We hear a lot about antioxidants and how they are good for us, and there are many choices from chocolate and green tea to vitamins and supplements. OPC (Oligomeric Procyanthocyanidins) is one of those options. It is a plant derived antioxidant combined with extracts from red wine, grape seeds, and pine bark. It actually helps your body remove waste (free radicals) produced by cells when they use oxygen. If you’ve ever had a car near the beach you know how salty air will cause it to rust. In much the same way these by products work away at your body and wear away it’s natural defenses and structures. Over long periods of time they lead to chronic illnesses and debilitating symptoms.

OPC is exciting because it not only cleanses the body of these corrosive materials, but it also strengthens blood vessels and helps the body repair itself. After taking OPC for only a couple of weeks you will begin to notice signs of your body repairing. Hair comes in thicker and stronger, nails are smoother, have less bumps or white spots, and you have more energy. Over longer periods of time OPC doesn’t just enhance the exterior of the body, but is cleansing the interior and repairing damage caused by poor diet, stress, and excessive hormones. OPC’s greatest asset to fertility is its ability to reduce inflammation and help bring the body into balance.

OPC enhances fertility in men by increasing sperm production, morphology (structure of the sperm), and decreasing inflammation in the prostate. These benefits make the supplement useful not only in the short term, but insuring the long-term health of the male reproductive system.

In women OPC increases blood circulation to the pelvic area, decreases inflammation, and reduces the impact of stress on the body. The overall effect of these changes is an enhanced uterine environment that is better prepared for the fertility process.

For more information please contact Heather Smith, L.Ac., Fertility Acupuncturist at CNY Healing Arts, 585-244-1280.