Nutritional Value of Grape Seed Oil
Grape Seed Oil is the by-product that remains after all the juice is squeezed from the seeds for wines. Grape Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and Vitamin E. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and early Europeans recognized the benefits of Grape Seed Oil and used it for healing ailments such as skin and eye diseases.
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Antioxidant
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Antioxidants in Grape Seed Oil help reduce bad cholesterol. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a recent study found that grape seed oil extract increased antioxidant levels in the blood. The antioxidants eliminate damaging compounds, such as bad cholesterol and environmental toxins, that alter your body's cell structure and DNA, and may cause death. Antioxidants may reduce some of the damage caused by the radicals in your body.
Vitamin E
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The Vitamin E found naturally in Grape Seed Oil possesses antioxidant values, which protect the cells of the body from the damage of radicals. According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin E is involved in helping the immune system and the blood circulation system by increasing platelet aggregation.
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Flavanoids
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The Flavanoids in Grape Seed Oil are synthesized in the grapevine. The Flavanoids work in the body to modulate cell-signaling pathways. Foods rich in plant-made Flavanoids are associated with reduction in cardiovascular disease. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, Flavanoids have an antioxidant behavior that responds to iron and copper that bond to proteins.
Fatty Acids
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The Fatty Acids in Grape Seed Oil are Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9. The Omega-3 (linolenic acid) content is low in Grape Seed Oil. The major fatty acid in Grape Seed Oil is the Omega-6 family. According to Kansas State University, Omega-6 makes up 68 percent of the fatty acids, and Omega-9 makes up about 19 percent. These fatty acids work together to help the cells in your body determine their biological properties and are beneficial in preventing heart disease.
Grapes
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According to the University of Maryland, in ancient times unripe grapes were used to help alleviate sore throat, and the round ripe grapes were used to treat smallpox, cholera, nausea, eye infections and skin irritations. However, most of the nutritional value is found in the grape seeds.
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