OPC stands for Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins and is a colorless bitter substance. These belong to the group of polyphenols and come primarily froma in grape seeds and the skin of red grapes. OPC is contained in small amounts in almost every plant and protects it from oxidation. The OPC content is higher the more mature the plant is harvested. OPC was founded by the French Prof. Dr. Masquelier discovered it quite by chance in red peanut shells in 1947 when he was looking for fattening feed and protein sources for the post-war generation. It spreads throughout the body within a few minutes and reaches its highest concentration approximately ¾ hour after ingestion and is consumed within ~72 hours. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following list in August 2004, which shows the OPC content (in mg) per 100 g of the respective food:

• Red wine: 45.63
• Wild blueberries: 44.23
• Apples: 41.56
• Strawberries: 42.01
• Sweet cherries: 17.26
• Grape juice: 14.14
• Apple juice (unsweetened): 12.12
• Cocoa beans: 5.68
• Bananas: 3.37
• Beer: 2.03

However, it should be noted that these quantities are based on freshly harvested goods. Due to the long storage and transport routes, these values ​​are generallydR significantly lower when reaching the consumer (with the exception of red wine and beer of course).

When comparing with other products, it should be noted that many suppliers do not show the OPC content, but only the total polyphenol content, thus estimating values ​​of approx.90% comes, but it does not correspond to the pure OPC share!

Highlights from OPC

• OPC is a particularly strong antioxidant (“radical scavenger”) and is around 20 times more effective than vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals and ignites the approx. 50 times more effective than vitamin E. For the grape seed extract OPC 40, for example, a so-called “ORAC” value, which indicates the ability to absorb oxygen radicals, of 20.000 specified. Free radicals damage cells and contribute to the aging process as well as to numerous chronic diseases.
• While vitamin C is considered the strongest hydrophilic (water-soluble) antioxidant, OPC acts as both a hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant and can therefore basically protect all cell types from free radicals.
• Many users also use OPC for inflammation in the organism.
• Research suggests that OPC prolongs and multiplies the effectiveness of vitamins A, C and E. In animal experiments, OPC increased the effect of vitamin C many times over because it can regenerate used vitamin C up to 10 times. This regeneration takes place using a redox reaction (reduction-oxidation reaction).
• The bioavailability of OPC is 100%.
• Unlike many other substances, OPC can pass through both the blood-brain and spinal cord barriers due to its size and therefore have a very direct effect in these areas of the body.
• Since OPC is different than, for example, Vitamin C directly to proteins (v.a Collagen and elastin) can bind, OPC is said to contribute to strengthening the vessel walls as well as skin and bones.
• You can download a free e-book about grape seed extract / OPC here: Free e-book

Legal consumer information: German and European case law wants to protect consumers from supposedly misleading claims about effectiveness. The statements made here refer to the original Ayurvedic and TCM texts. This ancient knowledge, which is thousands of years old, is based on experiences that are passed on from generation to generation. It is not intended to claim that the products described here have an effect in the sense of western medicine. All products are nutritional supplements; they are not medications and have no medical effect. If you are sick and need medical care, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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