10 Amazing Health Benefits of Sunflower Oil: Are There Safety Concerns?

The Scientific World -April 12, 2020

Benefits and Side Effects of Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower oil is non-volatile oil that is extracted from sunflower seeds by the process of cold-press extraction.

Some health benefits of sunflower oil include its ability to lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, help in weight loss, improve hair health, enhance skin health and improve the immune system.

There are some precautions and warnings that should pay attention to when consuming sunflower oil.

10 Amazing health benefits of sunflower oil

What are the Health Benefits of Sunflower Oil? Are There Safety Precautions and Warnings?

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is considered one of the vegetable oils that are extracted from seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) by the process of cold-press extraction. This technique requires a few steps and produces a flavorful oil that is suitable for use in cooking. In addition to other processes that can be used to extract large quantities of oil from it.

Although most people are familiar with sunflowers as a plant, they do not immediately think of sunflowers as a source of healthy vegetable oils, but sunflower oil can replace some of the less healthy cooking oils on the market.

Sunflower oil contains a high amount of unsaturated fats and is often used to prepare different foods and dishes for its low saturated fat content.

Sunflower oil is also considered an oil rich in Vitamin E, which is useful for reducing the risk of dry skin, and various skin diseases and disorders.

What are the Benefits of Sunflower Oil?

Sunflower oil has a large number of benefits that help keep the body healthy and strong.

Although sunflower oil is included in the list of high-fat ingredients, it is gaining in popularity in cooking due to the wide variety of nutrients that promote health.

The perfect balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats makes sunflower oil ideal for lowering bad cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar, improving hair health, enhancing skin health, strengthening the immune system and reducing many types of diseases and disorders. Hence, many people use it in their diet.

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil has many health benefits, the most important of which are:

1. Sunflower oil reduces cholesterol levels

Numerous studies indicate that the benefits of sunflower oil on cholesterol levels are good, as it is able to lower its levels.

Sunflower seeds contain a compound called phytosterol, which is similar in structure to cholesterol, and thus helps to resist the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Sunflower oil has an estimated average phytosterol content of 4436 mg kg^-1.

2. Reduces the risk of heart disease:

Sunflower oil contains large quantities of oleic acid. So, eating sunflower oil in place of other fat sources that contain a high amount of saturated fat may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

It should be noted that sunflower oil that does not contain large amounts of oleic acid does not have the same effect.

3. Provides Skincare

Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, which is an important vitamin in improving skin health and restoring damaged cells.

Using sunflower oil means your skin is better protected against sun damage, as well as the natural deterioration that occurs with age.
Antioxidants such as vitamin E neutralize free radicals and prevent them from destroying or damaging healthy cells and add a natural glow to your skin.

Apply a quantity of sunflower oil to the skin and leave it for a quarter of an hour, then wash the face, and repeat the process for three weeks.

Some people use sunflower oil to treat scarring, heal wounds faster.

The impressive benefits of sunflower oil for your skin include:

Sunflower oil delays the signs of aging from wrinkles, cracks, etc. because it contains beta-carotene that resists wrinkles.
It nourishes the skin and maintains its health and safety.
Removes dark spots and pigmentation and unifies the skin color.
Relieves acne, scars and unwanted pimples.
Protects the skin from harmful sun rays due to its high vitamin E content.
Maintains the smoothness of the skin and helps it to retain its moisture for the longest possible period, and gives it freshness and vitality.

Sunflower oil is used in the manufacture of skin care products and creams, especially anti-aging creams and skin moisturizers, and sun protection face creams.

4. Provides hair care

Sunflower oil is also rich in oleic acid, which is very beneficial to the scalp and hair. This vitamin increases blood circulation on the scalp, stimulates hair growth, and can also help keep hair shiny, so it is often used in hair care recipes.

The most important benefits of sunflower oil for your hair health include:

Sunflower oil contributes to smoothing and softening hair, especially dry and frizzy hair.
It has the power to give hair a great sheen and vitality.
It has the ability to protect against alopecia areata which causes hair loss in the form of round spots on the head.
It is a good moisturizer because it prevents water from being lost, which prevents dehydration of the scalp.

Sunflower oil is sometimes used as a treatment because it contains alpha-gamma-linolenic acid, which prevents hair loss. It can be used once a week by massaging the scalp with it to obtain fine and silky hair.

Sunflower oil is a light oil on the hair and does not smell at normal temperatures, so it can be used at hair as an essential oil.

5. Helps in losing weight

Sunflower oil is used as a good option for people trying to lose weight as it contains omega-6 fatty acids that help the body burn fat, rather than store it.

This property makes sunflower oil of high value compared to other vegetable oils used for cooking and can be used by people who are obese to lose weight without having to make any changes to their diet.

6. Enhances body energy levels

The content of fatty acids in sunflower oil is associated with energy levels in the body.

Saturated fats can make you feel sluggish, while unsaturated fats, which are contained in sunflower oil, can provide you with vitality and saturation for a longer period.

7. Reduces inflammation

One of the most important benefits of sunflower oil is to relieve asthma attacks due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are derived from its vitamin content, as well as the beneficial fatty acids it contains.

It is worth noting that asthma affects millions of people around the world, and this respiratory state can range from mild to life-threatening.

8. Protects the body from infections

Sunflower oil contains the proteins necessary for building and repairing tissues and producing hormones and enzymes.

Fatty acids have a major effect on the general immune system and increase the body's ability to resist infection attacks.

Sunflower oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which protect the skin by strengthening the cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane (PM), making it difficult for bacteria and viruses to enter the body.

9. Improves digestive system

Healthy Cooking Oil is an oil-rich in monounsaturated fat (MUFA).

Sunflower oil is high in polyunsaturated fat (69%) among cooking oils it has some monounsaturated fat (20%) and it is low in saturated fat (11%), that's why it is very light in color, neutral in flavor, easy to digest and better absorbed in the digestive system. It also has mild laxative properties that may help prevent constipation.

10. Helps in the prevention of cancers

As mentioned, sunflower oil is rich in antioxidants and substances that act as antioxidants.

The vitamin E contained in sunflower oil contains a group of compounds known as tocopherol, which is one of the powerful antioxidants that can eliminate free radicals before they can convert healthy cells into cancerous cells.

There are some ongoing research studies to check its effects on a variety of cancers.

Are There Safety Precautions and Warnings?

Side Effects of Sunflower Oil: There are some concerns and warnings that should pay attention to when consuming sunflower oil, including the following:

Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is not enough information about the safety of sunflower oil in large quantities more than those present in food by pregnant and breastfeeding women, so it is best to stay away from consuming it in large quantities during these periods.

People who are allergic to herbaceous or ragweed: Consuming sunflower oil can cause an allergic reaction to people who are allergic to Asteraceae/Compositae plant family, such as: ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemum, marigold, and other types, so it is best to see a doctor before taking it if you suffer from allergic reactions.

People with diabetes (Diabetics): Eating a diet rich in sunflower oil can increase the level of insulin and blood sugar, and raise the levels of blood lipids (or blood fats) after eating meals, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis in people with type 2 diabetes.

Read also: Amazing Benefits of Green Tea Oil for Your Health and Beauty