OPC-3 Chews include some of the most powerful bioflavonoids – biologically-active members of plant-derived compounds – currently known to research scientists. These bioflavonoids are scientifically termed oligomeric proanthocyanidins, commonly abbreviated OPCs. The best-researched OPCs include grape seed, red wine, grape skin, bilberries, citrus fruit, and pine bark extract, or Pycnogenol^®. This combination of powerful OPCs is unique to OPC-3. OPC-3 has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits, including but not limited to, combating free radicals, helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels, helping maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins, helping maintain joint flexibility, helping promote/support cardiovascular health, helping reduce mild menstrual cramping, helping support visual health/visual acuity, scavenging free radicals, promoting/supporting healthy blood vessel dilation, promoting/supporting healthy nitric oxide levels, supporting a healthy complexion, helping maintain healthy blood glucose levels, supporting healthy platelet activity and supporting healthy sperm quality.*

A free radical is a molecule with an unpaired electron in its outermost shell. These unpaired electrons tend to be highly reactive, resulting in chemical reactions such as oxidation. Because they have one or more unpaired electrons, free radicals are highly unstable. They scavenge the body to grab or donate electrons, impacting cells, proteins and DNA. Free radicals are naturally occurring; however, air pollution, stress, smoking, heavy exercising and aging all contribute to the creation of harmful free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress in the body. Normally, the body is able to protect itself from free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable or if free radical production becomes excessive, oxidation can occur.

Antioxidants are cell protectors, neutralizing free radicals by donating an electron to the outermost shell of unbalanced molecules, rendering them harmless. Antioxidants are nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and enzymes that are capable of counteracting the effects of the physiological process of oxidation in bodily tissues. Antioxidants work in two ways: chain breaking and prevention. A chain-breaking antioxidant such as vitamins A, C and E.

Bioflavonoids are complex organic plant compounds. Plants and fruits differ in colors based on the specific bioflavonoids they contain. An increasing number of clinical studies have shown how bioflavonoids support health. Bioflavonoids found in OPCs play a key role in cardiovascular health and maintaining vascular integrity. Bioflavonoids have been shown to support healthy circulation and cell vitality. Normal collagen renewal is promoted, which supports firmness of the skin, joint cartilage and connective tissue.

Everyone is subject to the impact of free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals develop as byproducts of physiological processes that occur within the body. The impacts may add up over the years. This process is largely responsible for the aging process.* OPCs are the most powerful free radical neutralizers, and you get the best of all OPCs by taking OPC-3 Chews. Regular use every day is vital for keeping free radicals in check for a long and healthy life. *

A single OPC-3 Chew contains 25 grams of Pycnogenol^® – the same amount found in a single serving of our Isotonix OPC-3 product. OPC-3 Chews are a delicious and convenient way to also get your OPC-3 – perfect for travel or extra busy days.