Can I eat grape seeds? (3 health benefits)
By
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre PhD is a Bachelor of Biotechnology with expertise in Bioprospecting and Chemistry of Natural Products, Isolation and Identification of Secondary Metabolites from Plants and Microorganisms, and Antimicrobials. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre’s Highlights:
- Research Collaborator at the Laboratory of Bioprospecting and Biotechnology of the National Institute of Amazonian Research/ Brazil
- PhD in Biotechnology with a focus on Phytochemistry at the Federal University of Amazonas/ Brazil
- Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Amazonas State/ Brazil
- Bachelor of Biotechnology at the Federal University of Amazonas/ Brazil
Professional Experience:
Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre has been working for more than 10 years in the area of Biotechnology and Chemistry of Natural Products.
During his master’s degree he developed research that studied the production of secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi, aiming to isolate and identify substances against pathogenic microorganisms, using analytical techniques such as Chromatography, NMR and Mass Spectrometry.
In his PhD thesis Dr Andrei da Silva Alexandre isolated and identified bioactive substances from plant extracts using analytical techniques, against pathogenic bacteria.
Finally, Dr Andrei da Alexandre has already co-directed undergraduate students in scientific initiation projects. He also participates as a reviewer of scientific articles in international journals.
- 2016, Bachelor in Biotechnology at the Federal University of Amazonas, Brazil
- 2018, Master in Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Amazonas State, Brazil
- 2023, PhD in Biotechnology at the Federal University of Amazonas, Brazil
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Alexandre, A. S.; Fachin-Espinar, M. T.; Nunez, C. V. Triterpenos, esteroides e fenólico isolados de Minquartia guianensis Aubl (Coulaceae) e atividade antibacteriana. (2023). Concilium, 23, 3, 883-895.
Alexandre, A. S., Rocha, W. C. Perfil cromatográfico por TLC do óleo e dos extratos das folhas e caule de andiroba, Carapa guianensis Aubl. (2017). Scientia Amazonia, 6, 2, 117-125.
Book
Alexandre, A. S. Perfil cromatográfico da Andiroba: análise por CCD do óleo e dos extratos orgânicos de folhas e caule. 1. ed. Riga: Novas Edições Acadêmicas, 2018. 52p .
Conference Papers
Alexandre, A. S., Nunez, C. V. Triterpenos do extrato metanólico dos galhos de Minquartia Guianensis Aubl. (Coulaceae). In Livro de Resumos: 3º SIMPÓSIO REGIONAL NORTE DE FARMACOGNOSIA, INPA, 2021.
Albuquerque, F. H. S. ; Meliciano, N. V.; Alexandre, A. S. Frequência relativa dos grupos sanguíneos ABO e Rh da população do município de Coari-Am.. In: 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Saúde Coletiva, 2015, Goiânia. Anais do 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Saúde Coletiva, 2015.
You can view some of Dr Andrei’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrei-alexandre/
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrei-Alexandre
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=YT4sTmsAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Orcid: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-7789-3714
In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “Can I eat grape seeds?” and we will discuss some health benefits and potential risks of consuming grape seeds and how you can safely consume them.
Can I eat grape seeds?
Yes, you can eat grape seeds, they even offer potential health benefits. Despite their bitter flavour, grape seeds are rich in nutrients, including flavonoids and polyphenols (1).
Most people find grapes to be distasteful, but by eating them whole, you may get beyond the unpleasant flavour. Grape seeds can also be consumed in liquid forms, such as grape seed extract or oil (1,2).
What are the health benefits of eating grape seeds?
Grape seeds are rich in antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins and resveratrol. These compounds act in scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, contributing to cardiovascular health by improving blood vessel function, reducing inflammation, and potentially lowering LDL cholesterol levels (1,2,3).
It is reported that grape seed compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit various conditions linked to chronic inflammation (1,2).
Thus, their ability to support skin health includes protection against UV-induced damage and enhancement of collagen synthesis (2,4).
Emerging research also suggests positive impacts on cognitive function and blood sugar regulation (2,5).
What are the potential risks of eating grape seeds?
Some people may want to avoid consuming grape seeds for health reasons. Research suggests that grape seed extract contains blood-thinning characteristics, which might interact with blood-thinning medicines or be dangerous for persons with bleeding problems (6).
A fair amount of whole-seeded grapes is unlikely to put most persons at high risk of this interaction. To be on the safe side, talk to your doctor about potential dangers (6).
Additionally, grapes can be contaminated with moulds or bacteria. Grey mould, incited by Botrytis cinera, make sure to not consume spoiled grape and their seeds because it can be harmful to your health (8).
How can you safely consume grape seeds?
To safely incorporate grape seeds into your diet, consider consuming crushed or ground seeds, as the outer shells are hard and less digestible.
You can also consider grape seeds extract supplements, standardized for specific compounds, but just under professional guidance. Due to its anti-inflammatory and circulation boost properties, some people take it because of this potential (2,7).
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the query, “Can I eat grape seeds?” and we also discussed some health benefits and potential risks of consuming grape seeds, and how you can safely consume them.
References
References
1.-
Ma ZF, Zhang H. Phytochemical Constituents, Health Benefits, and Industrial Applications of Grape Seeds: A Mini-Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2017 Sep 15;6(3):71
2.-
Gupta M, Dey S, Marbaniang D, et al. Grape seed extract: having a potential health benefits. J Food Sci Technol. 2020, 57(4):1205-1215.
3.-
Rodríguez-Pérez C, García-Villanova B, Guerra-Hernández E, Verardo V. Grape Seeds Proanthocyanidins: An Overview of In Vivo Bioactivity in Animal Models. Nutrients. 2019, 12, 11(10):2435.
4.-
Zhou DD, et al. Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits and Food Applications of Grape. Foods. 2022, 7, 11(18):2755
5.-
Bell L, et al. Grape seed polyphenol extract and cognitive function in healthy young adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups acute-on-chronic trial. Nutr Neurosci. 2022, 25(1):54-63.
6.-
Bijak M, et al. Dual Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Activity of Polyphenolic Grape Seeds Extract. Nutrients. 2019, 5, 11(1):93.
7.-
Kar P, et al. Effects of grape seed extract in Type 2 diabetic subjects at high cardiovascular risk: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial examining metabolic markers, vascular tone, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity. Diabet Med. 2009, 26(5):526-31.
8.-
Romanazzi, G. Integrated management of postharvest gray mold on fruit crops. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2016, 113, 2016, 69-76.
