What do grape pips, green tea and pomegranate have in common? They are all brimming with special substances that naturally occur in plants and are abbreviated as OPCs. Today we would like to reveal to you the characteristics of these valuable plant substances and why nutritional research has jumped onto the OPC bandwagon.
Oligomeric proanthocyanidines (OPCs) are a group of plant compounds belonging to the class of polyphenols. These substances are found naturally in different plants, especially in fruits, bark, seeds and leaves. OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidines) as so-called secondary plant substances are not vital for the plant, but there is no doubt that they are useful. When it comes to nutritional supplements, OPCs are best known for their powerful antioxidant properties as they have potential health benefits.
In nature, OPCs are particularly abundant in those plant parts that border the outside world and interact with it. Larger quantities of secondary substances can also be found in kernals and kernal housings. If one considers the tasks of OPCs within the plant, they are well positioned in the outer layers and reproductive parts to form a kind of plant defence system that protects the plant from UV radiation, climate influences, predators and pest infestation.
“What protects the plant could also benefit us humans.” Guided by this motto, nutritional research has been working closely on the world of secondary plant substances since the early 1990s. Since then, the state of knowledge about the diversity of the approximately 10,000 substances has expanded significantly and it is now more or less agreed that the plant-based protective, taste, fragrance and colour agents can also have an effect on the human organism.
Resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine, is one of the most well-known secondary plant substances. As a natural protective substance, resveratrol in plants counteracts infestation by parasites and fungi. Also, under stress, such as UV light, the plant produces more resveratrol.
OPCs are often valued for their powerful antioxidant properties, which help neutralise free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage. Many health benefits are based on these properties:
OPCs are often associated with grape seeds. At the end of the day, these little pips are real OPC bombs. But OPC is also found in other plant-based foods. The OPC content of a food is subject to natural fluctuations, which are determined by growth conditions.
OPC occurrence at a glance:
If you want to fill up with an extra helping of valuable OPCs, you can provide targeted help with first-class nutritional supplements. High-quality OPC preparations are characterised by excellent product quality: They use extracts containing OPCs that have undergone strict, comprehensive quality tests and do not use unnecessary additives. The level of quality is particularly high due to strict controls by an independent third party.
Since the natural OPC content of food is subject to certain fluctuations, quality products contain standardized amounts of OPCs. This ensures that you get the amount you are expecting to take. Sophisticated combinations with other plant extracts ensure an optimum interaction of the ingredients.
OPC preparations should best be taken on an empty stomach (approx. 30 - 45 min before or at least 30 min after a meal) with plenty of water in order to best utilise the OPC they contain. People with sensitive stomachs can take the preparation with a meal in order to ensure better tolerability.
You can take OPC at any time of day and so you can choose the time that best suits you. Ideally, however, they should be taken on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes after you last had a meal.
The recommended daily dose of OPCs is 1-2 mg per kilogram of body weight. By combining various plant extracts, additional secondary plant substances are added, which supplement and round off the OPCs.
With OPC Resveratrol Formula and OPC PolyMax® 250/30, we can provide you with concentrated plant power.
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