Grape seed oil and olive oil, two types of vegetable oils, can be found in everything from salad dressings to skin moisturizers. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, these oils can have both immediate and long-term positive effects on your physical health. To enjoy the best fragrances and flavors, choose grape seed and olive oils that have been produced organically and are less than a year old.
Healthy Fats
Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, which can help you avoid the negative health effects of saturated fats. Phyllis A. Balch, in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," explains that consuming more monounsaturated fatty acids can help prevent everything from cardiovascular disease to high blood pressure and diabetes.
Helpful Phenols
The powerful, disease-fighting phenols in olive oil can ward off a wide variety of cancers. Cal Orey, in "The Healing Powers of Olive Oil: A Complete Guide to Nature's Liquid Gold," explains that olive oil reduces cellular damage and, as a result, may lower your risk of developing skin, breast and colon cancer.
Pain Reduction
Olive oil can reduce the pain associated with cuts, sores and other physical conditions, such as arthritis. Orey explains that the "oleocanthal in olive oil can stop inflammation similar to the way painkillers do." Olive oil consumed as part of your daily diet can speed the healing process; used topically it will minimize redness and pain.
Plentiful Vitamins
Grape seed oil contains a wide range of health-supportive antioxidants and vitamins. Susan O'Brien, in "The Gluten-Free Vegan: 150 Delicious Gluten-Free, Animal-Free Recipes," explains that the oil contains vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and carotin. These nutrients increase good cholesterol, or HDL, and decrease bad cholesterol, or LDL, levels.
Heat Tolerance
Grape seed oil has a higher smoking point, or heat tolerance, than most cooking oils. Balch explains that you can heat grape seed oil to temperatures as high as 485 degrees without the danger of producing carcinogenic free radicals. As a result, grape seed oil can be used safely for sautéing and other types of cooking that require high heats.
Enhanced Flavor
The light flavor of grape seed oil enhances the taste of other foods, particularly those that have delicate flavoring, such as chicken and some seafood. Balch explains that grape seed oil has "a light, nutty taste that brings out flavor." This quality makes the oil popular for everyday cooking, as well as an ingredient in sauces and salad dressings.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- "The Gluten-Free Vegan: 150 Delicious Gluten-Free, Animal-Free Recipes"; Susan O'Brien; 2007
- "The Healing Powers of Olive Oil: A Complete Guide to Nature's Liquid Gold"; Cal Orey; 2009
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