Omega Biotech Corporation has produced a new beverage quality grape seed extract, (GSE) which it claims is ideal for use in a variety of beverages from white wine to clear juices and pure bottled water.
Protovin BQ is said to be low in tannins and have less astringency (bitter-dry taste) than Omega's other extracts. It is highly water soluble and requires no special considerations to incorporate it into the manufacturing process or beverages.
Most importantly, according to Omega Biotech, the extract does not change the taste of the beverage or influence its color or clarity when added in the recommended amounts.
Protovin BQ was originally designed to fortify white wine and to bring all of the so called 'French Paradox' health properties of the antioxidants found in red wine to the white wine marketplace. The successful conclusion of this development means that white wine can now have healthy antioxidant content without diminishing in any way, the pleasures of consuming the wine, Omega Biotech claims.
"Any beverage or food that is sensitive to taste and color changes can benefit from the addition of this GSE antioxidant. Additionally, shelf life and storage life after opening are extended by the reduction in product oxidation in the presence of atmospheric oxygen," the company claims.
Omega Biotech is a private, Canadian owned company established in 1991 to develop and extract phytonutrients from botanicals, including oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) from grape seeds, for use in the nutraceutical, food and beverage, and personal care sectors.
The company claims that its original Protovin GSE has been recognized as one of the most potent antioxidants available to help fight and limit the damage caused by free radicals, the unstable compounds that are implicated in the aging process and onset of all degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
Omega Biotech also manufacturers and produces specialized nutraceutical capsule-based antioxidant retail products and cosmeceutical trans-dermal network antioxidant creams. Omega continues to focus its presence in the functional food and beverage, personal care, cosmetic and pet nutrition sectors.