes on oxidative damage, it can also stave off allergens, fight viruses, and neutralize carcinogens that can lead to the development of cancerous cells.
Now, if you get your hands on some grape seed extract, how do you go about taking it? While you can take it in capsule form, here’s some health advice: why not look for products like bread and cookies fortified with grape seed extract? This is becoming a new trend with health-conscious bakers who are adding the extract to all kinds of breads, cereals, and baked goods.
One recent study conducted in Spain attempted to find out people’s reactions to eating cookies made with grape seed extract. Did they like the taste of these cookies? Would they eat them again? The researchers made four batches of cookies with bulk and microencapsulated grape seed extract, and then looked at how differences in taste and texture impacted consumer acceptance.
They found that the addition of grape seed extract resulted in darker brown cookies. Study participants found the enriched cookies to be more astringent and with aromas and flavors similar to whole grain flours. Consumers liked both the control cookie and the grape seed extract cookie equally, and nearly 60% stated that they were willing to purchase cookies enriched with the antioxidants.
Now you have proof that cookies can not only taste good with grape seed extract added, but they can also be much higher in antioxidants than your other usual choices. Look for baked goods and breads made with grape seed extract at your local health food store.
Sources for Today’s Articles:
This Has 20-Times the Power of Vitamin C
Davidov-Pardo, G., et al., “Sensory and consumer perception of the addition of grape seed extracts in cookies,” J Food Sci. December 2012; 77(12): S430–8.