Grape Skin

Nutritional Value of Grape Skin:

Grape skin refers to the outer layer of grapes, most commonly from red or purple varieties of Vitis vinifera. It is valued primarily for its phytonutrient content, as it is rich in polyphenols with powerful antioxidant capabilities including resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanins and catechins. Additionally, grape skin contains dietary fibre, vitamin C and K, and minerals such as potassium and trace element. Grape skin is typically dried and milled into a powder or extracted to concentrate its active compounds for use in supplements and functional foods.

Health Benefits:

Antioxidant Protection

The high content of polyphenols within grape skin means that it can provide potent antioxidant action, helping to neutralise free radicals and limit cellular damage and oxidative stress associated with their build up. One study showed that grape skin anthocyanin can conduct effective antioxidant activity, as well as significantly enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes in mice.

Cardiovascular Support

Oxidative stress has been consistently shown to be associated with poor cardiovascular health and the development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the antioxidant protection grape skin provides may also benefit an individuals cardiovascular health. For instance, the resveratrol found within grape skin is renowned for its antioxidant ability and research has indicated resveratrol may have an impressive array of beneficial effects on cardiovascular health including decreased blood pressure, improved diastolic function and significant therapeutic potential against cardiovascular diseases.

Supports Skin Health

Grape skin may also provide benefits for skin health by helping to protect skin cells from environmental stressors and support collagen integrity, contributing to skin resilience and elasticity. Studies have shown that grape resveratrol has great potential for protecting the skin from photoaging and managing skin disorders and diseases including skin cancer. Through supporting skin health, grape skin may also enhance appearance by reducing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, while also plumping the skin and increasing radiance.

History:

Grape skin has been consumed indirectly for thousands of years through whole grapes and red wine, however beyond this both grape skins and other parts of the grapevine were historically valued for treating a wide array of ailments. For example, European Folk Medicine used grape skin and leaves to improve circulation and make syrups to treat coughs, while in Ancient Greece and Rome physicians used grape plants to reduce fevers and treat liver and kidney diseases. Extracts from grape skins also have a long history of being applied topically to wounds to promote healing through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities.

Typical Use:

Grape skin is typically used as an ingredient in heart health, antioxidant, longevity, and skin health supplement formulations. Such products can be made using grape skin in the form of a powder or a standardised extract to provide a set level of polyphenols or resveratrol.