Are grape seeds healthy?

To eat them or not to eat them? Opinion is divided on the subject of grape seeds. Are these little pips actually healthy or should we go so far as to remove them before enjoying our grapes? Read on to see whether they are worth eating.

What do we know about grape seeds?

Grape seeds are small, greyish-brown in colour and taste slightly bitter. Although they are very inconspicuous, there is a lot more to them than you would guess. The seeds are particularly rich in what are known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These are natural flavonoids that are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They can also have a beneficial effect on our blood vessels.

Eat them – the right way

In order for our bodies to be able to absorb the nutritional substances in grape seeds, we need to bite into them, otherwise they pass through the gut unused.

Prefer to eat seedless grapes? No problem, they too provide vitamins and minerals. Alternatively, you can also exploit the positive properties of grape seeds in the form of grape seed oil or grape seed flour in smoothies or muesli.

Regardless of whether you are ‘Team Grape Seed’ or ‘Team Seedless’ – snack away to your heart’s content. Grapes are always a good choice for a fruity day!

Your Dole Team