10 Incredible Benefits Of Sunflower Oil

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Sunflowers are native to America and have been widely used for the extraction of cooking oil since ages. Sunflower oil, is a non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of sunflowers.  It is commonly used as a cooking oil as well as in cosmetic formulations due to its emollient properties.Some of the health benefits of sunflower oil include its ability to improve heart health, boost energy, strengthen the immune system, improve your skin health, prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, protect against asthma, and reduce inflammation.

Its nutritious composition makes sunflower oil one of the healthiest oils for consumption as well as application on the skin and the hair. The main component of sunflower oil is linoleic acid. Its other components include oleic acid and palmitic acid. In addition to these, it contains lecithin, carotenoids, tocopherols and appreciable quantities of vitamins A, D and E.

1. Sunflower oil provides lots of natural energy. By incorporating a little sunflower oil in your salad at lunch, you can feel naturally energized at work or at school. The fatty acid content in sunflower oil is also connected to energy levels in the body. Saturated fats can make you feel sluggish, while unsaturated fats, of which sunflower oil has many, can keep you feeling energized and ready to face your day!
2. Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E and low in saturated fat. Besides, it is rich in certain phytochemicals like choline and phenolic acid that are beneficial for your heart. It also contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with vitamins that makes it one of the healthiest oils for consumption. High oleic sunflower oils contain 80% or more monounsaturated fats. Thus, sunflower oil helps in lowering cardiovascular diseases and chances of heart attack.
3. Sunflower oil protects the skin by strengthening the membrane barriers, thereby making it harder for bacteria and viruses to enter the body. In infants, sunflower oil is highly recommended because it can protect the babies from infections, particularly when they are born premature and are highly susceptible to infections. This same benefit is extended to adults who use the oil as well, although the effects are not quite as dramatic or obvious.
4. Sunflower oil contains more Vitamin E than any other cooking oil. Thus, incorporating this oil in your diet provides you protection against asthma and colon cancer.
5. Sunflower oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which provide energy besides maintaining an ideal LDL/HDL (good cholesterol) ratio in the body. Sunflower oil also contains lecithin which helps in lowering cholesterol level. This is because it sticks to your nerve and cell linings, thus preventing fat and cholesterol from sticking to the cell.
6. Sunflower oil also contains proteins, which are vital for building and repairing tissues and the production of hormones and enzymes. Our body requires high amounts of proteins. Since the body does not store proteins, they have to be consumed, and sunflower oil fulfills this requirement.
7. Carotenoids can be found in this oil which help prevent cancers such as uterine, lung and skin. Also, carotenoids can aid in preventing cataracts as well as provide a nice source of vitamin A.
8. Sunflower oil is a good way to incorporate selenium into your diet. By having higher levels of selenium in your blood, you reduce the risk of lung and skin cancers. It also reduces the chances of cardiac problems and hepatic degradation.
9. Another benefit of sunflower oil is that it contains zinc. Zinc is great because it helps maintain a healthy immune system which helps in the healing of wounds. Zinc also is beneficial in maintaining your sense of smell and taste.
10. Sunflower oil is a natural and healthy way of maintaining a great skin, thanks to its calming and emollient (moisturizing) properties. Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it is widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and is found to be effective against acne, eczema, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin.

So whether you apply sunflower oil or use it in your cooking, it is only going to benefit you in the most incredible ways.