The benefits and harms of grape seed oil

The benefits and harms of grape oil have been discovered long ago, since it has been used by humanity since the domestication of grapes. The properties of this product are multifaceted: from its use in cooking to cosmetic and medical applications. Today, almost all of the oil produced is produced in the Mediterranean region, the traditional grape growing area.

Methods for making grape oil

Like any other similar product, the oil has two methods of obtaining: cold and hot. With the cold method, the usual mechanical pressing of the pits of technical (used in winemaking) grapes is performed using a conventional press. This oil retains all the beneficial substances and is used in all areas - from cooking to medicine.

The second way to get it is hot. With it, the fats in the oil are enriched with additional hydrocarbons, which makes the yield of the product significantly increase. The process technology is such that in 99% of cases the hot method is carried out simultaneously with refining (purification). The benefits of refined grape oil are somewhat lower than natural (it is used, for example, in medicine much less often), but it turns out much more, and its price is significantly lower.

The chemical composition of grape oil

The chemical composition of the product depends on the grape variety and growing conditions. Below are the average values ​​of the content of vitamins in the liquid part of the seeds of technical grape varieties:

• vitamin A - 0.05 mg;
• vitamin E - 0.28 mg;
• vitamin K - 0.15 mg;
• vitamin C - 11 mg;
• vitamins B (B1, B2, B4, B6, B9) - a total of 7.0 mg;
• vitamin PP - 0.56 mg.

It also contains lutein in an amount of 600 to 750 mcg. All vitamin contents are based on 100 g of product.

The main content of the product is fatty acids. Their percentage is as follows:

• linoleic acid (Omega-6) - 72%;
• oleic (Omega-9) - 16-25%;
• palmitic - 7%;
• stearic - 4%;
• alpha linoleic (Omega-3).

All acids are unsaturated and well absorbed by the body.

The mineral composition of the product is as follows:

• calcium - 10 mg;
• phosphorus - 20 mg;
• magnesium - 7 mg;
• sodium - 2 mg;
• potassium - 0.2 mg;
• iron - 370 mcg;
• copper - 130 mcg;
• manganese and zinc - 70 mcg each;
• fluorine - 78 mcg;
• selenium - 1 mcg.

As it is easy to see, the mineral composition is very diverse and contains even components that are rarely found in the plant world.

Nutritional value and calorie content of grape oil

The calorie content of the product practically does not depend on its production method. For refined and cold-pressed, it is 902 and 899 kcal, respectively.

The nutritional value of the product is:

• proteins - 0%;
• fats - 99.9%;
• carbohydrates - 0%.

Why is grape oil useful?

The health benefits of grape seed oil are enormous. It contains high concentrations of vitamins A, B, E and C. In addition, it contains the maximum amount of unsaturated acids among oils.

In this regard, it will be very useful for the cardiovascular system, since its use strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Thanks to linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids, the walls become not only strong, but also elastic.

In addition, alpha-linoleic acid is involved in the normalization of fat metabolism. Regular consumption of grape oil products significantly reduces the risks of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

The vitamin and mineral composition makes it an indispensable tool in the prevention of diseases such as varicose veins, diabetes, rhinopathy and many others.

The product is also recommended for use in case of gastrointestinal diseases. Its action in this case will be complex: bactericidal, regenerating and anti-inflammatory. It is recommended to use it for colitis, gastritis, ulcers. The hepatoprotective properties of the product make it possible to use it in the prevention of cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

In addition, external use is also practiced. The benefits of grape seed oil for the skin are in the treatment of skin diseases, injuries, burns, problems with the musculoskeletal system.

The oil has the ability to enhance the immunity of the human body due to the B vitamins, zinc and copper. Its antioxidant properties make it an excellent anti-tumor agent.

And, of course, do not forget about the cosmetic properties of the product. Its use in folk beauty recipes has its explanation not only in acidic or vitamin composition. The selenium present in the product is very important, one might say critically necessary for nails and hair.

For women

The rich vitamin composition helps women cope with vitamin deficiency during pregnancy and lactation. For example, 5 ml of the product contains the daily requirement of vitamin E.

Minerals and unsaturated fatty acids are able to regulate hormones in the female body. Grape oil is involved in the regulation of the synthesis of sex hormones, in particular estrogen. Drinking it regularly can reduce menstrual pain and relieve menopause symptoms.

This product for women is not only of interest from a health point of view. Eating it, as well as its use in cosmetology, is perfectly reflected in the appearance of the fair sex.

For men

The substances included in the product significantly improve the male reproductive system:

• increase potency;
• stabilize erectile function;
• improve spermatogenesis;
• support the work of the prostate gland.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, this product provides mother and baby with many vitamins and minerals. Its widest "mineral" spectrum is also a serious help to the mother's body in bearing a child.

It is believed that although grape oil does not increase lactation, it has a very beneficial effect on the quality of milk and even its taste.

For children

In theory, the oil can be given to children as young as 12 months of age, but nutritionists and doctors advise against this.

