Grapes and wine have long been recognized for their antioxidant benefits. It's no surprise that their seeds, compared to the fruit, contain a higher concentration of oligomeric proanthocyanids (OPCs). OPCs are antioxidant compounds that are suggested to fight free radicals within the body and help to prevent and/or stall the onset of chronic diseases and premature aging. So how do antioxidants work, and why do we need them? Antioxidant combat "free radicals" within the body. A free radical is a single, lonely oxygen atom. The oxygen we breathe through the air comes in pairs of 2, making it unproblematic to our bodies. Oxygen becomes problematic when the atoms are alone and have nothing to at

Grapes, and their seeds, are widely known for their beneficial effect on heart health. Yet the health benefits are not limited to cardiovascular health. Studies have shown an undeniable link between polyphenols found in concord grapes and lowered blood glucose levels. Researchers at the College of Food Science of Shenyang Agricultural University have found that after 6 weeks of administering grapeseed extract (procyanidin oligomers) diabetic rats had lower, more controlled blood glucose levels. Another study done by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has shown that obese mice given grapeseed extract had decreased blood glucose levels, comparable to the control group of mice which

Refined Oils VS. Pure, Cold Pressed, Unrefined Oils. The Royal Grapeseed Difference. From grapeseed oil, to coconut and avocado oils, specialty cooking oils are becoming all the rage. But not all oils are created equally. Most plant-based oils are extracted with a solvent called Hexane, a petroleum byproduct. When a person is exposed to hexane for any period of time, it can cause damage to the nervous system. After the chemical extraction process, the oils are bleached, degummed, & deodorized with even more chemicals, which further strips the oils of it's natural antioxidants and nutrients. Many oil producers will go through this process to mask an unfresh flavor or aroma. This heavy refinin

Skin hydration is important. After all, our skin is our body's largest organ. Keeping your skin moisturized will not only improve your skin's texture, but you'll look more youthful and radiant, too. But what's the best way to keep your skin hydrated? For years, lotions were everyones favorite way to moisturize. However, most lotions are over 97% water, and can leave skin feeling dry again shortly after use. Lotions also contain chemical additives & preservatives, which can cause sensitive skin to become irritated. Many lotions contain parabens, phlatates, formaldehyde and other porentially harmful ingredients as well. With our population becoming more concious of the threats of such ingredie

Grapes and wine have long been recognized for their antioxidant benefits. It's no surprise that their seeds, compared to the fruit, contain a higher concentration of oligomeric proanthocyanids (OPCs). OPCs are antioxidant compounds that are suggested to fight free radicals within the body and help to prevent and/or stall the onset of chronic diseases and premature aging. So how do antioxidants work, and why do we need them? Antioxidant combat "free radicals" within the body. A free radical is a single, lonely oxygen atom. The oxygen we breathe through the air comes in pairs of 2, making it unproblematic to our bodies. Oxygen becomes problematic when the atoms are alone and have nothing to at

Sulfites and sulfur dioxide are widely used as food preservatives to prevent the discoloration and oxidation of foods such as dried fruit, wine, baked goods, and condiments, to name a few. In wine making, sulfur dioxide occurs naturally in the fermentation process. Additional sulfites are added to prevent wines from oxidizing and turning brown. The FDA regards sulfites and sulfur dioxide as generally safe, however if you have asthma, liver, or kidney problems, sulfites and sulfur dioxide should be avoided. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------