GRAPESEED
OIL
select an article, a page, a clinical trial or read about california wine country
This particular oil is used by gourmet chefs such as Charlie Trotter
for those occasions when a high heat oil is needed for cooking. Unlike hemp
seed oil and olive oils and butter which smoke at high heat, grapeseed oil does
not. It imparts a minimal of flavor and has a high smoke point for deep frying
of foods. I do not deep fry foods. If you do here is a site
that sells grapeseed oil.
GRAPESEED
EXTRACT
Common Name--grapeseed extract -- pycnogenol -- OPC's -- procyanidins -- resveratrol
Latin Name--Vitis vinifera
What's It Made Of?
Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and compounds called procyanidins (also known as condensed tannins, pycnogenols, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs) are highly concentrated in grapeseeds. These healthful compounds can also be found in lower concentrations in the skin of the grape. Procyanidins are also found in grape juice and wine, but in lower concentrations. Resveratrol is another of grape's healthful compounds which are related to procyanidins and found mainly in the skins. Resveratrol has gained much popularity as an antioxidant supplement.
What It Is Used For
Grapeseed extract might be useful for lowering LDL cholesterol, varicose veins, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure. Flavonoids found in red wine have been reported to protect the heart. They may inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. (LDL oxidation which can lead to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis). Studies have demonstrated a relationship between flavonoid intake (from foods) and reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease. A recent study shows that a particular polyphenol in red grape skins, resveratrol, inhibits platelet aggregation and is the component responsible for red wine's health benefits. Resveratrol is found in the skin of grapes .
Other reasons for the use of grapeseed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
Grapeseed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.
What the Science Says
Laboratory studies have shown that grapeseed contains antioxidants-substances that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function. However, it is still unclear how grapeseed might affect human health.
Grapeseed extracts have shown some beneficial antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials. However, few trials have looked at specific diseases or conditions, and little scientific evidence is available.
A study funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that grapeseed extract did not reduce the hardening of breast tissue that can occur after radiation therapy for breast cancer.
NCI is also funding studies evaluating whether grapeseed extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
NCCAM is studying whether the action of grapeseed extract and its components may benefit the heart or have protective effects in the brain.
Grapeseed oil is extracted from grapeseeds and has a relatively high smoke point, approximately 420 °F (216 °C), so it can be safely used to
cook at high temperatures. Grapeseed oil can be used for stir-fries, sauteing
and fondue. I normally do not cook at high temperatures with oil. For those
who do, grapeseed might be useful.
Average composition of Grapeseed Oil fatty acids
Common Name Acid Name Average Percentage Range
Omega-6 Linoleic acid 69 to 78%
Omega-9 Oleic acid 15 to 20%
Omega-3 A-Linolenic Acid 0.3 to 1%
Side Effects and Cautions
Grapeseed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials.
Side effects that have been reported most often include headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and nausea.
The interactions between grapeseed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully studied.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Available Forms
Grapeseed is available as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Look for products that are standardized to 40 - 80% proanthocyanidins or an OPC content of not less than 95%.
Articles
7 Reasons to take Grapeseed Extract
Grapeseed Extract from the University of Maryland
This article examined three oils including grapeseed, olive leaf, and bearberry. All have strong protection against oxidative stress.
Grapeseed Extract by Jean Carper
