Pycnogenol-21st Century Marvel that no one has heard of. The effects of modern life exert a tremendous stress on the body. Fortunately help is at hand in the form of Pycnogenol a substance extracted from the maritime pine trees that grow in the far south western corner of France. It is extremely rich in flavonoids called oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs). The flavonoids are a large family of nutrients found in fruit, vegetables and legumes, and have a wide range of uses. OPCs, though, are especially known as extremely powerful antioxidants and for their circulatory and connective tissue benefits. Antioxidant OPCs are a combination of substances, which produce a variety of antioxidants within one product, accounting for its wide range of applications. In certain situations, the combined antioxidant activity of the OPCs can be 50 times that of vitamin C and 20 times that of vitamin E. Pycnogenol also prolongs the effects of vitamins C and E in the body so their valuable antioxidant effects are enhanced. In everyday life our bodies generate or absorb free radicals from cigarette smoke, fried or burnt foods, pollution and even vigorous exercise. Controlling the ill-effects of excessive free radical activity with antioxidants has proven an effective strategy in countless clinical trials. As a super-antioxidant Pycnogenol suppresses free radicals in the body. Circulatory benefits Healthy blood vessels are characterised by being elastic and strong. Inelastic blood vessels do not stretch to accommodate passing blood, or may not resume their healthy ‘tone’ (shape) afterwards. Weak blood vessels are prone to leaking as the walls become thinned. Pycnogenol is of consistent benefit in trials for those with circulatory problems, due to a combination of its effects of reducing blood stickiness and improving the health of the connective tissue in blood vessel walls. A recent clinical study found that Pycnogenol can have a positive effect on leg swelling during long haul flights lasting 7-12 hours and this combined with its skin protecting qualities make Pycnogenol an ideal supplement for the growing number of people taking long haul flights to the sun.! Skin and premature ageing Skin can age sooner than expected through free radical damage induced by sunlight exposure, the effects of smoking and pollution. Sagging is caused by the connective tissues losing elasticity and strength. Protecting against ultra violet exposure and free radical damage with antioxidants and maintaining healthy connective tissue are vital elements in delaying ageing. Collagen and elastin are two vital components of the connective tissue that supports body tissues, including the skin. Pycnogenol appears to inhibit two enzymes, called collagenase and elastase, which break down collagen and elastin, therefore offering protection to the skin’s structure. Diabetes Care It is estimated that somewhere in the region of 100 million people are now suffering from some form of this disease and it may now be a leading cause of death worldwide. Last year two encouraging studies were published on Pycnogenol in relation to lowering blood sugar levels. Scientists discovered that a dosage as low as 50mg of Pycnogenol per day significantly lowered blood glucose levels and 100mg per day further lowered them. Previous research had already shown that Pycnogenol may help manage diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. Pycnogenol is also known to effectively reduce high blood pressure, platelet aggregation, LDL (bad) cholesterol and enhances circulation. Heart attacks and strokes are believed to be the leading cause of death in diabetics and experts are now promoting Pycnogenol as an integral part of a diabetics regime.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:30:00 +0000