Benefits of grape seed oil

Grape seed oil has recently become more and more popular, after the scientists have found that it has many advantages over other edible oils. This oil has many uses, from cooking to cosmetic purposes and medicinal effects.

About grape seed oil

Grape seed oil is a light, somewhat sweet and nutty-flavored oil obtained from the seeds of various plants of vitus vinifera. It is a by-product of grapes used for making wine, in which the seeds are discarded. The seeds can be collected and pressed to obtain the oil.

It is a well-known fact that oil is not supposed to be burned, because it can become harmful for the human health. However, grape seed oil has a high smoking point, which means that it can safely be used for all types of cooking, including frying, which are otherwise not considered to be healthy.

Grape seed oil owes its popularity to its health benefits but also to many cosmetic uses.

Health benefits of grape seed oil

Most of the studies performed on grape seed oil focused on its effects on cardiovascular health, blood sugar levels and cancer. Most of them have found that this oil is definitely very beneficial and deserves to be examined more thoroughly.

Grape seed oil is very rich in antioxidants, which repair the damage caused by free radicals. In addition, this oil contains vitamins E and C, beta-carotene and flavonoids.

It is believed that grape seed oil has the ability to lower the cholesterol, especially LDL, the so-called “bad cholesterol”. It also increases HDL, or the “good” cholesterol, which reduces the risk of coronary diseases.

It is also believed that this oil can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers, especially colon, stomach and prostate cancers. Furthermore, it contains certain compounds that improve the vision, joint mobility and blood circulation.

Since it suppresses the production of histamine, grape seed oil can help with symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Cosmetic uses

Because of its high content of antioxidants and vitamins, and for its emollient property too, grape seed oil is widely used in cosmetics. It is also an astringent, and it tightens and tones the skin. It contains linoleic acid, which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, essential for the structure of the cell membranes. It nourishes and repairs the skin and reduces its blemishes.

The skin absorbs this oil very easily, because it is light, and it can be used for protection from the sun too. It is a mild antiseptic and moisturizer and it has no side effects on the skin.

Grape seed oil can be used on the hair too, to make it shinier and more subtle and to repair it.