Studies have not established the effect of grape seed oil on breast cancer
Grape seeds contain resveratrol and proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to reduce breast cancer cell growth, proliferation and migration. However, these compounds are not significantly present in grape seed oil (although cold-pressed virgin grape seed oil contains more of them than highly refined products). Grape seed oil primarily consists of the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (approximately 70%, depending on grape variety), followed by oleic acid (17%) and palmitic acid (8%). Grape seed oil contains remarkably high levels of tannins compared to other seed oils. Grape seed oil also contains a small amount of vitamin E. The press residues of grape seed oil production are a far richer source than grape seed oil of polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity. These are also abundant in red grapes, purple grape juice, and red wine.
Breast cancer-related effects of consuming grape seed oil
No population studies are available that specifically investigated associations between grape seed oil consumption and risk of breast cancer. There is evidence from experiments using either carcinogen-induced or transplanted animal mammary tumor models, as well as in vitro studies, which demonstrate that linoleic acid, the primary fatty acid in grape seed oil, promotes mammary tumor development. Generally speaking, this effect has not been verified by human studies. However, one 2008 study found that women with a specific genotype (ALOX5AP −4900 A>G polymorphism) who consumed a significant amount of linoleic acid in their diets had an increased risk of breast cancer.
Women with breast cancer have been found to have higher levels of omega-6 in their breast tissue than similar women without breast cancer. Several studies have found that higher omega-3/omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios are associated with reduced risk of breast cancer. Consuming grapeseed oil would tend to decrease the ratio for most women because of its high omega-6 content. This detrimental aspect of the oil might be partially offset in cold pressed virgin grapeseed oil by its higher polyphenol content.
A note on grape seed extract
Grape seeds (typically seeds left over from the wine-making process) are also used to produce grape seed extract supplements. Grape seed proanthocyanidins have been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in mice. Grape seed extract has also been found to inhibit aromatase (the synthesis of estrogen from androgens) in breast cancer cells. In addition, several studies have found that grape seed extract may act synergistically with chemotherapy agents such as Adriamycin and Taxotere to inhibit the growth of and induce the death of estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer cells. Another study found that defatted grape seed protected rat liver cells from oxidative damage induced by Adriamycin.
However, we do not recommend taking grape seed extract for purposes of preventing or treating breast cancer, primarily because safe and effective levels of supplementation have not been established. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which have been found to be associated with lower risk of cancer when consumed as part of food, have been found to promote cancer growth when taken in concentrated form. One study found that resveratrol promoted mammary tumor growth and lung metastasis in a mouse model of estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer. Another study found that the degree of mammary cancer chemoprevention by grape seed extract in rats depended on the diets fed to the rats. It is possible to obtain meaningful levels of the beneficial components of grapes by consuming grapes (especially red grapes), purple grape juice and virgin grape seed oil (in moderation). Blueberries, blackberries and cranberries are also good dietary sources of resveratrol and have been found to be associated with reduced breast cancer risk. We urge those with breast cancer or at high risk for it to obtain the benefits of resveratrol and other grape micronutrients by consuming food.
Additional comments
Given that mayonnaise made with grape seed oil is made with highly refined oil, canola oil-based mayonnaise is preferable. Mayonnaise made with soybean oil should be avoided.
As mentioned above, virgin grape seed oil is particularly prone to oxidation. One study ranked the tendency of various oils to retain stability in the following order from high to low: macadamia oil > rice bran oil = toasted sesame oil > avocado oil > almond oil > hazelnut oil > grape seed oil > walnut oil. Whether virgin or refined, grape seed oil should be stored in a cool, dark place and checked for freshness before use.
Tags: Adriamycin, almondOil, androgens, anthracycline, aromataseActivity, avocadoOil, canolaOil, chemotherapy, doxorubicin, grapeSeed, grapes, linoleicAcid, macadamiaNuts, omega3, omega6, polyunsaturatedFat, proanthocyanidins, proliferation, resveratrol, sesame, soybeanOil, supplements, vitaminC, walnuts, wine