Grape Seed Oil Nutrition

Grape seed oil is the byproduct of grape seeds, which is left over after the seeds are squeezed for wine making. This leftover oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and fatty acids. Tom Valentine, founder of Carotec, a vitamin and alternative health product store based in Naples, Fla., states that grape seeds have a high nutritional value, and were used to treat nausea, eye infections, sore throats and smallpox in ancient Egypt and Greece.

Fatty Acid Content in Grape Seed Oil

Fatty acids are an important part of our daily diet, and Andalucía Innova from the Andalusian Program for the Spreading of Scientific Knowledge, firmly believes that the omega 6 fatty acid family found in grape seed oil helps to prevent heart diseases. She says, "while the omega-3 fatty acid content is low in grape seed oil, the presence of omega-6 fatty acid makes up for it, due to its biological and stroke preventatives."

Antioxidant Properties of Grape Seed Oil

The University of Maryland Medical center recently established that grape seed oil increased the overall levels of antioxidants found in our blood. The antioxidants help in eliminating toxins in the body that cause mutations in the body's DNA and basic cell structure. Dr. James Wright, who headed this study, also confirmed that antioxidants present in grape seed oil helps combat the damage caused by free radicals in our body.

Vitamin E in Grape Seed Oil

According to the Preventative Health Guide, grape seed oil has a lot of vitamin E present, which helps the immune system and blood circulation in the body, while also increasing the overall platelet count of the blood. Similar to antioxidants, vitamin E also prevents damage to the body by free radicals.

Role of Flavonoids in Grape Seed Oil

The grapevine is the source of flavonoids that are found in grape seed oil. Flavonoids are in charge of modulating the cell signaling pathways in our body. Tom Valentine says that flavonoids found in grape seed oil lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Grape Seed Oil for Cooking

According to CBS News, grape seed oil has a higher smoke point than most other oils used for cooking, which means it can withstand hotter temperatures. It is also very light and can be used as a healthier alternative, as opposed to a heavy salad dressing.