Less Stress - Grape seed extract improves blood pressure

Polyphenols may help lower perceived stress levels

This study followed 80 healthy men and women, aged 40 to 70, with mildly elevated systolic blood pressure between 125 and 140 mmHg. Body mass index scores ranged from 19 to 32, and all the women were postmenopausal. Participants measured blood pressure for seven days before taking a placebo or 300 mg of grape seed extract per day.

Until the fourth week, women in the placebo group saw a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure than men in the placebo group. After 16 weeks, systolic and diastolic blood pressure had declined in both groups, but declined more for those taking grape seed extract. Men saw the most significant benefit, with systolic blood pressure declining 4.6 mmHg, and diastolic pressure declining 3.2 mmHg by the end of the study.

Those taking grape seed extract perceived less worry, tension, and demands and reported greater joy compared to placebo, with women experiencing greater benefits than men.

Reference: Nutrients; 2021, Vol. 13, No. 2, 654