Over the last few years, grape seed oil has become popular as a dietary supplement and for its use in cooking.
Grape seed oil is perhaps even more popular for use in cosmetics! But, for dietary purposes it is considered a healthy unsaturated fat.
Is grape seed oil really worth all the hype?
Nutrition Facts
1 Tbsp. of Grape Seed Oil:
- 120 Calories
- 13.6 g Fat
- 1.3 g Saturated Fat
- 9.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat
- 2.2 g Monounsaturated Fat
- 3.9 mg Vitamin E (19% of your Daily Value)
- 24.3 mg Phytosterols
Grape seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats–mainly, the omega-6 fatty acids called linoleic acid. Grape seed oil contains plenty of antioxidants. However, the antioxidants are not stable, and are fewer upon consumption. Grape seed oil is unique in that it contains phytosterols which can significantly help to reduce cholesterol. Overall, grape seed oil is considered a healthy fat because it is plant-based and contains plenty of unsaturated fats.
Grapeseed oil is an excellent frying or sautéing oil since it can be heated to high heat without smoking. The oil is very mild and lightly flavored so it works well in most dishes.
However, many people like to get their nutritional benefits in a pill form rather than adding to foods. Grape seed extract is very concentrated so the pill form is high in vitamin E, omega-6 oils, and antioxidants. This is one case where the supplement may provide more benefits than the actual oil.
Conclusion
Who knew the tiny seed of the grape had all this nutrition! However, I will personally stick to my omega-3 fish oil supplements and olive oil for my fat choices in my diet. I prefer to get more of the omega-3 than omega-6. We still need more research to prove that grape seed oil can outshine or at least match the benefits of those omega-3′s.
How about you, have you tried grape seed oil?
Did it exist during l’Ancien Régime? Then I might consider it.
I also limit my intake of omega-6, as Ryan and Spectra mentioned. I’ve been following the Zone diet for many years. One of the basics of the Zone is to avoid eating omega-6 because it increase inflammation at the cellular level.
you know I prefare to eat whatever i love anytime
and just don’t eat over dose, and it works for me
I have never had a weight or any problem
just because I love my body and i give him what he deserve
and he turn te favore to me and give the health.
but my experience could not work for everybody….
that why i have never think about adding anything
all natural foods could make you good
diet solution
I agree with Ryan–adding more omega-6 fatty acids to your diet doesn’t sound like a great idea. I would maybe use it for cooking since the smoke point is high and the oil is fairly flavorless, but as far as supplements go, I’ll stick to fish oil.
Doctors recommend to keep 1:1 omega-3/omega-6 ratio, 4:1 maximum. @O. It is available in the supermarkets. I use it for cooking all the time. They say it is ok to use Olive oil for low and medium heat cooking, and use coconut oil for high heat. I use grape seed for high heat.
Given how much the Omega-6/Omega-3 balance is off in most people’s diets, this seems like a really bad idea. I specifically try to limit my polyunsaturated fat intake; you need small amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6, but otherwise you don’t really want them.
Also, are people really still getting excited over cholesterol levels?
No I haven’t. Is it avaiable in the supermarket next to the other cooking oils?