OPC grape seed extract: origin, benefits and use

The German favorite, grapes - they have fought their way up to third place in popularity among German fruit varieties. However, it's not just about the sweet grapes themselves, but also about the small seeds, which are bursting with important secondary plant substances - especially the ingredient OPC.

Grapes are one of the fruits with the highest sugar content, so they should only be consumed in moderation. However, to take advantage of the OPCs contained in grape seeds, you can now simply use the sugar-free extract from grape seeds. This extract is both rich in OPCs and very low in sugar.

OPC - what is it all about?

In a nutshell: OPC stands for "oligomeric proanthocyanidins". In simple terms, these are substances that belong to the group of polyphenols, which in turn are secondary plant substances. Have you heard of antioxidants? OPC is one of the antioxidants and is found in large quantities in the seeds and skins of red and blue grapes.

In grapes, OPC protects the fruit from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals thanks to its strong antioxidant effect. This antioxidant effect helps to preserve the quality and shelf life of grapes.

In the human body, various micronutrients such as vitamin B2, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc also help to protect the body from oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is caused by free radicals produced by the body itself or by external influences such as UV radiation (e.g. from the sun), cigarette smoke, illnesses and environmental toxins/air pollution.

In food supplements with OPC, the OPC is mainly extracted from grape seeds, which contain the highest levels of this antioxidant.

What makes our OPC special

Our OPC is obtained from the skins and seeds of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache grape varieties from the regions of Champagne, Alsace, Loire and Occitania in the south of France.

For the production of our OPC capsules, we only use grapes cultivated in France, which are processed directly on site. This process places the highest value on sustainability. For example, the recycled water used for production is reused to irrigate the vineyards.

Our OPC capsules contain no additives and are 100% vegan and natural.

What should I bear in mind when taking OPC?

The intake of grape extract can be easily integrated into your morning routine. It is best to take OPC before breakfast with plenty of water. Taking it in the morning is ideal, as the body can best absorb the valuable ingredients on an empty stomach than with or directly after a meal. Basically, you can take OPC at any time of day, as long as it is ideally taken at least 30 minutes before a meal.

Which foods contain OPC?

Not only red grapes are rich in OPC.You can also findthis valuable antioxidant in other foods such as blueberries, cranberries, apples, peanuts, rose hips, strawberries, cinnamon and dark chocolate.

It should be noted that although the foods mentioned above contain OPC, even large quantities taken do not contain a comparable OPC content to food supplements with OPC. Blueberries, for example, contain around 44 mg OPC per 100 g. Our OPC capsules already contain 105 mg of pure OPC in one capsule. We recommend two capsules of OPC per day, i.e. a total of 210 mg.

Possible side effects of OPC: information and safety instructions!

When considering OPC (grape seed extract), questions often arise about possible side effects. For most people, secondary plant substances are not harmful. However, there are indications that they could be harmful in excessive doses, as the body needs a certain amount of free radicals to bind and excrete metabolic waste products. Therefore, always pay attention to the stated intake of OPC grape seed extract. In fact, side effects are extremely rare and usually mild. The tolerability of OPC is good in most people and reports of adverse effects are rare. The correct use and dosage of OPC make it a natural preparation with minimal risks.