Grape seeds and skin extracts help to lower blood glucose levels

Increasing intake of grape seeds and skin extracts may be useful for diabetes management, new research suggests.
The study, conducted by researchers from Sheyang Agricultural University, China, found a compound in grape seeds that can control blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Called ‘procyanidin’, and tested on diabetic rats, the compound reduced concentration of blood glucose over a six week period. In addition, the rats also displayed lower levels of serum lipids (cholesterol) and hepatic oxidative stress (liver problems).
Furthermore, procyanidin slows the rate of sugar metabolism and counters oral bacteria, thus reducing the development of cavities. It may also reduce the risk of breast cancer development.
While there are properties of grape seeds that help to lower blood glucose levels, a single grape contains approximately 1g of carbohydrate. Because of this, diabetic people should moderate their grape consumptio, particularly if they are prone to high blood sugar levels.
A study at Wayne State University, Michiga, discovered anti-hyperglycemic effects in grape skin extracts (GSE).
“It is hopeful that our research may eventually lead to the successful development of a safe, targeted nutritional intervention to support diabetes prevention and treatment,” said Kequan Zhou, study author and assistant professor at the Wayne State University.
Zhou believes that GSE could be used, in future, as a safe and low cost nutritional treatment for people with diabetes.