What is Grape Seed Oil?
Grape Seed Extract and its oil is derived from the seeds of a
grape.
Due to their nutritional and medicinal properties grapes, their seeds,
and leaves have been used in many home remedies for centuries.
Grape Seed Oil is a great source of polyphenols - flavonoids, Essential
Fatty Acid - linoleic acid, vitamin E, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin.
These great components make grape seed extract an asset in the treatment
of many minor to severe health conditions.
It has also been used in the production of massage oils and balms, hair
and hygienic products, face and body moisturizers, as well as in
sunblocks and sunburn ointments.
What are the Benefits of Grape Seed Oil?
Studies suggest that Grape Seed Oil and its Extract constitute
anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histamine, anti-aging,
anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic activity.
Therefore, it has been beneficial in the treatment of a number of health
issues which include:
arthritis, edema, dermatitis, acne, wrinkles, dry and itchy skin, age
spots, sun burns, chapped lips, wounds, bruising, stretch marks,
varicose veins, hemorrhoids, chronic venous insufficiency, premature
aging, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), weight loss, stress, dandruff, hair
loss, warts, cardiovascular diseases especially atherosclerosis,
hypertension, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, visual impairment,
cataract, and macular degeneration.
Studies also suggest that its free radical scavenging activity may
strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Uses of Grape Seed Oil
Acne and Dermatitis
Research suggests that the linoleic acid in Grape Seed Oil has
anti-inflammatory, anti-allergen, acne reductive, and moisture retentive
properties.
It contains 73% of linoleic acid which may be beneficial in the
treatment of acne, dermatitis, allergic reactions, atopic eczema and dry
and itchy skin.
A simple remedy for these skin conditions is to apply Grape Seed Oil
onto the affected skin 2-3 times daily.
Regular oral intake of Grape Seed Extract supplements can also add to
the benefits.
Age Spots and Sun Burn
The rich nutrients in Grape Seed extract have been found to protect
against UV radiation, and they have been found to lighten the effects on
age spots and pigmented skin caused by ultra violet rays.
Threfore simply taking Grapeseed supplements daily may heal and minimize
the risk of sunburn and reduce the appearance of age spots.
Applying a small amount of Grape Seed Oil onto affected skin areas can
also be beneficial.
Cancer Prevention
A few studies suggest that regular oral intake of Grape Seed Extract may
suppress the development of different types of cancers and may induce
apoptosis -
a process that triggers the self-destruction and elimination of damaged
and superfluous cells in many cellular systems.
Therefore, taking one Grapeseed capsule two to three times daily may be
helpful as a preventive measure for people who are at a high risk of the
disease.
It may also help with liver damage and other side effects caused by
chemotherapy medication.
Diabetes
A number of intensive studies have shown that oral intake of linoleic
acid can reduce the complications associated with Diabetes.
Therefore, regular consumption of Grape Seed Extract, which is rich in
linoleic acid and other antiglycemic components, may help with diabetes
and visual impairment in diabetics.
A recommendation is to take one Grapeseed capsule twice daily.
Hemorrhoids
Varicose veins, spider veins and hemorrhoids are caused by damaged blood
vessels and compromise the ability of the capillaries to manage blood
flow in the veins, which results in pooling of the blood inside the
veins.
Grapeseed Oil contains oligomeric proanthocyanidin and flavonoids, which
are known to help with capillary integrity.
Therefore, taking one Grape Seed Extract capsule twice daily may be
beneficial for damaged vessels, impaired capillary valves and poor blood
circulation that cause hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
High Blood Pressure
Recent research has shown that Grape Seed may improve damaged blood
vessels and help regulate high blood pressure and high cholesterol
levels.
Therefore, taking one capsule of Grapeseed Extract daily may help
improve cardiovascular health.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Studies have shown that Grape Seed Oil may improve the production of
collagen which is important for maintaining healthy connective tissues
in our joints.
Its anti-inflammatory activity may also reduce the pain caused by
arthritis.
A simple remedy is to start taking 1 teaspoon of Grape Seed Oil daily on
an empty stomach for 7 days and then reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon
daily on an empty stomach.
Wrinkles and Stretch Marks
Studies have shown that the antioxidant activity of Grape Seed Extract
may reduce the damage to skin cells and enhance the production of
collagen and elastin which is important for strong and healthy looking
skin.
Therefore taking Grapeseed supplements daily may help reduce the
appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and saggy skin.
A suggested remedy is to also apply Grapeseed Oil onto the affected skin
daily overnight.
Alternatively, one to two drops of Grape Seed Oil can be added to your
face moisturizer to enhance its effectiveness.
What are the Side Effects of Grape Seed Oil?
There are not any reported side effects or drug interactions with Grape
Seed Extract when taken in moderation.
The FDA has issued the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification
for Grape Seed Extract.
However, an overdose of Grape Seed Extract may cause headache, nausea,
dizziness and abdominal pain.
As with any dietary oil, do not take more than the recommended dose of
Grape Seed Oil because it may lead to diarrhea and soft stools.
Do not take Grape Seed products if you are allergic to grapes.
Additionally, if you are being treated for heart conditions, or are
taking any cholesterol or blood pressure lowering medications or blood
thinners, consult your doctor and regulate your cholesterol and blood
pressure levels when using Grape Seed Oil or its Extract for therapeutic
purposes.
Grape Seed Oil is not recommended for cooking since it has a high
concentration of polyunsaturated fat.
Oils with high polyunsatured fat tend to quickly undergo oxidation when
exposed to heat, which can cause the oil to become rancid.
Where and How to Buy Grape Seed Oil
Grape Seed Extract is available at most herbal food and drug stores.
It can be purchased in the form of capsules, tablets, oil and powder.
When buying Grape Seed Oil, look for cold-pressed organic oil since it
retains most of the natural beneficial ingredients compared to the
chemically pressed oils.
