Safflower Oil Review

The Miracle Oil You Need to Know About.

For most people, the only “healthy” oils they know about probably include coconut, canola, and of course olive oil. However, there’s fairly uncommon oil that actually is healthier than all three of these oils in some way. It’s called safflower oil and it’s something you need to know about.

What Is Safflower Oil?

Safflower oil comes from the safflower plant, a cousin of the sunflower plant. Safflower seeds are pressed after being dried, which results in thick, yellowish oil. This oil is then separated into two different safflower oils, which are:

Polyunsaturated: Polyunsaturated safflower oil has linoleic acid, a powerful antioxidant, and is more frequently added to dressings and vinegars. Unfortunately, polyunsaturated oil cannot be used in cooking because it instantly turns rancid when heated.

Monounsaturated: Monounsaturated safflower oil is the more common of the two safflower oils. Monounsaturated safflower oil can be used to fry foods or to sauté vegetables as well as used in cold dishes. Most stores carry both versions of safflower oil, although monounsaturated safflower oil is the most common.

Benefits of Safflower Oil

Safflower oil contains multiple essential nutrients and it should be considered one of the healthiest oils we can use. In fact, safflower oil is more nutrient dense than many other oils.

Safflower oil has a high concentration of Vitamin E than olive oil or red palm oil and it has the largest concentration of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids when compared to almost a dozen of the most commonly used oils.

However, it does lack a few nutrients, which is why it is often used as an alternative. Still, there are many benefits of safflower oil, some of which still need to proven. However, based upon what we have available to us, we can be certain about a few things.

First, safflower oil is very heart healthy, mainly due to its’ large concentration of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Studies have shown that safflower oil can lower cholesterol, balance blood pressure, and strengthen artery walls.

Second, safflower oil appears to be very good for the immune system as well. Safflower oil contains over a dozen antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which improve the strength of the immune system and prevent free radical damage.

Safflower oil also has a huge amount of an Vitamin E, which is beneficial to the health of our skin and immune system. Vitamin E is one of the most common antioxidants and it also helps deliver nutrients to our skin and other organs.

Safflower Oil Uses

Safflower oil can also be used topically on the skin and hair. A simple dab or safflower oil in the hair will moisturize and nourish the scalp. Therefore, people with dandruff will find safflower oil especially useful. Safflower oil will also shine and soften hair as well.

Safflower oil has dozens of benefits, which can boost your health and help prevent disease down the road. While olive oil is all the rage right now, safflower oil deserves to be talked about because it is just as beneficial to the body, if not a little more than olive oil.