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Grape seed oil is obtained by extraction from crushed seeds, which are a waste product in wine production. So is grape seed oil he althy?

Grape seeds, which are the raw material for the production of oil, are a waste product resulting from the production of grape wine. For many hundreds of years the seeds have not been used. Currently, modern technologies make it possible to obtain oils even from as little oily seeds as grape and raspberry seeds.

Oil is obtained by extraction from crushed grape seeds, most often with the use of high temperature and organic solvents, because mechanical pressing alone is too ineffective. Cold-pressed oils using only mechanical methods, such as extra virgin olive oil or unrefined coconut oil, are considered to be much more valuable for he alth.

Grape seed oil - nutritional value

Grape seed oil has a light yellow color, it is transparent and does not contain sediments. It has a very mild flavor, is practically tasteless and odorless. The calorific value of grape seed oil is very similar to that of other vegetable oils - 100 g provides 880 kcal.

Grape seed oil consists of nearly 100% fats:

  • linoleic acid (unsaturated from the omega-6 family) - 69.6%,
  • oleic acid (unsaturated from the omega-9 family) - 15.8%,
  • palmitic acid (saturated) - 7%,
  • stearic acid (saturated) - 4%,
  • palmitoleic acid (unsaturated from the omega-7 family) - less than 1%,
  • alpha-linolenic acid (unsaturated from the omega-3 family) - 0.1%.

The remaining ingredients of the oil are 0.8 to 1.5% unsaponifiable substances, which include phenols (tocopherols) and sterols (campesterol, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol). The oil contains a lot of vitamin E - 3.9 mg in a tablespoon, which covers 19% of the daily requirement. The presence of vitamin E and tocopherols, which are antioxidants, gives the oil stability and slows down the oxidation processes that worsen the quality of fats.

Grape seed oil - properties

Vitamin E, present in grape seed oil, regulates blood cholesterol levels, is an antioxidant and helps protect the body against numerous diseases caused by freeradicals, has a positive effect on the nervous system and the body's balance, protects cells against aging and improves the appearance of the skin. Grape seed oil is not the richest source of vitamin E, but it does provide plenty of it.

Unlike grapes, the seed oil of this fruit does not have many he alth benefits. Due to the presence of very large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and the unfavorable ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, this oil is not recommended in a balanced, pro-he alth diet. Excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids contributes to the development of chronic inflammation and increases the risk of many diseases.

Grape seed oil and grapes

Grape seed oil is sometimes compared for its he alth benefits to grapes, which are widely known for their beneficial effects on the body. However, this comparison has little to do with reality.

Resveratrol and the other antioxidants responsible for the he alth effects of grapes are found in the fruit, mainly in and just below the skin. Grape seeds contain large amounts of antioxidant proanthocyanidins, but they are not found in the oil because they do not dissolve in it.

Another "marketing trick" is to present grape seed oil as a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, the supply of which is necessary with the diet. This is true, but it is not mentioned that this oil contains almost exclusively omega-6 fatty acids (around 70%) with negligible amounts of omega-3 (0.1%) or the role of omega-6 in he alth is mistakenly emphasized.

Both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are important to the body, but the modern diet provides too much omega-6 while being deficient in omega-3. Recommended by specialists, the proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 consumption is from 1: 1 to 10: 1, while in grape seed oil it is 700: 1.

To avoid he alth problems related to omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, you should limit your dietary sources of omega-6, as both fatty acids compete for the same metabolic pathways, an excess of omega-6 prevents the use of omega-3 and the key is balance between them in the body.

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Grape seed oil - negative effect on he alth

Due to the unfavorable proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, consumption of grape seed oil may negatively affect your he alth. The he alth risks associated with consuming too much omega-6 fatty acids with the diet are:

  • impairment of the immune system and intensification of inflammatory processes, which results, among others, in increased risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, faster aging and greater susceptibility to infections;
  • adverse effect on the lipid profile;
  • hormonal imbalance and disturbances in the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation. A high level of omega-6 contributes to the disruption of the production of sex hormones, hormones responsible for good mood, and negatively affects the functioning of the thyroid gland;
  • influence on weight gain through chronic inflammation and inducing hormonal disorders.

The benefits of vitamin E in grape seed oil are much lower than the risks of excess omega-6 fatty acids in your diet. Grape seed oil is not a recommended fat for a he althy diet, especially as vitamin E can be obtained from numerous other sources.

Why is it worth trying grapes?

Grape seed oil - application

Grape seed oil is not suitable for frying despite the high smoke temperature (216 degrees C). This is due to the composition of fatty acids. This oil contains mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids, which react very badly to high temperature and air access - they undergo oxidation and transformations, resulting in the formation of compounds harmful to he alth.

Frying fats should contain a maximum of 15% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and grape seed oil contains nearly 70% of them. Theoretically, it can be used cold as an addition to salads, but due to the composition of fatty acids that is unfavorable to he alth, grape seed oil is not recommended for consumption.

A small amount of grape seed oil is not expected to cause negative he alth effects, howeverthis fat should only be used as an additiveand not as a basic oil in your diet.

Grape seed oil is often used in cosmetology. It is great for moisturizing the skin, helps to reduce wrinkles and get rid of pimples, and in the form of a mask, it improves the condition of dry and brittle hair.

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