Grapeseed oil is extracted from crushing the seeds found inside the vine’s fruit. We show you its composition, what it is for, and who should avoid it.
Thanks to its fruity aroma and flavor, grapeseed oil is widely used in the maceration of meats and the preparation of vinaigrettes. It is also prized in cosmetology for its high levels of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that can improve skin health.
Extracted from the seeds found in the vine’s fruit, this oil owes its popularity to the high concentrations of chemical compounds it contains. These include polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E.
How is grapeseed essential oil processed? What is its composition? What uses does it have? Find out everything in detail.
How is the oil extracted?
Grapeseed oil is obtained from the seeds of these fruits, considered a by-product of winemaking. For thousands of years, wine producers did not know what to do with them. However, the technology allowed them to develop a process in which the oil is extracted from the seeds.
To do this, the seeds are crushed, and solvents are used. However, there is concern about the use of these substances, given that some, in this case, hexane, are related to harmful effects on health.
However, solvents often disappear in the manufacturing process, and there is no scientific evidence that hexane residues in oil cause short– or long-term damage. Of course, the environmental impact can be worrying.
In that sense, ensure that the essential oil of grape seeds you acquire indicates how it was processed. Otherwise, you must assume that it was made with chemicals.
Composition of grapeseed oil
According to research published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, grapeseed oil has phenolic compounds and unsaturated fatty acids that give it anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
In general, the fatty acids present in this oil are distributed as follows:
- 10% saturated.
- 16 % monounsaturated.
- 70 % polyunsaturated.
Most of these polyunsaturated fats consist of omega 6. According to studies, it is linked to an increase in inflammation in the body compared to omega 3.
This is also reported in otherresearchlinkinga a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. However, there is scientific evidence that linoleic acid does not alter blood concentrations of inflammatory markers.
In this context, it cannot be assured that a diet high in omega-6 acids is the cause of pathologies. More research is still needed to yield conclusive results.
On the other hand, grapeseed oil is also a source of vitamin E. A tablespoon of 3.9 milligrams represents 19% of the recommended daily intake.
What other uses does it have?
Although grapeseed oil is known to improve skin health by fighting acne, treating oily skin, and rejuvenating skin tissues, these aren’t its only uses. It can also be used in cooking and aromatherapy, so let’s see more details below,
In the kitchen
Since it has a high smoke point, grapeseed oil can be used for frying and stir-frying. However, it is not recommended to be a source of polyunsaturated fats.
According to a study published in Vascular Pharmacology, this type of fat usually reacts unfavorably to oxygen at high temperatures, which creates harmful compounds and free radicals.
Therefore, please avoid using this oil for frying and use it as a salad dressing. Add it to the preparation of mayonnaise and baked goods or the maceration of meats.
In aromatherapy
Chronic stress can trigger several major dermatological problems, such as acne, hair loss, dry skin, rashes, and premature aging. Fortunately, aromatherapy is known to calm anxiety. Similarly, it is believed that grapeseed oil can serve as a carrier or base oil in this practice, as well as for sessions that include massages.
Possible Risks of Grapeseed Oil
The risks are few for those not allergic to this oil if applied to the skin. If you do not know if you have an allergy, a simple test is enough.
This involves applying oil to a part of the body, such as the wrists or ankles, and waiting 24 hours. If, after this time, there is no reaction (spots or rash), the skin can tolerate it.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), grapeseed oil may not be recommended for people suffering from blood diseases, who will have surgery, and who take blood thinners such as warfarin.
In addition, research published in theJournal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that some grapeseed oils can exhibit harmful levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of more than 100 chemicals known to be carcinogenic in animals. For now, these effects have not been evidenced in humans.
Only some people can use grapeseed oil.
Grapeseed oil comes from the pips found inside the fruits of the vine. These are a by-product of winemaking, so they are crushed and used as a solvent to make the oil.
On the other hand, some do not agree with this process because they consider it unhealthy, although there is no conclusive evidence that solvents can cause damage to the body.
Its benefits include improving skin health, from fighting acne and treating dry skin to reducing dark circles and stimulating tissue rejuvenation. Its uses, beyond cosmetics, include gastronomy and aromatherapy.
Now, not everyone can use this oil. If you are allergic, suffer from a blood disease, and will be operated on or take anticoagulant medications, you should avoid their consumption and topical use.