Strange “Wine Trash” Slashes High Blood Pressure
They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure…
And if you’re one of millions of American seniors struggling to get your blood pressure in line, you’re about to see how true that is.
For years, winemakers were throwing out a crucial part of their grapes during the winemaking process.
They thought it was worthless… just useless trash.
But now, scientists are singling a different tune.
They’ve discovered that this “wine trash” may hold the secret to slashing even the most stubborn high blood pressure… all without the dangerous side effects that come with Big Pharma’s drugs.
If you’re skeptical, I don’t blame you…
Lots of seniors have tried just about everything to lower their blood pressure… and it still REFUSES to come down.
In fact, one in FIVE people with high blood pressure have what doctors call “resistant hypertension.”
That means their blood pressure doesn’t budge… even on three or more medications at maximum doses.
And those drugs can come with a laundry list of side effects, like chronic dry cough, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even problems in the bedroom.
You deserve a safe way to manage your blood pressure… and winemakers may have found it, lurking in their trash.
You see, for centuries, winemakers threw out their grape seeds during the manufacturing process.
Well, not anymore. Now those seeds are in high demand.
Because studies are showing that a simple supplement known as grape seed extract is a safe, natural way to help lower high blood pressure.
Grape seed extract has now been tested in 16 randomized controlled trials involving hundreds of people.
A 2016 meta-analysis of those trials found grape seed extract reduced systolic blood pressure by 6.08 mmHg and diastolic by 2.8 mmHg.
Those aren’t small numbers. They’re clinically meaningful reductions that can LOWER your risk of stroke and heart disease.
The active compounds doing the work are procyanidins—powerful polyphenols that directly improve how your arteries function.
Procyanidins work WITH your vascular system to restore normal function.
They boost nitric oxide production in your blood vessels. Nitric oxide is the master signaling molecule that tells your arteries to RELAX.
When nitric oxide goes up, arterial stiffness goes down. Blood flows easier. Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.
Procyanidins also reduce oxidative stress, protect the cells lining your arteries, and improve circulation in your smallest blood vessels.
And they do it without the side effects that make people stop taking their meds.
Now, if you’re already on blood pressure medication, grape seed extract can ENHANCE the effect. That means you need to monitor your numbers closely and work with your doctor—this isn’t something to mess around with on your own.
But if you’re in that grey zone where your doctor is pushing meds for borderline readings…
Or if the drugs you’re taking aren’t working…
Or if the side effects are making you miserable…
Grape seed extract might be worth trying.
Look for grape seed extract standardized for procyanidins. The clinical trials used 150 to 300 mg daily.
You’ll often see it labeled as “95% OPCs” or “standardized polyphenols” on the bottle. Track your numbers. Give it 4-6 weeks to see results.
To healthier arteries and better numbers,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
Sources:
- Zhang, H., Liu, S., Li, L., Liu, S., Liu, S., Mi, J., & Tian, G. (2016). The impact of grape seed extract treatment on blood pressure changes: A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials. Medicine, 95(33), e4247. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5370781/
- Heiss, C., Kleinbongard, P., Dejam, A., Perré, S., Schroeter, H., Sies, H., & Kelm, M. (2005). Acute consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa and the reversal of endothelial dysfunction in smokers. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 46(7), 1276-1283. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16198842/
- Schroeter, H., Heiss, C., Balzer, J., Kleinbongard, P., Keen, C. L., Hollenberg, N. K., Sies, H., Kwik-Uribe, C., Schmitz, H. H., & Kelm, M. (2006). (-)-Epicatechin mediates beneficial effects of flavanol-rich cocoa on vascular function in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(4), 1024-1029. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418281/
- Fisher, N. D., Hughes, M., Gerhard-Herman, M., & Hollenberg, N. K. (2003). Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilation in healthy humans. Journal of Hypertension, 21(12), 2281-2286. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14654748/
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Resistant hypertension. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/resistant-hypertension
