If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to know that 1 tablespoon (13.6 g) of grapeseed oil contains around 120 calories. However, grapeseed oil also has many nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to your diet. Let's take a closer look at what grapeseed oil has to offer.
Grapeseed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-9. It also contains vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
In this article, we'll explore the various health benefits of grapeseed oil, from its heart-healthy properties to its benefits for skin health and more.
Grapeseed Oil is High in Calories
As mentioned earlier, grapeseed oil is high in calories, with one tablespoon (13.6 g) containing around 120 calories. This means that if you're watching your calorie intake, you'll need to be mindful of how much grapeseed oil you use in your cooking.
Grapeseed Oil is a Rich Source of Essential Fatty Acids
Grapeseed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-9. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health, from reducing inflammation to improving heart health and more. In fact, research has shown that incorporating grapeseed oil into your diet can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Grapeseed Oil Contains Antioxidants
Grapeseed oil is also a great source of antioxidants, thanks to its high levels of vitamin E. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Grapeseed Oil is Low in Saturated Fat
Compared to other cooking oils, grapeseed oil is relatively low in saturated fat. Saturated fat is known to raise your cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of heart disease. By choosing grapeseed oil as your go-to cooking oil, you can help lower your saturated fat intake and protect your heart health.
Grapeseed Oil is Suitable for High-Heat Cooking
One of the benefits of grapeseed oil is that it has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and releasing harmful compounds into your food. This makes it a great choice for high-heat cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and grilling.
Grapeseed Oil is a Good Source of Vitamin E
As mentioned earlier, grapeseed oil is a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E also plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.
Grapeseed Oil May Improve Heart Health
Research has shown that incorporating grapeseed oil into your diet may help improve your heart health in several ways. For example, it may help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Grapeseed oil may also help improve your cholesterol levels, which can further reduce your risk of heart disease.
Grapeseed Oil May Lower Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease. However, research has shown that incorporating grapeseed oil into your diet may help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. One study found that daily supplementation with grapeseed oil for four weeks resulted in significant reductions in LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, both of which are known to increase your risk of heart disease.
Grapeseed Oil May Benefit Skin Health
Because of its high levels of vitamin E and other antioxidants, grapeseed oil may offer several benefits for your skin. For example, it may help hydrate and soothe dry, itchy skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Grapeseed oil may also help protect your skin from damage caused by UV radiation and other environmental stressors.
Grapeseed Oil May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or illness, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of several chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Research has shown that grapeseed oil may have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce your risk of developing these chronic diseases. In one study, rats fed a high-fat diet supplemented with grapeseed oil for 10 weeks had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood compared to rats fed the same diet without grapeseed oil.
5 FAQ About Grapeseed Oil
What is Grapeseed Oil?
Grapeseed oil is a type of oil extracted from the seeds of grapes.
What are the Health Benefits of Grapeseed Oil?
Grapeseed oil is known to be high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is also known to have a high smoke point, making it a good option for cooking at high temperatures.
Is Grapeseed Oil Good for Skin?
Yes, grapeseed oil is known to be beneficial for skin. It is rich in vitamin E, which helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It is also a good source of linoleic acid, which can help to moisturize and soothe the skin.
Can Grapeseed Oil be Used for Hair?
Yes, grapeseed oil can be used for hair. It can help to moisturize and nourish the hair while also adding shine. It is also lightweight, making it a good option for those with fine hair.
Can Grapeseed Oil be Used in Place of Other Cooking Oils?
Yes, grapeseed oil can be used in place of other cooking oils such as vegetable oil or canola oil. It has a neutral flavor, making it a versatile option for cooking and baking.