If the product is recommended for use for medicinal purposes for children, it is allowed to take it no more than 5 ml per day, and then after consulting a pediatrician or doctor.

Is grape oil good for weight loss?

The oil has a very high calorie content. And in principle, it is impossible to use high-calorie foods for weight loss in food.The exceptions are all kinds of mono diets and fasting days, as well as the use of such products for medical purposes.

It is the latter method that is applicable to grape oil. Taking it a teaspoon a day, you can fully “complete” the body with vitamin E, which regulates fat balance and is a powerful antioxidant.

Also, when losing weight, you can use the product externally. It is used for anti-cellulite massage.

How to take grape oil internally

Usually oil is not used in its pure form. Most often it is used as part of traditional medicine, which includes various herbs or berries.

A relatively simple tincture with yarrow is made as follows: crushed yarrow herb is infused for 8 hours in a liter of boiling water, after which it is filtered and a tablespoon of oil, 5 g of alcohol and 5 ml of glycerin is added to it.

The tool is used to treat atherosclerosis and prevent the immune system. It is taken twice a day, 25 drops before meals. The course of treatment is one week.

For the treatment and prevention of diseases of the joints and the cardiovascular system, tincture of oil and herbal collection should be used.

Cooking recipe: 5 g of the following dried and crushed components are taken:

• chamomile flowers;
• plantain leaves;
• rhizomes of Knotweed and Potentilla.

All components are mixed and filled with 250 ml of boiling water. After 15 minutes of brewing, the infusion is filtered, and 10 ml of oil and 5 g of blueberry berries are added to it.

The mixture must be taken 5-6 times a day, 10 ml. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

The use of grape oil in cosmetology

Due to unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and microelements, the product is widely used in cosmetology for skin care of the face and neck. The product is used both independently and in a mixture with other components as a massage ointment.

For facial skin

For this purpose, a mixture of the product with berry juice is best suited.

Recipe:

• egg yolk shakes well;
• 5 ml of blackcurrant juice, oil and 5 drops of lemon are added to it;
• everything is thoroughly mixed.

The mask is applied to the skin of the face and neck, after 15 minutes it is washed off with warm water. It is recommended to repeat the procedure after three days.

For hair, eyelashes and nails

You should not use anything superfluous here. Simply apply the oil to your hair, nails or eyelashes and hold it there for 10-15 minutes. The procedure can be performed every 2-3 days.

For body

To increase the elasticity of the skin and its health, the following composition is used:

• grape oil - 30 ml;
• rosemary - 5 drops;
• mint - 3 drops;
• lavender - 3 drops.

This mixture is applied to the body after taking a bath or shower. You do not need to wash it off, it must be absorbed.

For massage

You can use the product in its pure form, or you can combine it with some other oil (almond, peach, olive, etc.)

If a massage is done against cellulite, then the composition of the mixture for it may be as follows:

• 35 ml of grape oil;
• 5 drops of essential extract of lemon, geranium or fennel.

Also for this purpose, lavender or rosemary extract is used.

How to use grape oil in cooking

First of all, you can use this product for cooking fried foods on it. Its boiling point is +216 ° C, which allows you to fry any food on it without the danger of burning. For this purpose, it is better to use refined oil.

The benefits of edible grape seed oil are used in a huge number of dishes, in which it can replace ordinary sunflower or olive oil: it is used in salads, it is used to make sauces, mayonnaise, and so on.

The oleic acid in the product will help preserve other oils used in cooking for longer. Adding about one fourth of grape oil to any other oil (sunflower, corn, flaxseed, olive, etc.) will significantly extend their shelf life.

Is it possible to make grape oil at home

Such a procedure can be done by direct squeezing if there is a press of sufficient power. If there is no such press, then the procedure becomes much more complicated.

It is necessary to grind dried grape seeds, tamp them tightly into a container and pour sunflower oil over it. Refill as it is absorbed. After the absorption is over, the container is placed in the refrigerator for a week.

Then the resulting mixture is wrung out, filtered and again placed in the refrigerator for a week. There, after a week, the mixture will be divided into two components: the sunflower will remain below, and the grape will remain on top, which has a characteristic greenish color. It should be carefully scooped out with an ordinary spoon.

The cake can be poured again and the whole process can be repeated, only the product yield will be 2-3 times less.

Harm of grape oil and contraindications

The harm of the product lies, first of all, in its high calorie content. In addition, in the case of allergy to grapes, allergic reactions to the stone are possible, but such cases are extremely rare.

How to choose and store grape oil

When choosing a product during purchase, you should pay attention to its color. It should definitely be a little greenish. A deviation in yellowness or completely yellow in the case of a refined product is allowed.

If the color of the product is brown and it has a sediment, it is better not to purchase such oil.

Storage conditions are standard: sealed containers and a temperature not lower than +2 ° С in a dark place. The shelf life of an unopened container is one year, an unopened package can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 months.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of grape oil are contained in its composition. The product is rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. The benefits of grape oil for the body have long been tested by time and are not in doubt by either folk or traditional medicine. It can also be used in cooking and cosmetology.

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