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Wine is not the only way to utilize grapes, there are alternative modes of processing and exploiting their values. Grape seeds and skins are processed to make oil and microgranules which both have health benefits.

The Gere Attila Winery in Villány farms its vineyards organically, without chemicals. The health of their grapes and environment protection are high on their list of priorities. They’ve been processing grape seed and grape skins in their facility since 2010.

Grape seed oil

The oil extracted from the seeds of perfectly ripe black grapes is extremely rich in bioactive antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C and E. It can be used both internally and externally. Ingesting grape seed oil might protect blood vessels, cells, the eyes, strengthen veins, aid memory and increase the levels of good cholesterol. It can be used to dress salads, or it can be served simply with bread and sea salt. With its high smoke point it can be used in cooking. There is one thing you should be careful about and that is getting the portions right, because grape seed oil has a more intense flavor than other widely used oils. If you prefer more neutral aromas, use two doses of regular oil and one dose of grape seed oil. Applied on skin it might neutralize free radicals, enhance collagen production and rehydration, flatten out wrinkles and make your skin softer and tighter. No wonder that it’s one of the pillars of the Andrea Gere Skin Care product line which debuted last autumn. Another benefit is its ability to make dry and dull hair look silky and shiny again.

Black grape seed and black grape skin micro-granulate

It was Hungary’s Nobel-prize winning scientist, Albert Szent-Györgyi who first reported on the health benefits of grape seeds pointing out that grape seeds might contain the highest concentration of antioxidants in nature. First, the seeds are pressed to extract the oil and then the pressed cakes are worked into granulates in mills. Pulverization is essential because this is the way to bring the active ingredients to the surface; whole seeds even when chewed do not have the same positive effect. Researchers from the University of Pécs have conducted tests on Gere grape seed and skin granulates. Their research has demonstrated that the most potent antioxidant ingredients found in grapes are present in the Gere products. (Further health enhancing ingredients found in grape seeds: boron, bioflavin, vitamin P, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and some trace elements as iron, copper, molybdenum, manganese, etc. These together with the polyphenols protect the nervous system.) The therapeutic properties in treating heart disease, protecting blood vessels and their anticancer potential have made grape seeds popular but they can have numerous other health benefits, so it is advisable to consume them regularly. The best way to consume grape seed and peel extracts These products are great supplements to a healthy breakfast mixed in yoghurt, kefir, porridge, muesli or granola. Adding 3-4 tablespoons to the dough will make your home-made bread not only look excitingly purplish but also increase the complexity of its flavors. Grape seed can be used in the same way to make milk-loaves or focaccia, practically any kind of pastry. And if you want something truly extraordinary, why not cover your chocolate bonbons in grape seed granules instead of cocoa powder? The simplest way to consume grape seed granules is, of course, by ingesting them packed in capsules.

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