Pycnogenol, What are the Benefits?

Pycnogenol® is a water extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, grown as a mono-species forest, spread over the coastal region of southwest France. This unique source of Pycnogenol® has a well established botanical monograph based on macroscopic and microscopic findings defining its characteristics, an essential feature of quality confirmation.

The healing powers of pine bark have been used for centuries. In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew are believed to have been nursed back to health by local natives after suffering from deadly scurvy. They drank prepared teas and other concoctions using the pine needles and tree bark to relieve the scurvy, improve wound healing and various other ailments.

The extract has four basic properties - it's a powerful antioxidant, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and finally, it aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to vasodilate blood vessels. (makes blood vessels more flexible)

Pycnogenol® has differentiated itself from other ingredients in the marketplace because of its extensive research portfolio. More than 170 published studies and review articles ensuring its safety and efficacy as an ingredient have been completed over the last 35 years. Scientific evidence on its Antioxidative Capacity and protective action on the Vascular System have been published in the most renowned scientific journals. Additional published findings have demonstrated Pycnogenol's beneficial effects in cardiovascular health, skincare, cognitive function, diabetes health, inflammation, sports nutrition, asthma and allergy relief and menstrual disorders, among others.

Many of these applications are protected by U.S. and international patents. Today, the scientific accomplishments of Pycnogenol® remains unparalleled, especially when it comes to quality, safety and clinical evidence.

There is absolutely no application of pesticides during the growing of pine trees or toxic solvents during the manufacture of Pycnogenol, there can be no pesticide or solvent in the finished active substance.

My top recommendation for Pycnogenol is found in OPC's. OPC stands for Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, but I'll be using OPC's for short.

OPC's are absolutely amazing. In their fight against free radicals there is no competition from any other natural source. OPC's flat out, are in a class all by themselves. Here is a short list of the amazing benefits of OPC's

• Protects the heart and circulation system.
• Reduces the risk of cancer.
• Slows the aging process.
• Keeps skin healthy and younger looking.
• Preserving eye health
• Improving venous health
• Helps protect against more than age related diseases.
• Relief from allergies
• Treating attention deficit disorder

For more detail,  check out my blog post. Pycnogenols are amazing and have amazing health benefits. It's well worth researching.