Content
Grape seed oil or grape oil is a product produced from the cold pressing of grape seeds that are left over during wine production. These seeds, because they are small, produce a small amount of oil, requiring about 200 kg of grapes to produce 1 liter of oil and, therefore, it is a more expensive vegetable oil compared to other oils.
This type of oil is rich in vitamin E, phenolic compounds and phytosterols, which provide antioxidant properties. In addition, it contains polyunsaturated fat, mainly omega 6, which when combined with a healthy and balanced diet, helps to maintain heart health and prevent skin aging.
What is it for
The use of grape oil has increased recently due to the fact that it has a pleasant taste. In addition, it has been shown that its use could provide several health benefits, the main ones being:
1. Improve cholesterol
Because it is rich in linoleic acid (omega 6), a polyunsaturated fatty acid, grape seed oil could help regulate bad cholesterol (LDL), taking care of heart health.
In addition due to its high content of vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant, preventing the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries and preventing diseases such as heart attack, atherosclerosis and stroke.
2. Moisturize the skin
Due to its moisturizing properties, this oil keeps the skin well hydrated and prevents flaking. In addition, because it is rich in vitamin E, it prevents the formation of wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, scars and premature skin aging.
3. Strengthen and moisturize hair
Grape seed oil is also a powerful moisturizer for the hair, which helps prevent open ends, excessive shedding and fragile and brittle fibers, as well as helping to reduce dandruff and keep the scalp hydrated.
To use on the hair, it is recommended to add a teaspoon of grape oil along with the weekly moisturizing mask or to add it at the moment the shampoo is to be applied to the hair, massaging the scalp well with your fingertips.
4. Prevent chronic diseases
This type of oil is rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acid, resveratrol, quercetin, tannins and vitamin E. All of these compounds with antioxidant properties prevent damage to cells caused by the formation of free radicals and could have a neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor, preventing diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, dementia and some types of cancer.
5. Exerts antimicrobial effect
Some studies indicate that grape seed oil has antimicrobial properties, since it contains resveratrol, inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and the Escherichia coli.
Grape seed oil lose weight?
Grape seed oil has no proven effect on weight loss, especially when it is not part of a routine of healthy habits, such as eating well and doing physical activity.
However, the use of grape oil in small portions a day helps to improve health, balance flora and intestinal transit and reduce inflammation in the body, actions that naturally lead to weight loss.
Nutritional information
The following table provides nutritional information for 1 tablespoon of grape seed oil:
Nutritional components | 1 tablespoon (15 mL) |
Energy | 132.6 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Polyunsaturated fat | 10.44 g |
Monounsaturated fat | 2.41 g |
Saturated fat | 1,44 |
Omega 6 (linoleic acid) | 10.44 g |
Vitamin E | 4.32 mg |
It is important to keep in mind that to have all the benefits mentioned above, grape seed oil must include a balanced and healthy diet.
How to use
Grape seed oil can be purchased at supermarkets, cosmetic or nutrition stores and online stores. It can be found in liquid form or in capsules.
To consume, just add 1 teaspoon to the raw or cooked salads.
This type of oil could be an option for frying or cooking food, because it is quite stable at high temperatures, not producing toxic compounds for the body.
Grape seed capsules
1 to 2 capsules, between 130 to 300 mg per day, of grape seed are usually recommended, for a maximum of 2 months, and should stop for about 1 month. However, ideally, it should be used according to the guidance of a nutritionist or herbalist.