Does grape seed extract block estrogen?

Grape seed extract, the holy grail of a healthy life! This natural supplement is believed to have multiple health benefits, including prevention of inflammation and heart diseases. But WAIT…a recent study suggested that grape seed extract may also block estrogen. Is it true? Are grapes our new superhero in the fight against hormonal imbalance? Let’s find out!

What Is Estrogen?

Before we dive into the topic at hand, let’s get acquainted with estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone found in both males and females but plays a more significant role in developing female characteristics such as breast growth or pregnancy.

Apart from these primary roles, estrogen also plays an important part in metabolic processes like glucose regulation and bone metabolism.

In simple terms: Estrogen = Make me a lady + Keep my body fit

Why Do We Need to Block Estrogen?

Don’t worry; this does not mean we should start hating on our favorite hormone (we love you, estrogen!). However, high levels of hormones can have negative impacts on our bodies.

For instance:

  • High levels of estrogen may increase your risk for breast cancer or endometrial cancer.
  • It can lead to mood changes such as depression or anxiety
  • Can cause acne breakouts
  • Weight gain

Therefore controlling estrogen becomes crucial when one wants to maintain hormonal balance within their body.

What Role Does Grape Seed Extract Play?

Let us talk about what you all came here for… GRAPE SEED EXTRACT!!

Grape seed oil, extracted from crushed grape seeds, has long been used as medicine in ancient traditions/tribes. Now its usage mostly revolves around supplements that promise numerous health benefits. The use ranges from anti-inflammatory effects to maintaining blood sugar levels.

But how does it relate to blocking estrogens? One research concluded that grape seed extract has the potential to block estrogen receptors. Although this research was conducted on animal trials, it raises a question about whether grape seed oil can help with hormonal imbalance.

However, before we jump into conclusions (and start munching grapes like crazy), let us look at the study in more detail.

The Study: A Closer Look

The study focused on extracting compounds from Grape Seed Extract and testing their effect on receptor expression of estrogen all over our body. According to the report, some chemicals derived from Grape Seed Extract may compete with estrogenic compounds for binding sites within cells containing estrogen receptors.

As mentioned previously, this test was carried out on rats; therefore one should be hesitant until further human tests have been carried out.

In simple terms: We are not yet sure if humans can benefit from blocking their hormones using grape seed extract.

Is It Safe?

Good question! Everything that claims to be healthy has its drawbacks too. So what is lacking within Grape Seed Extract?

Well…

Anti-Cancer Properties: Although some studies suggest Grape Seed Extract may alleviate cancer risk by decreasing inflammation or oxidation levels which leads to cancer growth conditions, GPSE’s opinion is still invalided as other sources exist which provide better results than Grape seeds.

Allergy Concerns: Even though allergic reactions reported by consuming Grape Seeds is somewhat rare but consumers must follow instructions carefully and try introducing it slowly into your diet since minor side effects can also occur like headache or swelling in mouth/throat areas if consumer doesn’t take precautions seriously while using these supplements

We highly recommend consulting a doctor before deciding anything major!

Other Ways To Control Your Hormones:

Just because GPSE’s effectiveness cannot be concluded right now does not mean there aren’t safe ways available already!

Here are few methods one could use for bringing their hormones in balance;

  • Exercise Regularly
  • Eat Balanced Meals
  • Avoid Junk or processed food
  • Get Hormone Therapy (Recommended only for extreme cases)
  • Practice Relaxation Techniques

In simple terms: Some grains, sort of maintenance and calmness, with no unwanted side effects.

So, Does Grape Seed Extract Block Estrogen?

In conclusion…there is no straightforward answer to this. Despite the examination done on rats showing that GPSE might have estrogen-blocking properties in cells containing receptors, human trials need to be carried out before it can become a viable suggestion.

What we do know is that high levels of estrogen can result in medical conditions such as Breast Cancer etc., potentially leading us all down a dark path! A healthier and safer option available already would be exercise and making lifestyle changes.

Oh god, imaging ‘wine o’clock’ transforming into ‘grape seed hour’, imagine watching commercials like

“Get ready for an amazing transformation with our popular grape-seed extract drink”

“…and don’t forget two capsules every night before dinner.”

Talk about #FoodBloggerLife!

Happy self-experimenting 🙂

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