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"Proanthocyanidin (PA or PAC), also known as procyanidin, oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), leukocyanidin, leucoanthocyanin and condensed tannins, is a class of flavanols. Proanthocyanidins are essentially polymer chains of flavonoids such as catechins.[1] One was discovered in 1936 by Professor Jacques Masquelier and called Vitamin P, although this name did not gain official category status and has since fallen out of usage. It was Masquelier who first developed techniques for the extraction of proanthocyanidins from certain plant species. Proanthocyanidins have been sold as nutritional and therapeutic supplements in Europe since the 1980s, but their introduction to the United States market has been relatively recent. In the human body, they might act as antioxidants (free radical scavengers).[citation needed] OPCs may help protect against the effects of internal and environmental stresses such as cigarette smoking and pollution, as well as supporting normal body metabolic processes. The effects may include depressing blood fat, emolliating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, preventing blood vessel scleroses, dropping blood viscidity and preventing thrombus formation [18]. Additionally, studies have shown that OPCs may prevent cardiovascular diseases by counteracting the negative effects of high cholesterol on the heart and blood vessels. Pycnogenol® is the name of such an OPCs commercial formulation. OPCs are available from fresh grapes, grape juice, and red wine. Although in milligrams per ounce red wine may contain more OPCs than red grape juice, red grape juice contains more OPCs per average serving size. An 8 ounce serving of grape juice averages 124 milligrams OPCs, while a 5 ounce serving of red wine averages 91 milligrams.[19][20] Many other foods and beverages also contain high amounts of OPCs, but very few come close to the levels found in red grape seeds and skins (which readily disperse into grape juice when crushed)

"USDA Database for the Proanthocyanidin Content of Selected Foods - 2004 Multicolored dividing line This database was created through a collaborative effort between the Nutrient Data Laboratory and Food Composition Laboratory, USDA-ARS; The Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, USDA-ARS; Mars, Inc.; and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. The database contains values for 205 food items for the following proanthocyanidins: * Monomers * Dimers * Trimers * 4-6 mers (tetramers, pentamers and hexamers) * 7-10 mers (heptamers, octamers, nonamers and decamers) * Polymers (DP>10)"

Litchi for Heart Disease Litchi is loaded with the good amount of minerals (potassium and copper) which helps in maintaining the body fluid balance, heart beat control as well as blood pressure control. It provides protection against various heart diseases like stroke, hypertension and coronary heart diseases. It helps in normalizing the blood pressure and heart rate under control to prevent from further development of coronary heart diseases. Its highest amount of polyphenols helps in promoting the heart health and reduces the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Its availability with high amount of dietary fibers makes it able to promote the cardiovascular health by regularizing the functioning. Eating lychee regularly helps in reducing the level of bad cholesterol as well as increasing the level of good cholesterol in the blood. Litchi improves the flow of blood containing nourishing nutrients to the heart thus reduces the risk of heart disorders such as stroke, heart attack, hypertension, atherosclerosis and etc. It helps in the better development of some important agents inside the body such as antiplatelet, anticoagulant, thrombolytic agents and etc thus prevents from cardiovascular problems. Other Health Benefits of Litchi It contains high level of polyphenol called oligonol which has antioxidant and anti-influenza property and prevents from various infections. Litchi contains high level of vitamin C which enhances body resistance against various infections and prevents from harmful effects of free radicals. It is the richest source of B-complex vitamins which act as co-factors in the metabolic reactions to metabolize the food elements such as carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Oligonol polyphenol found in it helps in improving the blood circulation, reducing weight and protecting skin from the ultraviolet sun rays. It helps in removing out the extra body fat, enhances body stamina, reduces weakness and other problems. Its high level of vita