What Is Grape Seed Oil?
Grapeseed oil is one of the type of cooking oil derived from the seeds of grapes. This oil is derived from the leftover grapes post the process of winemaking or extraction. They are mostly derived from wine grapes and possess a neutral taste unlike the fruity taste of other cooking oils. Also, they are very light-colored. The high smoke point of grapeseed oil; nearly 420 degrees Fahrenheit, makes it a versatile choice for using it as a cooking oil in higher-heat cooking methods. These oils are also used for various purposes like grilling and sautéing foods.
Some studies suggest the use of grapeseed oil as a topical agent for promoting skin and hair health. Additionally, this oil has high contents of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids that has cardioprotective properties. They are often preferred and well-used by chefs owing to their heart-healthy benefits compared to the usual cooking or vegetable oils that may be high in saturated or trans fats. They can also be included in a balanced diet or regular diet regimen.
What Is the Nutritional Value of Grapeseed Oil?
The following nutrition information has been enlisted for approximately one tablespoon of grapeseed oil by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture):
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Fiber: 0 g (grams).
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Fat: 14 g.
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Sodium: 0 mg (milligrams).
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Carbohydrates: 0 g.
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Protein: 0 g.
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Calories: 120 kcal (kilocalorie).
Based on the above-mentioned nutritional information of grapeseed oil,
- The 120 calories per tablespoon are yielded from its fat content and the value of saturated fatty acids is quite low when compared to other vegetable oils and they only account for about 10 percent of the total content (1.5 grams of total saturated fatty acid content per tablespoon).
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The contents of monounsaturated fatty acids are around 18 percent. Hence the remaining 70 percent are polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is shown that the Omega-6 fatty acid (which belongs to the family of unsaturated fats) is the reason for this bulk of polyunsaturated fats.
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Nutritional experts suggest the usage of Omega-6 fatty acid in the diet due to their cardioprotective properties, however, some research and studies shows that diets high in Omega-6 fatty acid may increase systemic inflammation risk. Hence the ideal way to implement them in the diet is by combining them with the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (a type of polyunsaturated fat).
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According to the above-mentioned nutritional value, one tablespoon of grapeseed oil contains only minute traces of vitamin E of around eight milligram, However, not all grape seed oils can contain the same amounts of vitamin E because it depends on the cultivar of grapes used for a particular batch and also the environmental conditions during their growth.
What Are the Health Benefits of Grapeseed Oil?
A. Skin Hydrating and Wound Healing: Various dermatologists suggest the great benefits of grapeseed oil as a topical agent. Research also suggests that fatty acids present in this oil have the potential to increase skin hydration levels and also reduce the roughness and scaling of the epidermal layers. Omega-6 fatty acids, one of the major component of grapeseed oil is well known for their role in the healing of wounds.
B. Anti-bacterial and Immune Boosting: Phenolic compounds of grapeseed oil like resveratrol (a type of natural phenol) also act as a potent antioxidant source that can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, or Escherichia Coli and boost immunity and protect the body cells from possible bacterial infections.
C. Part of a Gluten-Free Diet: Grapeseed oil is recommended widely by experts as a part of special diets either as a single ingredient or as non-allergen food. This is because they do not contain any amounts of sodium, gluten, dairy, protein, carbohydrates, or any other animal product in it. Particularly in patients suffering from gluten allergies or celiac sensitivity (gluten intolerance), it can be incorporated as a gluten-free and dairy-free alternative.
How Are They Stored?
It is important to preserve the grapeseed oil tightly in a sealed and dark place like the kitchen pantry since it is highly prone to oxidation. It is advised to purchase them in smaller quantities so they can be stored for a longer period. It is recommended to never utilize the cooked grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oils can be used for all of the high-heat cooking methods like sautéing, grilling, and roasting. They can be used in addition to many dishes like vegetable salad dressings, pasta sauces, or baked goods.
How to Balance the Omega 6 Fatty Acids With Omega 3 Fats?
During the cold pressing process, oil is extracted from grape seeds by mechanical method without using either heat or chemicals. In the solvent-extracted method, heat and a chemical solvent like petroleum distillate are used to release the oil from grape seeds. Research shows that while the standard American diet tends to deviate towards increased consumption of dietary omega-6 fatty acids, balancing of foods with higher omega-3 content, such as the use of fatty fish or chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, kidney beans or edamame, alongside grapeseed oil can be beneficial. Adding other oils can certainly change both the composition and the smoke point of grapeseed oil, it can compromise the nutritional value of the grapeseed oil.
Conclusion:
Grapeseed oil is an excellent source of antioxidant phenolic compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, and tannins. The antioxidant content will vary according to the brand and extraction method. The key factor to keep in mind while using grape seed oil is to focus on the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet to avail the benefits of this nutritious oil and to sustain optimal health. The neutral flavor of the oil makes it an easy addition to various dishes. They are available all around the year and are widely used throughout the globe.
