Green Tea Seed Oil

Green tea seed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the tea plant, especially from the species, Camellia oleifera. Sometimes, it is also obtained from the seeds of another species known as, Camellia sinensis. This natural oil has been in use in China for many centuries as a cooking oil. This oil is often confused with green tea oil, which is mainly obtained from Melaleuca oleifera and is not used for cooking. Instead, it is an essential ingredient in many skin care products.

Uses of Green Tea Seed Oil

This light greenish or yellow colored oil, with a nutty or tea like aroma and a delicious flavor can be used for cooking any kind of dish. It is ideal for sauting, baking, marinades and dressings. As this oil has a relatively high smoke point, it can also be used for frying and grilling, both meat and vegetables. It can be easily stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

The use of this natural vegetable oil is however not restricted to cooking only, but is also used for skin care and medicinal purposes. It is an excellent moisturizer and rich in vitamin A, B and E. It is easily absorbed by the skin and hence beneficial in relieving dry skin problems. It is known to possess antiseptic, fungicide and bactericide properties.

Benefits of Green Tea Seed Oil

It is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Oleic acid is an important monounsaturated fatty acid, which is known for imparting several health benefits. It can reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart diseases by clogging the arteries. On the other hand, it increases the level of HDL cholesterol, which facilitates the transport of cholesterol in the blood and reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases and atherosclerosis.

It is also believed to have antioxidant and cancer preventing properties. It is abundant in bioflavonoids, especially catechin polyphenols. Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin, found in it, is a powerful antioxidant that protects tissues and cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. It facilitates the respiratory and digestive functions and regular bowel movement. So, green tea oil can be effective in preventing constipation. Besides these, studies are being carried out to discover the potential of using EGCG in the treatment of AIDS.

Many are of the opinion that green seed oil is more effective than vitamin E in neutralizing the effects of free radicals. In addition to this, the polyphenols increase the level of antioxidants in the body and also protect the liver from bacteria and carcinogens.

Green tea oil can prevent the formation of peroxides, which are associated with genetic mutations. It can also inhibit the production of nitrosamines that can cause cancer. So, it is believed that it may be effective in preventing several forms of cancer including colon, stomach, uterine, pancreas and lung cancer. The catechins found in this oil can lower blood pressure level and the level of total as well as LDL cholesterol.

Till now, no major side effects of this oil have been discovered. So, you can use this natural oil for cooking various delicious dishes and derive a number of health benefits, or use it to simply nourish dry or damaged skin.