The Muscadine Grape
Muscadine Grapes are native to the United States. This rare American grape is grown in the hot, harsh and unyielding climate of the Southeastern US. Because of the extremely difficult growing conditions Muscadine Grapes developed an extra pair of chromosomes other grapes don't have and which evolved into an internal protection system enabling the muscadine to defend itself from the intensely difficult environment, insects and disease.
Thanks to research triggered by the Human Genome Project we now know Muscadines proactively pass those fighting, defense capabilities on to our bodies with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health protection properties such as anti-cancer mechanisms. We want to get the word out about dozens of prestigious medical and scientific research centers' studies have shown the muscadine and its all natural ways to protect our health.
Proven by clinical trial the Muscadine Grape has it all ... it has only been during the past few years that the tremendous health values of this fruit have been explored. Scientists with Mississippi State University and the USDA's Agricutural Research Service have found significant amounts of resveratrol in the skin, pulp, and seeds of muscadine grapes. Resveratrol is found in French wines and is said to lower both cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease.
Resveratrol: Antioxidant + Anti-Aging
The Muscadine Grape offers a revolutionary breakthrough in the fight against cellular aging. Resveratrol is the substance found in red wine which activates longevity genes to increase strength and also serve as potent cancer fighting substance. Muscadines have 6X the levels of resveratrol found in other grapes and dramatically more than red wine to help slow effects of aging and possibly extend life.
Resveratrol is a substance produced by several plants that has been studied for its health benefits. It first came to the attention of the scientific community as the possible explanation for the “French Paradox” – the relatively low incidences of heart disease despite a high dietary intake of saturated fats in a study conducted in Southern France. Recent studies suggest that resveratrol has estrogenic, cardioprotective and anticancer activities.
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound present in many fruits, vegetables and wine. It is typically associated with extracts because most fruits (even vinifera grapes) have such small amounts of the compound, that extract methods are the only viable solution to retrieve measurable amounts. One of the highest sources of natural resveratrol is the skins of grapes, particularly the thick skins of the Muscadine grapes. The trans- and cis-resveratrol configurations are measurable in the muscadine grape skins.
The amount of resveratrol in muscadine grapes varies by cultivar and growing conditions. Muscadine Naturals uses a unique, chemical-free process that maintains the high level of natural antioxidants found in the fresh fruit. The dried fruit powders are blended for consistency.
Resveratrol - Scientific Studies
The number of studies being conducted about resveratrol has grown at a rapid pace since 2000. Research has emerged on its life-extending potential due to its apparent ability to mimic calorie restriction (CR) in some laboratory animals. Some of the news associated with these studies suggests large amounts of resveratrol are needed. However, for the purpose of contributing to antioxidant effects, 2-4mg of resveratrol have been studied as providing an effect. Another study suggests that a low amount of resveratrol is more effective than a higher amount. Other studies suggests that the presence of flavanoids in products containing resveratrol may improve the bio-availability of the resveratrol..
Piceatannol - Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties
Piceatannol is a natural stilbene occurring in a number of plant species, and it has been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. The compound can seldom be consumed by humans, because it occurs mostly in non-food plants, or in non-edible organs. There are only a few plants reported to contain minute amounts of piceatannol. The scarcity of this compound impedes researchers from continuing to study its properties and health benefits.
It has recently been discovered that the Muscadine grapes, contain piceatannol. Piceatannol has a very similar structure to the renowned resveratrol and, also, similar anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, piceatannol has much more potent biological activity and bioavailability than resveratrol. Like resveratrol, piceatannol has been studied for its anti-cancer properties and has been deemed the superior agent of the two.
Quercetin: Antioxidant + Anti-Inflammatory
A natural antioxidant also found in muscadines that has been clinically shown in scientific studies to boost energy, increase endurance, improve focus and enhance body's energy system to keep you feeling fully charged longer.
Ellagic Acid: Antioxidant + Anti-Inflammatory
Ellagic Acid has been shown to have cancer prevention properties and also plays a key role in preventing heart disease and high cholesterol.
Over 100 additional polyphenolic compounds enabling the muscadine to be nature's ultimate powerhouse for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer health benefits.
Additional Health Benefits ...
Red wine is often touted as a heart healthy beverage when consumed in moderation. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, evidence suggests that the consumption of red wine reduces heart disease. Resveratrol is a phytochemical, a naturally occurring substance that is present in various fruits and vegetables, including grapes.
The Mayo Clinic states, "Some research shows that resveratrol could be linked to a reduced risk of inflammation and blood clotting, both of which can lead to heart disease." There is a significantly higher amount of resveratrol in muscadine wine than in chardonnay and pinot.
When it comes to red wines, those produced from muscadine grapes may offer additional protection against cancer. According to the University of Florida, a substantial amount of the anti-cancer compound ellagic acid is present in muscadine wine, but not in cabernet. This is supported by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, which states, "National laboratory experiments show that an extract of the skin of muscadine grapes can inhibit growth of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory."
It further explains that in addition to the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins, the chemical responsible for producing the deep pigment in grapes, they have also shown numerous antitumor effects.
Muscadine wine has the potential to strengthen the immune system and offer increased protection from disease. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, studies showed that mice who were given muscadine wine had an increase in immune function. This may be largely due to the amount of resveratrol present in muscadine grapes.
One class of phytochemicals in resveratrol, known as phenolic compounds, is abundant in grape skins. The University of Florida explains that, "Phenolic compounds act as antioxidants -- substances that neutralize free radicals produced by our normal metabolism."
As more is learned about the potential health benefits of resveratrol, studies suggest that there may be a link between resveratrol and improved health. The high level of resveratrol found in muscadine wine can help reduce Low Denisty Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
The Mayo Clinic states that the combination of antioxidants and resveratrol found in red wines may help increase High Denisty Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Although all red wine seems to have this potential, the effects from drinking muscadine wine may be increased due to the higher level of resveratrol present in the wine