Grapeseed oil is marketed as a healthy product that can reduce the risk of becoming overweight.
But is there evidence that scientifically demonstrates what is stated about this new food?
For these reasons, in this article we will review all the data that exists on grape seed oil, what it is, its nutritional properties, benefits and ways to use it .
What is grapeseed oil?
Grapeseed oil is obtained from the seeds or pips of grapes that are discarded during winemaking. It has a yellowish color , while its smell and taste are mild, but can be described as sweet with bitter features.
For its part, the lineage of the oil is made by grinding the seeds through an industrial process that involves the use of high temperatures.
Important: The use of chemical products is used to extract the oil, a toxic solvent is used, traces of which have been found in some cooking oils.
Likewise, the “cold pressed” or “expeller pressed” versions are oils made following natural extraction methods, so it is always better to purchase this kind of oil.
What nutritional properties does grape seed oil have?
Grapeseed oil is marketed as an oil rich in nutrients, antioxidants , such as resveratrol and linoleic acid, in addition to its content of phytosterols and carotenoids.
Note: During the industrial extraction process, most of the nutrients present in the grape seeds are lost , leaving only a large amount of vitamin E.
The nutritional value of this grape derivative is as follows:
- Vitamin E: 19% of the necessary daily allowance (CDR).
- Other vitamins: 0% of the RDA.
- Minerals : 0% of the RDA.
- Fats: 13.5 gr for each tablespoon.
In addition, this culinary supplement has a wide variety of fats that are classified as:
1. Polyunsaturated fatty acids
It has 70% polyunsaturated fats, that is, they cannot be synthesized by our body and at the same time they are essential for the proper functioning of the body, therefore, its consumption through foods of both vegetable and animal origin is essential.
In turn, the polyunsaturated compounds present in this food are classified as: omega 3 and omega 6.
Taking into account that both are important for an optimal state of health , but for this to be achieved there must always be a balance between the levels of the two fatty components.
Important: Grape seed oil has a high content of polyunsaturated substances, very sensitive to high temperatures and easily oxidized.
2. Monounsaturated fatty acids
Additionally, this oil has 16% monounsaturated substances, these are a type of healthy fat . The best known is oleic acid, the most representative fat in olive oil .
However, a study published by the British Journal of Nutrition (1) indicates that excess omega 6 can cause various diseases and grape seed oil has a high content of this type of fatty component.
3. Saturated fats
For society, the fact that an oil contained few saturated substances meant that it was a very healthy oil , since fat “increases” the risk of heart disease.
However, according to studies carried out by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2) , it is evident that there is no association between the consumption of saturated fats and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Note: Grape seed oil has 10% saturated substances , taking into account that the consumption of this compound must be equally balanced.
Finally, this food also seems to contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a substance associated with an increase in the incidence of various types of cancer in humans.
What are the benefits of grapeseed oil for health?
Currently, there are few studies carried out on the effects of consuming grape seed oil and how it can be an aid to improve health or as part of treatments to avoid some type of disease naturally in humans.
However, there are studies that support some benefits of this oil that we mention below:
1. Helps to lose weight
One of the few scientific supports for this grape derivative was disclosed by the University of Florida (3) , where they ensure that the consumption of products made with Muscadine grape seed oil can help reduce obesity.
Note: The Muscadine grape is a type of grape grown in North America, and its oil contains a class of tocopherol that helps fight obesity .
Its name of seed oil makes it similar in composition to other seed oils such as soybean oil, corn oil.
2. Improves skin health
The high content of antioxidants and tocopherol make this grape derivative the ideal complement if you require massages to reduce inflammation or relieve muscle pain.
Important: Its mild smell, together with its antioxidant property, make this oil perfect for fighting wrinkles , it is also good for slowing down aging and improving the appearance of the skin.
Likewise, it is useful to reduce scars or marks caused by acne and helps to improve stretch marks that usually appear due to significant weight loss or after pregnancy.
As well as, it is one of the best options for body reducing massages where fat loss is stimulated naturally.
Tip: If you want to recover the elasticity of your skin, we advise you to perform small massages on the affected skin at night.
3. Promotes hair growth
The properties of this derivative of grape seeds accelerate hair growth.
In this sense, this oil is a good resource to stimulate the development and strengthening of hair follicles , both on the scalp and in the eyebrows and eyelashes, making them grow healthier, with greater vitality and volume.
You should know: Despite being an oil, this ingredient can be used by people with mixed scalps , since it has the particularity of not leaving a greasy sensation on the area where it is applied.
How is grapeseed oil used?
Given that it presents a series of benefits for the health of the human body, we present below the most common ways to use this food and thus obtain its nutrients.
1. Culinary uses
Grapeseed oil may be an excellent choice for high heat cooking due to its high smoke point.
Important: When we are dealing with an oil rich in polyunsaturated substances, it does not matter that its smoke point is high to consider it appropriate for cooking.
Grapeseed oil contains fatty acids made up of many double bonds that react with oxygen when heated .
This reaction leads to the creation of harmful substances and free radicals that can harm our body.
You should know: Grape seed oil is not a good idea to cook our food, in turn it can be used in small quantities as a dressing or as part of a special recipe, but in its raw form, that is, without having to subject it to extreme heat.
2. Topical uses
Grape seed oil used as an ointment or product for topical and external use can be beneficial for health, especially around conditions at the capillary level.
It is often used as a massage oil or in aromatherapy and many people claim that it is excellent for moisturizing hair and skin .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.