Paintings of Greek and Roman athletes eating grapes suggest that this fruit has been revered for millennia and for reasons beyond it’s great taste. Grapes contain polyphenolics, such as resveratrol and other flavonoids, and these nutritional powerhouses serve as antioxidants supporting cardiovascular health and super circulation for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.  Resveratol and grape seed extract seem to support circulation is by acting on the nitric oxide (NO) system. Nitric oxide is a small arginine-derived factor released by the walls of blood vessels to promote dilation and enhanced blood flow to tissue downstream (e.g. working muscle). Grape seed extract promotes higher levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that converts arginine to NO, while both grape seed extract and resveratrol promotes the sustainment of higher levels of NO. This translates to optimal blood flow to working muscle during training as well as after training for efficient recovery and maximal adaptation. 

How potent are grapes in supporting efficient circulation? Part of the answer can be squeezed out of research studies involving wine drinkers. Or better yet, how about taking a look at an entire country (France) that drinks a lot of red wine to see how it impacts circulatory strength of its countrymen. On average the French drink more wine, especially red wine, than Americans which has been linked to relatively better cardiovascular health for the French despite similar diet, exercise and tobacco behaviors. Researchers referred to this as the French Paradox and believe that much of the positive benefit is linked to wine consumption based on its polyphenolic content. Furthermore, researchers also believe that resveratrol has a lot to do with it and each glass of red wine contains ½ to 1 mg of resvertrol.

So beyond cardiovascular support and helping to lower the risk of heart disease (even for the SuperFit!), resveratrol and grape seed extract supplements support super circulation during and after training to maximize workouts and physical results. In addition to grapes and red wine, other good sources of resveratrol include peanuts, cranberries, blueberries and pomegranate. In addition to supplements, some food products are now fortified with resveratrol and/or grape seed extract. For instance, Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal is fortified with grape seed extract while Pomegranate and Berries Juice by Genesis Today contains grape seed extract and 25mg of resveratrol per serving.

Have a healthy & fit day! - Dr Wildman

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