What is OPC?

WHAT is OPC? OPC stands for Oligomeric proanthocyanidins.

A product commonly derived from one or more of a combination of grape seed extract, red wine extract and/or pine bark extract. They are very powerful bioflavonoids used as a natural food supplement. Often referred to as Pycnogenols... the name given to these supplements by Jacques Masquelier, a University of Bordeaux, France professor and scientist... and trademarked by Horphag Overseas Limited of Geneva, Switzerland. OPCs have been shown to have powerful "free-radical" scavenging activity. They are non-toxic, bioavailable, water soluble bioflavanoids.

What is OPC? OPC helps to reverse the physical signs of aging, increase blood flow and circulation, and combat stress and fatigue.

What is Grape Seed Extract?

Grape seed extract is a natural plant substance that has a concentrated source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). These anti-oxidants help protect cells from free radical damage and also promotes healthy circulation. Grape Seed Extract is rich in polyphenols, a compound that's high in antioxidants. Studies have shown OPC to be more powerful antiosicants than Viamin C, E, and Beta-Carotene. Before Grape Seed Extract was discovered, the best sources of antiosidants came from Vitamin C, E, and Beta-Carotene; however, these sources were not powerful enough to fight the free radicals and area also excreted by the body within ashort time of ingestion. Grape seed extract, on the other hand, has been shown to remain in the body for as long as 3 full days, and is 20 times more potent thatn Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E! OPCs also act as natural anti-histamines, block inflammation and boost the immune system. They also reportedly affect the metabolic enzymes that regulate neurotransmitters, and they appear to inhibit the breakdown of norepinephrine and dopamine. Some recent studies have shown that ADD is associated with a faster than average reuptake (breakdown) of dopamine, so perhaps this is the most important factor in what is OPC - how do they help?

What is Pine Bark Extract?

Extracts from French maritime pine bark may boost the body's production of nitric oxide - key to better blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles - suggests a new study. The results of the new study, published in the October 2007 issue (Volume 30, Pages 775-780) of the Journal Hypertension Research, add to a growing body of research reporting potential health benefits of the pine bark extract, Pycnogenol. "This study suggests that when taking Pycnogenol, more NO (nitric oxide) is provided in response to neurotransmitters allowing for better expansion of arteries to carry more blood. This process serves to meet the enhanced oxygen demand of the performing muscle and avoid anaerobic metabolism," said lead researcher Dr. Yukihito Higashi from the Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Japan. Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule used by the endothelium (cells lining the surface of blood vessels) to signal surrounding muscle to relax, leading to a reduction in blood pressure, reduced blood clotting and protection against myocardial infarction and strokes. "While more research is warranted… Pycnogenol seems to allow people to move faster when exercising by satisfying the enhanced muscle oxygen demand and increasing the blood flow to active muscles". "When people are performing heavy physical activity, nerves release neurotransmitter acetylcholine to arteries supplying muscles, which makes them expand, a process that requires enhanced production of NO," he said. This can help to explain what is OPC.

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