Pine and grapes for health

Polyphenols or the benefits of wine

Since ancient times, wine, which is a polyphenolic compound, has been associated to remedies for strengthening the heart. Many scientific studies have been published on the benefits of wine for cancer prevention and cardiovascular protection. This has been shown by studies carried out in countries around the world, as well as in France, which is known for regular wine consumption.

Studied and proven biological properties

From Europe to the United States by way of China, doctors and specialists have multiplied their investigations and have published results that demonstrate the benefits of wine.
Red wine - prepared by macerating and fermenting grape seeds, skin and pulp - is a concentrate of polyphenols, in particular of proanthocyanidins (PCOs). These components have anti-free radical properties and are able to limit oxidative stress and cellular aging.
Because of this, they limit the risk of cardiovascular illness by decreasing factors such as cholesterolemia, lipoprotein oxidation and platelet aggregation by favoring the vasodilatation of the vascular endothelium.

The "French paradox"

The following observation fascinates American scientists: for an equally high consumption of fats, fatal coronary disease is France is half as frequent as it is in the United States!

In spite of a risk level close to that of its European neighbors, France has a lower coronary and cardiovascular mortality rate that most industrialized countries, according to S. Renaud.

The conclusions of the epidemiological studies carried out by Renaud and De Lorgeril¹ explain the "French paradox" by demonstrating that drinking one or two glasses of red wine daily can reduce the risk of disease.

¹Renaud S., de Lorgeril M., Wine, alcohol, platelets, and the French paradox for coronary heart disease. Lancet;339, 1523–1526, 1992
INSERM, Nutrition and Vascular Physiopathology Research Unit (Unit 63), France.

Pine and grapes: Berkem's core expertise

At the beginning of the seventies, Berkem implemented a partnership with the University of Bordeaux to study natural antioxidants.

Over the years, Berkem became an expert in the extraction of purified polyphenols, which were extracted from pine bark and grape seeds, for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Berkem obtains levels of purity that are well above normal standards through a careful selection of raw materials and partnership contracts with producers, as well as through the implementation of rigorous procedures.