Vega Vargas F, Isabel Maria Guisado Requena, Guillermo Arturo Canadas-De la Fuente, Rafael Fernandez Castillo, Fernandez Sanchez E, Campos Jara C and Rafael Guisado Barrilao
The oxygenation process is essential for life and cellular activity, and therefore for physical exercise. During physical exercise an oxidative stress situation is produced, which can result in cellular oxidation and alterations in the immune system, causing cells to age prematurely. To prevent this, it is recommended to use high concentrations of antioxidants to minimize this process.
The phenolic compounds of the flavonoid family, among which are the procyanidins, have shown neuroprotective effects, and cardioprotective effects. The cardiovascular protection and antiatherogenic effects of procyanidins have been attributed to the antioxidant properties of these phenolic compounds derived from its chemical structure. Different studies have shown the cardioprotective effects of chronic ingestion of procyanidins on models of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
This study aims to present the properties of these compounds and their protective effects on the cardiovascular system, setting markers of the primary action of procyanidins from grape seed extract (obtained by discarding the pulp and preserving the seeds) in plasma. A secondary aim of this study was to provide information on the molecular mechanisms by which these substances exert their cardioprotective effect and implement these into a recommended dietary regime. This would be used in appropriate doses and complement the protective and regulatory effect of exercise.