Grape seed oil (also called grapeseed oil or grape oil) is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of grapes. Grape seeds are a winemaking by-product, and oil made from the seeds is commonly used as an edible oil.
Although grape seeds contain polyphenols, such as proanthocyanidins, grape seed oil contains negligible amounts of these compounds. Grape seed oil components are under study for their potential applications in human health, but the scientific quality of clinical research as of 2016 has been inadequate to suggest any effect on lowering disease risk.
Possible contamination
Grapeseed oil has occasionally been found to contain dangerous levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons because of direct contact with combustion gases during the drying process.
Production
Winemaking accounts for 90% of grape cultivation, with the seeds of the plant serving as a by-product that can be pressed for oil. Grapeseed oil production primarily occurs in wine-growing regions, especially around the Mediterranean Sea.
Composition
thumb|right|Grape seeds (numbers 7 and 8) and grapes
The following table lists a typical fatty acid composition of grape seed oil:
{| name="acids" class="wikitable"
|-
! Acid
! Type
! Percentage
|-
| Linoleic acid
| ω−6 unsaturated
| 69.6%
|-
| Oleic acid
| ω−9 unsaturated
| 15.8%
|-
| Palmitic acid<br />(Hexadecanoic acid)
| Saturated
| 7%
|-
| Stearic acid<br />(Octadecanoic acid)
| Saturated
| 4%
|-
| Alpha-linolenic acid
| ω−3 unsaturated
| 0.1%
|-
| Palmitoleic acid<br />(9-Hexadecenoic acid)
| ω−7 unsaturated
| less than 1%
|}
Grape seed oil also contains 0.8 to 1.5% unsaponifiables rich in phenols (tocopherols) and steroids (campesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol). Grapeseed oil contains small amounts of vitamin E, but safflower oil, cottonseed oil, or rice bran oil contain greater amounts. Grapeseed oil is high in polyunsaturates and low in saturated fat.
Comparison to other vegetable oils
See also
- List of grape varieties
- List of grape dishes