If you were around in 1974, you may remember Euell Gibbons giving us this sage bit of advice in a cereal commercial! Well, darned if he wasn't right! It turns out that pine bark extract is not only edible, it is simply fabulous for your health.

Pycnogenol pine bark extract has proven to be an excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-cramping agent in clinical trials targeted at osteoarthritis and asthma. Several studies have shown that pine bark extract is an excellent supplement for improving blood flow, thereby easing pain and cramps. This is very helpful for women who experience painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). Pine bark extract is very high in antioxidants, so in addition to helping with cramps of all kinds, it is also helpful for reducing inflammation and protecting and repairing the body's cells. Additionally, it provides significant amounts of selenium, as well as vitamins E, C, and A.

Muscle damage may be caused by strenuous exercise. This damage can result in inflammation, cramping and pain. If you are a serious athlete, or are just starting a workout program, pine bark extract can be very helpful to you in easing the pain and inflammation of hard-working muscles. The increase of blood flow to the muscles helps them to recover faster and reduces pain by washing away lactic acid buildup.

A study at L'Aquila University, Italy focused on Pycnogenol pine bark extract’s effects on cramping and venous disorders. The findings indicated that average people who used pycnogenol pine bark extract could expect a twenty five percent reduction in their experience of cramping during and after exercise. Participants who had problems with venous insufficiency had a forty percent reduction in their experience of cramping. Participants who were serious athletes experienced a thirteen percent reduction of cramping.

A further study found Pycnogenol pine bark extract was particularly helpful for diabetic microangiopathy. This is a condition that affects the small veins of people with diabetes. Additionally, pine bark extract was found to be beneficial for people experiencing intermittent claudication. This is a disease of the blood vessels that causes leg cramps. Both groups of patients found that they experienced about twenty percent less pain and discomfort while taking Pycnogenol pine bark extract. Those in a control group taking a placebo had no reduction of pain.

It is common for people to experience cramps for a number of reasons. Whether you are very fit and exercise regularly, are unfit and experience a stress injury, or have an illness that causes cramping, Pycnogenol pine bark extract may prove to be extremely helpful to you. It is very effective and has not been found to have any dangerous side effects.

Copyright: SuzanneBennett: October 23, 2009