Ingredient Information

Function

Sunflower oil is an excellent medium for cooking and frying foods, and is also used in salads. A healthy and non-transgenic oil, it is ideal for household and food industry uses. Sunflower oil is available in three different types: linoleic, high oleic and NuSun oil. Each differs in its oleic levels and properties.

Other Use and Industries

The high oleic variety of sunflower oil is used in the cosmetic industry as an emollient and smoothing agent. It has moisturizing properties, finding its use as carrier oil in aromatherapy preparations. It also helps in the treatment of many skin conditions, hemorrhoids, sinusitis and leg ulcers.

Health Effects

A high concentration of Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats in sunflower oil makes it the best choice for cardiovascular benefits. Foods cooked in sunflower oil have a lower amount of trans fats. Such foods also stay fresher and healthier for longer periods of time. Infants born with low birth weight also showed increased resistance to disease following daily skin treatments of sunflower oil. However, excessive intake of sunflower oil may increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

The refinement process of sunflower oil destroys many of its health benefits and may introduce metal contaminants. Cold expeller pressed oil retains the most nutrients.

Origins

Extracted from sunflower seeds, sunflower oil is non-volatile and oil rich in vitamins E (alpha-tocopherol) and poly and monounsaturated fats.