Grapeseed oil is made from the seeds of grapes, usually those used in winemaking. While grapes are extremely popular, their seeds are often discarded, even though experts believe they might be the healthiest part. These seeds are packed with powerful antioxidants and natural plant compounds called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).

OPCs are known for their strong antioxidant properties, which help fight free radicals that can cause premature aging and chronic diseases. They also offer various benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, and antibacterial effects.

Grapeseed oil contains procyanidin dimers, which act as aromatase inhibitors and may help in preventing and treating cancer.

The oil is used both in cooking and cosmetics. If you’re buying it for cooking, make sure it’s labeled as food grade. Culinary grapeseed oil has a high smoking point, making it great for frying without altering the food’s flavor. It can also be used in dressings and sauces.

For cosmetic purposes, grapeseed oil is popular in products like sunscreen and moisturizing creams. It helps in skin repair and has antiseptic and mildly astringent properties.

Here are some health benefits of grapeseed oil:

1. Preventing High Blood Pressure: Grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic procyanidins, and linoleic acid, which protect blood vessels and may prevent high blood pressure. Studies have shown that grape seed extract can improve blood pressure in people with prehypertension and hypertension.

2. Strengthening the Immune System: One tablespoon of grapeseed oil contains 3.9 milligrams of vitamin E, about a third of the daily recommended amount for adults. Vitamin E boosts the immune system by stimulating natural killer cells and B-cells, which help fight cancer cells and bacteria.

3. Delaying Alzheimer’s Disease: Grapeseed extract may help delay Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of brain plaque. Studies on rats have shown promising results.

4. Cancer Prevention: Proanthocyanidins in grape seeds may help prevent skin cancer and slow the growth of cancer cells without the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Studies have shown that grape seed extract can be effective against various cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer.

5. Speeds Wound Healing: Grape seeds can speed up wound healing by helping the body regenerate damaged blood vessels and increasing free radicals at the wound site, which help clear bacteria.

6. Reduce Swelling: Grape seeds can help reduce swelling after surgery or injury. Studies have shown that grapeseed extract can reduce edema in breast cancer patients.

7. Improve Cholesterol: Proanthocyanidin in grapeseed oil can lower overall cholesterol levels and LDL (bad cholesterol).

Here are some beauty benefits of grapeseed oil:

1. Beautiful Hair: Grapeseed oil is great for hair care, making it soft, smooth, and promoting growth. It moisturizes and conditions dry hair without leaving it greasy. It also helps with frizz, split ends, dandruff, and hair loss.

2. Better Skin: Grapeseed oil is used in many cosmetics for its emollient properties. It delays skin aging, protects against sun damage, and tightens the skin. It can help with acne, eczema, and dermatitis due to its linoleic acid content. It also reduces age spots, sunburn, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Surprisingly, it can even help treat oily skin by balancing oil production.

Grapeseed oil can restore collagen, making the skin feel firmer and reducing signs of damage.

If you’re interested in trying grapeseed oil for health and beauty, you can find culinary grapeseed oil for cooking or Beauty Aura Grapeseed Oil for skin and hair care.