Key study shows Pycnogenol supports blood vessel health

If you’ve been reading the Reality Health Check for a while, you already know a little bit about Pycnogenol.

I’ve always said that if I was stranded on a desert island, I would want this supplement in my pocket. It’s just that powerful a lifesaver.

But just in case you missed my previous messages about Pycnogenol, here’s a quick refresher. It’s a bark extract from the French maritime pine tree that has multiple health benefits. Study after study has shown that this extract is a powerful natural antioxidant and promotes a healthy inflammatory response. Which makes it key in supporting heart health in particular.

Now, an important new study has taken a closer look at those heart-health properties. And researchers found that Pycnogenol can help keep arteries and blood vessels healthy.

The study appeared in this month’s issue of the European Heart Journal.

A group of Swiss researchers examined Pycnogenol’s effects on 23 people. During the first 8 weeks of the study, they were randomly assigned to take Pycnogenol (200 mg daily) or a placebo. After a two-week “washout period,” each volunteer was switched to the opposite protocol.

After 8 weeks of Pycnogenol treatment, patients had a 32 percent improvement in blood flow. Also, there were significantly lower levels of 5-F(2t)-Isoprostane, a marker for oxidative stress and free radical damage.

These results showed Pycnogenol’s antioxidant power at work Promoting the health of artery walls, and supporting healthy blood flow.

You see, pollution, sugar, and other factors set off a dangerous chain of events in the body that lead to something called oxidative stress. Which is caused by free radicals that flow in the bloodstream. They damage the delicate lining of your arteries, causing rough spots. And those rough spots give cholesterol a foothold. When enough of it builds up, your arteries become narrower. And blood can’t get through as easily.

But this study showed that, when people took Pycnogenol, their blood flowed more freely and they maintained healthy arteries. . .

I know this was a lot of science but sometimes it’s important to point out some of the amazing research on nutritional supplements that one takes. Because you’re certainly not likely to hear about it in your local newspaper or on the evening news.

But this really is a true breakthrough in natural medicine. And more evidence that Pycnogenol really can keep your heart and arteries healthy.

If you’re not already taking Pycnogenol, this is one more reason to start today! I recommend 50 to 100 milligrams per day for general health.

And speaking of keeping your heart healthy, another new study showed some impressive benefits from one of my favorite summertime treats.