The health properties of grapes and the beneficial effects of resveratrol, which is mainly found in the skin of the fruit, are well known in the literature. The polyphenol is extremely important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It shows antioxidant, antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more and more data are emerging confirming that not only the vine fruit, but also the seeds show beneficial effects on human health.
Until recently, the seeds were only a residue of grape processing or a raw material for oil production. In the course of research, it has been found that they are characterised by a variety of compounds with extremely beneficial properties for the human body. One such group of compounds are the catechins present in the seeds: epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin. They constitute a group of substances with anti-atherosclerotic effects, mainly due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet activity. Catechins prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and, by inhibiting the activation of thrombocytes (platelets), can have an anticoagulant effect.
Epicatechin, one of the representatives of catechins, is called a "nitrite peroxide scavenger" and additionally prevents nitration reactions. Grape seeds also contain anthocyanins, anthocyanidins and procyanidins. Studies confirm that a diet rich in anthocyanins prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases. The compounds have a protective effect on the proper functioning of blood vessel walls, preventing epithelial dysfunction and loss of its regulatory activity. In addition, they reduce the extent of infarct-induced necrosis and counteract ischaemia-induced damage. As indicated by the available data, the procyanidins found in the seeds constitute a group of biologically active compounds with beneficial effects on the human body. Due to their high antioxidant potential, they prevent vascular epithelial dysfunction.
Procyanidins also exhibit a protective effect against vitamins C and E. In the presence of these compounds, the consumption of α-tocopherol involved in oxidative processes is reduced. In addition to antioxidant compounds, grape seeds contain essential fatty acids. Linoleic acid- omega 6 and oleic, linolenic acid- omega-3, they make up about 90% of the composition of grape seed oil. The polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 6 have antiatherosclerotic effects. Omega 3, on the other hand, have anti-inflammatory effects, lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The cited evidence and properties indicate that not only the grape fruit, but also the seeds show a beneficial effect on health and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.