Resveratrol vs Grape Seed Extract: Explained in Simple Terms

Grape Seed Vs Resveratrol: Benefits

Before we get too deep in the weeds, let’s start with a simple concept like the health benefits of both of these nutrients.

Grape Seed Extract Benefits:

• Blood Pressure - In a study cited by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it was found that grape seed extract significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure, making it a natural alternative for people with hypertension.
• Antidiabetic Effects - There have also been studies cited by the Mount Sinai staff that suggest that grape seed extract (GSE) can lower the risk of becoming diabetic or prediabetic.
• Prevents Free Radical Damage - Grape seed extract contains a lot of antioxidants. The main role of antioxidants is to neutralize free radical cells that can damage organs.

Resveratrol Benefits:

Through our research, we discovered the medicinal benefits of resveratrol, as explained by Dr. Meredith Warner, MD:

• Prevents Cognitive Decline - The National Institutes of Health ran a study on the effects of resveratrol on the brain and found that it helps to boost cerebral blood flow which may stymie the progression of cognitive decline.
• Lowers Systolic Blood Pressure - While GSE appears to only benefit diastolic blood pressure levels, resveratrol has exhibited the ability to lower both diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects - Resveratrol may also benefit the health and comfort of your joints because it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects that can prevent joint swelling and pain.

You Can Also Read-

• The Role of Resveratrol in Anti-Aging
• Skin Benefits of Resveratrol

Does Grape Seed Extract Contain Resveratrol?

Many people have wondered is grape seed extract the same as resveratrol because they are both derived from grapes and have exhibited some similar health benefits. So people have naturally assumed that grape seed extract contains resveratrol. These people are correct.

The fact is that both nutrients are naturally derived from grapes, just different parts. But the seed of grapes still does contain a trace amount of resveratrol. It’s just that the skins have a higher abundance of this polyphenol.

Is Grape Seed Extract the Same as Resveratrol?

Again, the main difference between resveratrol and grape seed extract is that they are harvested from different parts of the grape. Even though resveratrol and grape seed extract both come from grapes and exhibit strong antioxidant activity, they are not the same. They do not have the same general makeup and are used for different health purposes.

They come from different parts of the grape even though grape seed extract typically contains trace amounts of resveratrol.

Can I Take Grape Seed Extract and Resveratrol Together?

The short answer to this question is yes. Resveratrol and grape seed extract can be safely taken together as they are both natural parts of the grape. When combined, they may also be more beneficial at killing off dangerous cells in the body that can cause serious health issues.

It is also recommended that you combine grape seed extract and resveratrol to enhance the overall antioxidant functions of both ingredients. There have even been studies that confirm that using these two nutrients together can prevent various types of hyperplasia and reduce overall information as we read in the following quote taken from a National Institutes of Health study:

The authors found that simultaneous dietary supplementation with grape powder and topical treatment with resveratrol reduced DMBA-induced epidermal hyperplasia, proliferation, inflammation, and the hydroxylation of 2′-deoxyguanosine, suggesting impressive effects of combined topical and dietary treatments with grape-derived antioxidants against skin cancer.

Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO, FACN, mentions, When taken together, resveratrol and grape seed extract offer enhanced protection against oxidative stress and may work synergistically to support heart health, cognitive function, and immune support. Their combined antioxidant power can be a strong ally in reducing inflammation and promoting overall wellness.

Resveratrol Vs Grape Seed Extract: Which is Better?

The good news is that grape seed extract is no better than resveratrol and vice versa. So if you are taking both, you are ahead of the game. Just bear in mind that the health benefits can differ a bit.

So the question of which one is better for you will depend largely on what you need them for. For example, grape seed extract has been linked to increased fat metabolism which means it may have a moderately beneficial effect on weight loss.

On the other hand, people who need to lower their systolic blood pressure would be better off taking resveratrol. So it all depends on your individual health needs, body composition, wellness goals, and concerns.

Read More: Resveratrol and Weight Loss

Grape Seed Extract vs Resveratrol: Potential Side Effects

It should be noted that while side effects caused by GSE and resveratrol tend to be minor and few and far between, they are still possible. Let’s take a look at some of the potential side effects of each:

Resveratrol Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal distress that can include diarrhea and vomiting
• Resveratrol may also exacerbate the effects of blood thinners and cause excessive bleeding
• Resveratrol may also cause allergic reactions like hives, swelling, or trouble breathing

Grape Seed Extract Side Effects:

• GSE may cause minor skin irritation in the form of itching or rashes
• Grape seed extract, like resveratrol, may also interact with blood thinners
• Headache, fatigue, and dizziness have also been reported in rare instances with GSE