GRAPESEED OIL

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--grape seed 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 grape seeds. 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
Grape seed 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 grape seed 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.
Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.

What the Science Says
Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed 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 grape seed might affect human health.
Grape seed 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 grape seed 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 grape seed extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
NCCAM is studying whether the action of grape seed extract and its components may benefit the heart or have protective effects in the brain.

Grape seed oil is extracted from grape seeds and has a relatively high smoke point, approximately 420 °F (216 °C), so it can be safely used to
cook at high temperatures. Grape seed oil can be used for stir-fries, sauteing and fondue. I normally do not cook at high temperatures with oil. For those who do, grape seed might be useful.

Average composition of Grape Seed 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
Grape seed 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 grape seed 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

Grape seed 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 Grape Seed Extract
Grapeseed Extract from the University of Maryland
This article examined three oils including grape seed, olive leaf, and bearberry. All have strong protection against oxidative stress.
Grape Seed Extract by Jean Carper