Grape Skin Compound Fights The Complications Of Diabetes
March 20, 2008
Digg This! | Send to Newsvine | Add to del.icio.usMarch 20, 2008 (Science Daily) - Research carried out by scientists at the Peninsula Medical School in the South West of England has found that resveratrol, a compound present naturally in grape skin, can protect against the cellular damage to blood vessels caused by high production of glucose in diabetes, according to a recently published paper in the science journal "Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism."
The elevated levels of glucose that circulate in the blood of patients with diabetes causes micro- and macrovascular complications by damaging mitochondria, the tiny power plants within cells responsible for generating energy. When they are damaged they can leak electrons and make highly damaging 'free radicals'.
Complications that can result when this happen include nephropathy (kidney disease), heart disease and retinopathy (which if left untreated can lead to blindness).
Resveratrol stops the damage by helping cells make protective enzymes to prevent the leakage of electrons and the production of toxic 'free radicals'.
As well as being naturally present in grape skins, resveratrol is also present in seeds, peanuts and red wine.
Dr. Matt Whiteman, Principal Investigator and Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, commented: "Resveratrol's antioxidant effects in the test tube are well documented but our research shows the link between high levels of glucose, its damaging effect on cell structure, and the ability of resveratrol of protect against and mend that damage."
He added: "Resveratrol or related compounds could be used to block the damaging effect of glucose which in turn might fight the often life threatening complications that accompany diabetes. It could well be the basis of effective diet-based therapies for the prevention of vascular damage caused by hyperglycaemia in the future."
Posted by dlife at March 20, 2008 02:27 PM
Comments
In reference to what James Wright said about the grape seed extract from Duplin Winery -My husband & I were there about 4 years ago and were impressed with the information about resveratrol. We purchased a case of the grape seed extract capsules and after taking them just a month or two, his cholesterol was down 35 points. This was more than it had come down by taking the cholesterol medication. Now we're believers in grape seed extract (which contains concentrated resveratrol) and Duplin is the best! It's great to know that it will help with diabetes complications as well. They have good wines, too - even non-alcoholic ones. (I am not a Duplin employee, just a Duplin customer!)
Posted by: Mary at April 7, 2008 09:08 AM
I'm also confused about the grapes. I love them, but I completely stay away from them because of the high carbs. Plus how much skin do you have to eat before it's a true benefit? I also have not received a free A1C test for joining a long time ago. What's up with that!!??
Posted by: Dianne at March 31, 2008 05:06 PM
i eat to much grapes is bad or good for me?
Posted by: harry at March 30, 2008 12:22 PM
I also have never received a free aic test.
Posted by: Teri at March 29, 2008 10:37 AM
I never received my AlC test kit either !!!!
Posted by: Kathryn Clementz, SC.. at March 27, 2008 09:05 PM
I also have not received my A1C test kit that I was supposed to receive when I signed up for dLife over a month or so ago.
Posted by: P. Christensen at March 25, 2008 09:51 PM
I wonder if the grape seed extract would have similar benefits? When traveling in N. Carolina, my wife and I stopped at Duuplin Winery, noted for it's muscadine grape products. Among them is a grape seed extract in capsule form. This would be wonderful news if indded the grapeseed extract had the same benefit as the grape skins.
Posted by: James Wright at March 25, 2008 06:43 PM
The news that grape skins have value for diabetics leaves me dumbfounded. The skins are good for us, but not what's inside. Grapes have too much sugar.
Mae West said "Beulah, peel me a grape." I always wondered what Beulah did with the peel.
Perhaps there's a new bi-product opportunity here. After all, white wine doesn't need the peels, only red wine.
Posted by: Jeffrey Weisman at March 25, 2008 04:09 PM
Any particular grape? white? red? concord?
Posted by: Kenneth Clute at March 25, 2008 03:23 PM
I think this is wonderful! Do they think that they will put this in a pill form for diabetic people to take as a supplement? Is it the green or red grapes, or does it not matter?
Posted by: Wilma Powers at March 25, 2008 02:11 PM
Reckon diabetes is caused by fungal infection /overgrowth. along with high blood pressure, and how about cancer. dementia etc.
Read to inform yourself.
Posted by: Rick at March 25, 2008 01:21 PM
I wonder about raisins?
Posted by: P Fritschle at March 25, 2008 01:19 PM
When I joined dLife I was told I would receive an A1C test kit. I've never received it. Do you need more info?
Posted by: Charles J. Nettles at March 25, 2008 01:00 PM
does this mean to eat lots of grapes? or does it mean to remove the skins of the grapes and eat them? and how much and green or red?
Posted by: jennica at March 25, 2008 12:17 PM