Everything about Sunflower Oil totally explained
Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil expressed from
sunflower (
Helianthus annuus) seeds. Sunflower oil is commonly used in
food as a frying oil, and in
cosmetic formulations as an
emollient.
Composition
Sunflower oil contains predominantly
linoleic acid in
triglyceride form. The
British Pharmacopoeia lists the following profile:
There are several types of sunflower oils produced, such as high linoleic, high oleic and mid oleic.
High linoleic sunflower oil typically has at least 69% linoleic acid. High oleic sunflower oil has at least 82% oleic acid. Variation in unsaturated fatty acids profile is strongly influenced by both genetics and climate. In the last decade high stearic sunflower lines have been developed in Spain to avoid the use of hydrogenated vegetable oils in food industry.
Sunflower oil also contains
lecithin,
tocopherols,
carotenoids and
waxes. Sunflower oil's properties are typical of a vegetable triglyceride oil. Sunflower oil is produced from oil type sunflower seeds. Sunflower oil is light in taste and appearance and has a high Vitamin E content. It is a combination of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels.
Physical properties
Sunflower oil is liquid at room temperature. The refined oil is clear and slightly amber-colored with a slightly fatty odor.
Uses
As a frying oil, sunflower oil behaves as a typical vegetable
triglyceride. In cosmetics, it has smoothing properties and is considered noncomedogenic. Only the high-oleic variety possesses
shelf life sufficient for commercial cosmetic formulation. Sunflower oil's
INCI name is
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.
Health benefits
There are a variety of health benefits associated with the consumption of sunflower oil.
Diet and cardiovascular benefits
Sunflower oil is high in the essential
vitamin E and low in
saturated fat. The two most common types of sunflower oil are linoleic and high oleic. Linoleic sunflower oil is a common cooking oil that has high levels of the essential
fatty acids called
polyunsaturated fat. It is also known for having a clean taste and low levels of
trans fat. High oleic sunflower oils are classified as having monounsaturated levels of 80% and above. Newer versions of sunflower oil have been developed as a hybrid containing linoleic acid. They have monounsaturated levels lower than other oleic sunflower oils. The hybrid oil also has lower saturated fat levels than linoleic sunflower oil . Sunflower oil of any kind has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits as well. Diets combined with a low fat content and high levels of oleic acid have been suggested to lower cholesterol which, in turn, results in a smaller risk of heart disease . Sunflower oils fit this criteria. Studies of adults suggested that a balanced diet in which small quantities of saturated fats are replaced with sunflower oil has detectable cholesterol-reducing benefits. Research suggests that lower cholesterol levels can be caused by balances of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Sunflower oil may help with this balance .
Restaurant and food industry uses
Restaurants and food manufacturers are becoming aware of the health benefits of sunflower oil. The oil can be used in conditions with extremely high cooking temperatures
Sunflower oil as skin protection
Sunflower oil may also have suggested skin-health benefits. Sunflower oil, like other oils, can retain moisture in the skin. However, it may also provide a protective barrier that resists infection. Studies using sunflower oil have been conducted involving pre-term infants that are often susceptible to infection due to their underdeveloped skin. Research suggests that pre-term infants with low birth weight can benefit from sunflower oil skin treatments. Infections decreased by 41% in infants that received a daily skin treatment of sunflower oil. The sunflower oil provided a protective barrier against infection that wasn't otherwise present on the infant .
Further Information
Get more info on 'Sunflower Oil'.
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