Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical conditions, characterized by having three of the following five symptoms: a large waistline, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, low levels of HDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar. These symptoms combine to increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome is also known as "syndrome X" and "pre-diabetes." Diabetes is in essence the most advanced form of the syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is linked to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, and affects an estimated 25% of the US population.
A new study evaluating the effects of a particular grape seed extract, MegaNatural®-BP, has found that daily supplementation with the extract, in conjunction with lifestyle modification, may lower blood pressure and provide cholesterol improvements in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Researchers from the Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis randomized the participants into three different groups. All of the participants made the same lifestyle changes, however one group was given a placebo, the second group was give 150mg of MegaNatural®-BP, and the third group was given 300mg of MegaNatural®-BP daily for 4 weeks. Serum lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure were measured at the beginning and end of the study. The researchers found that those give the MegaNatural®-BP, in either dosage level, showed a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures compare to those given the placebo. The study participants given the 300mg dose also saw a significant reduction in oxidized LDL cholesterol levels. High oxidized LDL cholesterol is an indicator of several cardiovascular diseases including "hardening of the arteries."
Previous studies have found similar results in healthy individuals as well. For this reason, Whole Health's BP Support™ contains MegaNatural®-BP along with other natural ingredients that may provide health benefits. Learn more about BP Support™ with MegaNatural®-BP here.
1. Sivaprakasapillai, B., I. Edirisinghe, et al. (2009). "Effect of grape seed extract on blood pressure in subjects with the metabolic syndrome." Metabolism.
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