Polyphenolics’ standards of excellence result in ingredients beneficial to your products and consumers. Alternative Health Expert Bryce Wylde, BSc, DHMHS traveled to Madera County, the heart of California’s wine country and one of America’s oldest grape-growing regions. There, he confirmed that grapes are an antidote for health.
Wylde interviewed Polyphenolics President Dr. Anil Shrikhande, a leading researcher and expert on the health benefits of grape seed extracts. Shrikhande described to Wylde why the company became interested in investigating these benefits.
“What they discovered was a very high-quality concentration of polyphenols: powerful antioxidants found in grapes that help to slow or prevent cell damage caused by oxidation. Grape polyphenols also have other protective effects on the heart and blood vessels, including actions to normalize blood clotting, blood vessel narrowing and managing blood sugar levels,” says Wylde.
Why researchers say the MegaNatural line-up of products benefits us all
One of Polyphenolics’ most exciting product developments is MegaNatural-BP, which addresses a major health concern. “According to the American Heart Association, one out of every three adults have diagnosed high blood pressure. That’s close to 90 million people in North America,” explains Wylde. “High blood pressure doesn’t start overnight. Rather it’s slow. The onset causes problems over many years, and affects many parts of your body including your heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys and your eyes.”
He adds that blood pressure that falls between healthy normal (120/90) and high (140/90) is called pre-hypertension, and it may be a serious health hazard over time. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute suggests that people with pre-hypertension are at a higher risk for developing hypertension, and are also at greater risk for stroke, congestive heart failure and kidney failure.
“Studies in patients treated with polyphenols have shown that they promote functions such as flow mediated dilation of major arteries, healthy cholesterol levels, and management of healthy normal blood pressure in at-risk subjects,” says Wylde. “One of the largest natural depositories of polyphenols is grape seed extract. Science is showing that grape seed extract may maintain the natural, supple elasticity of healthy blood vessels, contributing to a healthy cardiovascular system and ideal blood pressure.”
Polyphenolics is the only company in North America which has scientifically developed a purified grape seed extract. MegaNatural-BP is human clinically tested to manage pre-hypertension in at-risk subjects susceptible to cardiovascular disorders.
Dedicated to a natural, sustainable approach to harnessing the healing power of grapes
Mission Bell Winery began harvesting grapes for their wide range of therapeutic benefits in 1996, when Polyphenolics was created.
Seeds are mechanically removed from freshly crushed, unfermented grapes. Primarily red and white varietal wine grapes are used. A patented hot-water extraction process is used to remove polyphenols from the seeds. Because water is the only solvent used, there is little-to-no environmental footprint.
The water extract from the seeds is concentrated and purified into a very high polyphenol liquid solution. Time and temperature parameters are used as drying techniques, to produce the grape seed powder. This also mitigates any microbial concerns. The finished powder is shelf stable.
Polyphenolics, a division of California Natural Color & E & J Gallo Winery, is dedicated to sustainable farming and processing practices. No products contain or has contact with milk or dairy, eggs, gluten, wheat or similar grains, soy, fish or shellfish, nuts, sesame or any other common allergen. All products are free of BSE risks and suitable for vegans. Wine grapes are not permitted to be genetically modified, and may only be cultivated using traditional methods. By default, that certifies that these products are non-GMO.
“Many of the naturally occurring antioxidants in MegaNatural products have innate antimicrobial properties,” commented Wylde. He adds that, “Polyphenolics products are free of microorganisms of public health significance, and are not treated by irradiation, ethylene oxide or any other means of chemical sterilization.”
Make the comparison
Wylde notes that, “Other manufacturers of grape seed extracts have variability of seed source, lack standardization and don’t show any specific health benefits. Polyphenolics uses only its own abundant supply of quality U.S.-grown grapes, and retains complete control over the entire manufacturing process from the initial selection of wine grapes and seed selection to the final extraction of the finished material.”
Checklist: how to select the best ingredient
