he Great Grape (Part 1)

French food is full of butter, cream and cheese.  On this information alone we could predict that the French would have some of the worst heart-health statistics. However the French have the lowest level of coronary heart disease in Europe.

Before we binge on butter and cream, scientists believe the answer is in the red wine the French drink. Red wine is made by leaving seeds and skins with the pressed juice allowing OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) to accumulate in the juice. White grapes have similar OPC levels but the skins and seeds are usually removed on pressed resulting in much less OPC in white wine.

But here’s a problem; to get the therapeutic effects from OPC in red wine, you need to drink a lot of red wine over a long period and this can lead to liver toxicity. That’s why many people choose to use OPC in supplements. The best OPC is extracted from grape seeds without chemical solvents.

OPC’s have many benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Free radical damage to cells and unwanted inflammation cause most chronic disease. Even so-called ‘wear and tear’ osteoarthritis is driven by free radical damage to cartilage maintaining cells and then unwanted inflammation.

There are no international dose recommendations for OPC. I have historically used 200-300 mg of OPC extract as a maintenance dose and up to 500mg for therapeutic benefits. I use a high quality NZ made extract from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This has an excellent OPC ‘profile’ and is a powerful free radical scavenger. My preference is to use OPC as part of a comprehensive multi-antioxidant, multi-vitamin and multi- mineral. Cell-X is a great way to get 300mg of OPC extract. Feel free to call me with questions.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559.  You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.

Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2021

We believe Cell-X to be the most effective and comprehensive multi-antioxidant, multi vitamin and multi mineral available. Try Cell-X for 3 months and see just how much life you have been missing. Cell-X is designed for teens and adults to ensure they are getting the right daily amounts of the vitamins, antioxidants and minerals needed to remain healthy.

Cell-X is a comprehensive multi antioxidant, multi vitamin and multi mineral that has been formulated for optimum cell function. The vitamins, antioxidants and trace minerals in Cell-X are the micronutrients our cells need to function properly. Insufficient levels of these nutrients are known to be the cause of many health problems.
People who are not well can benefit from Cell-X as research indicates that our cells need additional nutrients in times of sickness and stress. Cell-X is a multi vitamin, antioxidant and mineral formula that contains all major antioxidant groups including grape seed extract (OPC), green tea, bilberry, hesperidin, lutein and beta carotene plus vitamins E (natural) and vitamin C and D (D3).

It includes a full B vitamin complex with vitamins B1, B2 B3, B5, B6, B12,folic acid, choline, biotin and inositol. It contains the major minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium plus all the trace minerals including selenium, boron, zinc, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, copper, vandium, silicon, iodine and iron plus a 50+ trace mineral complex. Cell-X minerals are high grade chelated minerals for maximum absorption. Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants- CELL-X has it all.

Please note: The photo is the existing label. The new label has the same graphics but with a “New” starburst on the label. The ingredient panel information is above.

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