Antioxidant OPC3 Information

- Preventing Disease

OPC3 (or OPC-3) is an abbreviation for the term oligomeric procyanthocyanidins. These are a type of antioxidant found in high concentrations in pine bark, sea buckthorn oil and the seeds and skin of grapes.

In fact, it's OPC3's that were believed to be responsible for the 'French Paradox'. The so-called French Paradox was the observation that people in France seemed to have lower levels of cardiovascular disease, yet still had a diet rich in saturated fat. This was attributed to their consumption of red wine. And red wine is rich in the antioxidant OPC3's. Unlike white wine, red wine us made with the skin of grapes, where OPC3 levels are high.

The French Paradox is somewhat disputed now, as it is believed levels of cardiovascular disease is higher than previously thought. However, what is undisputed, is the strong antioxidant effect of OPC3's.

Antioxidant OPC3 Information

OPC3's are a type of flavanoid. Flavanoids are types of plant compounds that give fruit and vegetables their colorful hues like yellow, red or blue. They are believed to protect plants from insects and microbes. And when we consume them, they have an antioxidant effect on the body. In fact, some flavanoids, such as those in tea (green and black), red wine, and cocoa (chocolate), have been studied fairly extensively.

OPC3's are a type of flavanoid that is particularly potent as an antioxidant. They are 20 times stronger than vitamin C, and 50 times stronger than vitamin E, two other common antioxidants.

And OPC3's show some beneficial effects that other flavanoid antioxidants don't. OPC3's have been described as having anti mutagenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. It's no wonder they have become so popular with people interested in preventing degenerative diseases and improving their quality of life.

How Does OPC3 Help Me?

Oligomeric procyanthocyanidins seem to have particular effect on cardiovascular tissue. They suppress a protein that constricts blood vessels, as well as helping strengthen capillary walls. This is good news for those with diabetes, stroke victims, people with arthritis, and others with poor circulatory systems.

OPC3's also benefit collagen and elastin. They inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen, as well as contributing to the repair of collagen.

This is good news not only for those concerned with their wrinkles, but also for anyone with problems with their joints, muscles, or blood vessels. Collagen and elastin are both involved in maintaining the healthy connective tissue that supports not only our organs, but joints and muscles too.

OPC3's improve the delivery of oxygen to our cells. They also lower the production of histamines, which makes them useful for those suffering from allergies. Histamines are produced in large quantities during an allergic reaction. And OPC3's were reported to reduce the effects of edema (swelling) after face lifts in one study.

OPC3's are of most benefit in preventing diseases associated with free radical damage and oxidation. Given that a lot of diseases associated with old age fall into this category, it's easy to see why OPC3 supplements have become popular. In fact, supplements are a good alternative if you are concerned about the effects of drinking alcohol regularly (one small glass, not a bottle!)

OPC3 grape seed extracts are the most common type of OPC3 supplement, although some are also made from pine bark. Quality does vary, so it's important to look for a good brand.