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While it is true that not every woman has her own personal supply of grape seed oil stashed neatly away in a secret cupboard somewhere in her home, please let the record show that every woman should. Why is this particular oil so important? Consider 3 beneficial uses of this healthful, affordable and 100% all natural product:
- Make Your Food Tastier, Lighter and Healthier
Grape seed oil that has been cold pressed (rather than chemically extracted), is rich in health promoting antioxidants and vitamins. However, due to its relatively high content of Omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, grape seed oil may not be the healthiest option when whipping up large batches of southern fried chicken, tasty fried fish, or the like. Does this mean that grape seed oil has absolutely no place in the kitchen? Far from it!
Our bodies actually need certain amount of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in order to function optimally. The key then is to use grape seed oil, like all other edible oils, in moderation. So what healthy culinary uses do grape seeds have?
The extremely light, fruity taste of grape seed oil lends itself wonderfully to a host of delicious dishes. It is excellent on all types of salads as it may be used to make mouthwatering vinaigrettes and marinades. Grape seed oil also serves as a key ingredient in many sweet and savory sauces, as its clean, crisp taste does not leave a greasy sensation in the mouth.
- Make Your Hair Shinier, Fuller and Healthier
Grape seed oil has a multitude of uses in hair care, surpassing even . For example, it can be used as an all natural sealant after your regular shampooing and conditioning sessions. Simply massage the oil into your damp hair to seal in the moisture. The moisturizing effects of grape seed oil also make it an excellent addition for enhancing your usual moisturizer; just mix it and enjoy the improved moisturizing effects. Grape seed oil can also be mixed into whipped butters and may be used in hot oil treatments.
Why is grape seed oil so very effective in natural hair care? Studies show that linoleic acid protects against moisture loss when directly applied to the skin. As grape seed oil contains large amounts (over 70%) of linoleic acid, it is an excellent protection against dry scalp and other associated hair problems such as hair loss. As an essential oil, grape seed oil is odorless, and is one of the few oils that can actually penetrate the hair shaft. Better yet, grape seed oil is relatively inexpensive, costing significantly less (30-40%) than jojoba oil, argan oil, extra virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
- Make Your Skin Smoother, Softer and Healthier
Women who struggle with dry or oily skin will be delighted with the moisturizing and astringent properties of grape seed oil. As mentioned above, the high linoleic acid content of grape seed oil makes it a fantastic moisturizer; however the oil’s astringent characteristics ensure that the skin remains toned and tight without becoming greasy. This characteristic sets grape seed oil apart from other popular skin moisturizers such as jojoba oil or coconut oil.
Grape seed oil’s anti-inflamatory effects make it a powerful tool in fighting acne, and may even be used to naturally remove dark circles around the eyes. Studies show that the antioxidants in grape seed oil may have anti-aging bioactivities, and the oil is widely used to make the skin glow while reducing fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Image courtesy of Lydia and her salad days
