Grape Bran, A Novel Food Ingredient to Combat Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Caused by a `Western Diet`

Obesity and accompanying metabolic diseases are major public health and economic challenges in the United States. Insulin resistance and high blood cholesterol, once found mostly in older adults, are now commonly observed in children. Dietary supplementation or amendment of deficient foods with ingredients that are high in fiber and plant antioxidants may be a cost-effective means of managing weight and decreasing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Defatted grape seed bran (GSB) has the potential for improving human health by decreasing weight gain as well as plasma and liver lipids.