The numerous benefits of grape seed extract have stood the test of time. Once used as a remedy for skin disease in ancient Greece, the same ingredient is showing up in many modern-day products. Grape seed oil is light and odorless and makes for a smooth, pleasant taste when used on its own in cooking. The oil is also used in a variety of health and beauty items.
Skin Care Products
Grape seed extract contains linoleic acid and antioxidants, which help fight aging and keep skin healthy, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School and other skin care professionals. Because of the skin clearing and firming elements contained in grape seed oil, many health and beauty companies have added the ingredient to everyday products such as lotions, cleaners, massage oils and soaps. Grape seed oil is no longer an ingredient reserved for skin care products found at organic beauty shops; even national, commercial brands are jumping on the grape seed oil bandwagon. Dial, for instance, offers in its Nutriskin line a grape seed oil and lemongrass body wash and hand soap.
Hair Care Products
Grape seed oil has moisturizing qualities, which benefit both the skin and hair. Several shampoos and conditioners feature grape seed oil as a key ingredient, including Avalon Organics. Seed offers a grape seed shampoo bar, which was reviewed favorably by the beauty blog TruthinAging.com.
Cooking Oils
Grape seed oil also makes food healthy. Specialty retail stores, mail order catalogs and some mass merchants sell grape seed oil along with olive and other types of vegetable oil. Wildtree, for example, makes products that include flavored grape seed oils such as garlic, butter and lemon. According to the company, grape seed oil has no trans fatty acids, sodium, preservatives or cholesterol.
Supplements
Grape seed oil is a good source of linoleic acid, one of the five essential fatty acids your body needs to maintain many important functions, including creating neurotransmitters in the brain. Grape seed supplements, most often found in liquid capsule form, are sold in many health food stores and vitamin retailers. Dosage varies from brand to brand. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using grape seed supplements.
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