Grapes have been used for medicinal treatments for thousands of years. Egyptians ate grapes at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes. Now, studies support that taking grape seed extract, made from the ground up seeds of red wine grapes, helps build immunity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

A study of healthy volunteers found that taking grape seed extract substantially increased blood levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals, which are harmful compounds in the body that damage DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to aging, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.

But grapes, or the chemicals within them, especially oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), have been praised as powerful antioxidants. Some people believe they could help treat a number of conditions, from heart disease to cancer.

Imagine what grape seed extract could do to help your allergies. I have had miserable allergies in the spring, summer and fall most of my adult life. Often, these allergies lead to a sinus infection. After I added grape seed extract to my allergy protocol, my allergies were lessened and sinus infections didn’t occur. However, when I got cocky and eliminated grape seed extract, my allergies were awful again and I even got a sinus infection.

Now, I take 100 mg. of grape seed extract three times a day on an empty stomach just like I used to do. My allergies are not cured but they are more manageable. I can breathe through my nose and I haven’t suffered another sinus infection.

Grape seed extract is available in liquid and capsule form in most health food sections of the market. In the U.S., it’s used to help with:

•Cardiovascular conditions
•Poor circulation
•High cholesterol
•Reducing swelling caused by injury
•Eye disease related to diabetes.

Grape seed extract also is being studied for the prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and prostate cancer, and to help prevent cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other brain disorders. Another study is investigating the effects of grape seed extract on colon cancer.

What are you waiting for? Grape seed extract is worth a try.