Packed with antioxidants as well as vitamins B and K, grapes make for a great snack.
This may lead you to think that grapeseed oil is a healthy cooking oil.
However, not all oils are as nutritious as the plants they come from.
What is grapeseed oil?
Grapeseed oil is exactly what it sounds likeoil extracted from the seeds of grapes1.
If youre wondering, Doesnt that mean grapeseed oil is essentially wine?
youre not too far off.
Grapeseed oil is a byproduct from winemaking.
This means it can withstand high temperatures without oxidizing or losing flavor.
Summary
The nutritional value of grapeseed oil.
One tablespoon ofgrapeseed oil2contains:
Grapeseed oil has a high polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) content.
Most of its PUFA fatty acids are in the form of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.
Different forms of grapeseed oil.
Most of the grapeseed oil you’ll find in stores is refined.
Heres a look at some of the health benefits of grapeseed oil.
It may improve your skin health and appearance.
When grapeseed oil is used in skincare products, the polyphenols and flavonoids can help increasecollagen production.
Kobets says these ingredients will be listed on labels as procyanidin and resveratrol.
This is important because it means that grapeseed oil can potentially be used on acne-prone skin, says Kobets.
It may help with hair loss.
It may support heart health.
Most research on grapeseed oil has been preclinical and conducted on animals or targeted cells.
This means that more clinical research on humans is needed to validate claims.
However, early research shows that some of the components in grapeseed oil are beneficial for heart health.
It may help lower cholesterol.
Preclinical trials8have found that winery residues have reduced cholesterol in rats by half, while increasing HDL good cholesterol.
It may be helpful for those with diabetes.
The downsides of grapeseed oil.
Theres not enough research.
Plus, its likely these benefits can be achieved through other dietary means.
Potential allergies and chemical exposure.
If you are allergic to grapes (or wine) then grapeseed oil isnt a fit for you.
Omega-6 content and inflammation.
Possible irritation to your hair and skin.
So, is grapeseed oil healthy?
Applying grapeseed oil to your skin and hair hasmany proven benefits3for those who don’t have sensitivities.
Cooking with grapeseed oil isnt a bad thing, but nutritionally speaking, oils likeavocado oilandolive oilare healthier.
This is because grapeseed oil can be highly refined, and has a higher omega-6 content than other oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grapeseed oil good for cooking?
Grapeseed oilsneutral flavor and high smoke pointmake it good for cooking.
However, its far from the most nutritious choice in the kitchen.
Is grapeseed oil good for frying?
Yes, the oil’shigh smoke point of 420 degreesmakes it good for frying.
However, its more expensive than other frying oils likevegetable oil.
Is grapeseed oil healthier than olive oil?
Olive oilis ahealthier oil for daily cooking.
