To maintain a healthful and balanced diet, it is recommended that we consume at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily. Although it may sound like an easy feat, the reality is that many people struggle to meet this goal. Fortunately, grapeseed oil provides many of the same benefits as other plant-based foods, such as vegetables or fruit, which can help meet your required intake. This article will examine the health benefits of consuming grapeseed oil and how it can help improve your diet.
1. High in Antioxidants
Grapeseed oil contains higher levels of antioxidants than many other plant-based oils. Antioxidants can reduce free radicals, which are compounds that can cause damage to cells throughout the body and lead to cell death. Over time, this damage can cause premature aging and increase the risk of developing certain diseases. High antioxidants in grapeseed oil may help protect your body from oxidative stress, which is caused by exposure to environmental chemicals and pollutants, as well as foods cooked at high temperatures.
2. Helps Lower Cholesterol
In addition to being high in antioxidants, grapeseed oil is also high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Studies have shown that consuming foods rich in oleic acid can assist in lower harmful cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. In a 2009 study involving men with elevated cholesterol levels, researchers found that participants who took olive oil supplements had increases in their HDL (good) cholesterol and reductions in their LDL (bad) cholesterol after two months of supplementation.
3. Boosts Metabolic Functions
As mentioned previously, grapeseed oil contains high levels of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. This fatty acid is crucial in regulating hormone levels and supporting a healthy metabolism. By lowering cortisol or stress hormones and increasing insulin sensitivity, oleic acid may help to promote weight loss and improve metabolic function. According to research made public in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that consuming grapeseed oil can help to protect against cardiovascular disease by supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
4. Helps Fight Inflammation
Inflammation in the body is a natural response to fight infection or repair damaged tissues. However, when the immune system continually triggers an inflammatory response, it can lead to chronic inflammation. This can cause many health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
5. Provides Antimicrobial Properties
On top of all of its other benefits, grapeseed oil also has natural antimicrobial properties. The oleic acid and linoleic acid, two fatty acids in grapeseed oil, help fight off bacterial and fungal infections.
6. Soothes Skin Conditions and Treats Acne
Grapeseed oil can also be used to treat certain skin conditions and acne. It can be used topically to treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It may also help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation in certain types of dermatitis.
7. Helps Improve Digestion
Another health benefit of grapeseed oil is its ability to help improve digestion and colon function. Grapeseed oil contains a high amount of fiber, which has been shown to support a healthy digestive system.
8. Protects the Heart
Grapeseed oil, rich in oleic acid, has also been shown to help protect the heart. One study found that a diet rich in oleic acid can reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels without adding excess calories.
9. Helps Protect Against Free Radical Damage
High antioxidants help grapeseed oil fight free radical damage and reduce oxidative stress. One study found that a diet rich in oleic acid can help to reduce the oxidative stress caused by alcohol consumption.
10. Helps Fight Colds and Flu
Grapeseed oil has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can help to fight infections such as colds and flu. In addition, grapeseed oil is a key ingredient in many cosmetics and personal-care products.
Conclusion
Although consuming fruits and vegetables is important, achieving the necessary intake each day may be unrealistic. You can use grapeseed oil as a healthy substitute for butter or other vegetable oils. Adding a few drops of grapeseed oil to any meal can give you the same health benefits as you would by consuming fruits and vegetables.
Sources
Dunaway, S., Odin, R., Zhou, L., Ji, L., Zhang, Y., & Kadekaro, A. L. (2017). Natural Antioxidants: Multiple Mechanisms to Protect Skin From Solar Radiation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00392
Garavaglia, J., Markoski, M. M., Oliveira, A., & Marcadenti, A. (2015). Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, 9, 59-64. https://doi.org/10.4137/NMI.S32910
Venkitasamy, C., Teh, H.F., Atungulu, G.G., Mchugh, T.H., Pan, Z. 2014. Optimization of mechanical extraction conditions for producing grape seed oil. Transactions of the ASABE. 57(6):1699-1705. doi: 10.1301/TTSANS57.10570.