Welcome to Ounce of Prevention's Words On Wellness. We will focus this issue on natural nutrients called proanthocyanidins, powerful antioxidants that are proving to be benefical in ridding the body of free radicals. Although the use of proanthocyanidins is somewhat new to the United States, they have enjoyed widespread use in Europe and Asia. Please read on to learn about the tremendous benefits proanthocyanidins have to offer.
All statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA. All statements are based on studies and/or research, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnosis, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The nutritional supplement discussed in this newsletter is not a drug and should not be used as a drug or in lieu of drugs prescribed by your physician. Always consult with your physician before taking any pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements.
Proanthocyanidins
(Pycnogenol™)
Pycnogenol™ is the trade name for proanthocyanidins which are antioxidants that neutralize
unstable oxygen molecules, commonly called free radicals, that routinely occur in the
human body. It is estimated that approximately 60 diseases result from damage done by free
radicals. Free radicals cause cumulative damage to the human body and also cause many
undesirable effects of aging.
The most common antioxidants currently used are vitamin C and vitamin E; however, studies
show that proanthocyanidins antioxidant capabilities are 20 times more powerful than
vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E!
The use of proanthocyanidins dates from the Sixteenth Century. It was 1535 when Jacques
Cartier, exploring what is now Canada, witnessed many of his crew members dying of scurvy.
The indians of the region made a medicinal preparation using the bark and needles of the
Ameda pine for Cartier to give to his men. This preparation returned his men to health.
(It is significant to note that scurvy is caused by insufficient amounts of vitamin C.
Proanthocyandins work synergistically with vitamin C resulting in our bodies being able to
use its vitamin C more efficiently and effectively.)
Four hundred years later, Professor Jacques Masquelier discoveredthat the bark of the
French Maritime Pine contains proanthocyanidins. This source was primary until recently
when scientists were able to combine phosphatidylcholine (the main component of lecithin)
and a molecule called a PCO derived from the skins of grape seeds to create a
proanthocyanidin that is less expensive with improved absorption and biological activity,
rivaling pine bark obtained Pycnogenol (TM). Now that we know that proanthocyanidins are
powerful antioxidant, more powerful than vitamins C and E, lets cover some conditions
proanthocyanidins help:Proanthocyanidins
inhibit the formation of enzymes that cause allergies and inflammation.
| 1)x | By inhibiting these enzymes, proanthocyanidins reduce histamine production naturally, eliminating the need for man-made antihistamines and their side-effects; therefore, proanthocyandidins are used in the treatment of allergies. |
| 2)x | Proanthocyanidins help improve circulation. Tissues require a blood supply for their nutrition and for repair purposes in the event of injury. Also, all tissues, whether injured or healthy, produce waste products. These waste products need to be efficiently removed from the tissues. Nutrition is provided by and waste removal is accomplished by capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels in our body. To do these functions properly, the capillaries must be healthy. Proanthocyanidins strengthen capillary walls, therefore improving circulation. This is especially important for people with compromised circulatory systems, such as stroke victims, diabetics, arthritics, smokers, oral contraceptive users and people with general cardiovascular insufficiencies. |
| 3)x | Proanthocyanidins inhibit the body’s enzymes that break
down collagen. All cells connect to one another with strong fibers called collagen. Proanthocyanidins help collagen repair and rebuild correctly which can reverse damage done over the years by injury and free radical attack. The breakdown of collagen is what causes our skin to lose its elasticity which in turn causes wrinkles. Proanthocyanidins help keep skin elastic, smooth and wrinkle-free. Proanthocyanidins are also taken as an oral cosmetic to help in the prevention of wrinkles. |
| 4)x | Proanthocyanidins serve to protect against environmental
toxins, such as radiation, pesticides, pollution, heavy metals, etc. The production of free radicals is increased because of today's environment. Tobacco smoke, alcohol, solvents, chemicals and more cause free radicals to form. Since proanthocyanidins eliminate free radicals, they help us fight the toxic effects of our environment. |
| 5)x | Proanthocyanidins act as a natural, internal sunscreen. The Sun's ultraviolet rays destroy up to 50 percent of our skin cells. Proanthocyanidins reduce this amount to approximately 15 percent. Inhibiting the daily effects the Sun's rays have on our skin is our best defense against the aging of our skin. |
| 6)x | Proanthocyanidins cross the blood-brain barrier to protect
the blood vessels in the brain. Unlike most other nutritional supplements, the beneficial effects of proanthocyanidins cross the blood-brain barrier. This enables proanthocyanidins to fight free radicals in the vessels of the brain that in turn will help them remain healthy. This can result in increased mental acuity, a decreased potential for stroke, and possibly in fighting senility. |
Conclusion
In summary, proanthocyanidins are a breakthrough in antioxidant
protection. They eliminate free radicals that are responsible for as many as 60 diseases,
including several conditions associated with aging. Clinical studies have shown that
proanthocyanidins are 50 times and 20 times more powerful than vitamin E and vitamin C,
respectively. Proanthocyanidins are also vitamin C sparing. This is accomplished by
performing many of the same functions as vitamin C and by working synergistically with
vitamin C, meaning that proanthocyanidins help vitamin C work better and faster.
Proanthocyanidins are non-toxic and water soluble. They are rapidly absorbed and
distributed throughout the body and remain in an active state for up to 72 hours, compared
to vitamin C and vitamin E that pass quickly through and out of the body. This means that
proanthocyanidins provide us with extended free radical protection.
Proanthocyanidins show pro-mise in relieving the pain and symptoms associated with asthma,
arthritis, rheumatism, ulcers, phlebitis, edema, varicose veins, premenstrual syndrome,
diabetic retinopathy and hemorrhoids. With their unique ability to penetrate the
blood-brain barrier and protect the brain from free radical damage, proanthocyanidins may
be beneficial to those who suffer from stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression,
Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorder.
Proanthocyanidins also have shown to be effective in helping the skin retain its
elasticity, which in turn reduces wrinkles.
Proanthocyanidins are readily available in 50, 100 and 200 milligram tablets. Ounce of
Prevention carries grapeseed proanthocyanidins (PCO phytosomes), pine bark Pycnogenol™, and a
grapeseed/pine bark combination.
We invite you to shop Ounce of Prevention Nutrition Shoppe and explore the healthy
benefits proanthocyanidins and Pycnogenol™ have to offer.
