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?
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.
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?
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