Sunflower oil is a popular cooking oil in the United States. Because it is monounsaturated, it is healthier than soybean oil or corn oil. Sunflower oil has a mild taste and is rich in vitamin E. It also has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-heat cooking.
Sunflower Blends
What you may not know is that there are three versions of sunflower oil. The most commonly-used is the original sunflower oil, also known as linoleic sunflower oil. This form is rich in vitamin E and is also 65-percent unsaturated. It also contains mega-6 fatty acids. The second form, known as high oleic sunflower oil, is high in monounsaturated acids. This variety is used in non-dairy creamers, for baking and as a spray oil for cooking and making dressings. The third variety is NuSun sunflower oil. It was developed by the National Sunflower Association for food manufacturers. It has lower saturated fat levels than the other two versions.
Vitamin E
Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from the ravaging effects of free radicals. This means it can help reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer caused by free radical damage. Vitamin E also helps to boost the immune system and prevent and fight disease. It is also involved in the expression of enzymes, which aid in metabolic processes.
Cholesterol
A 2005 study published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" showed that consuming sunflower oil can help decrease levels of bad or LDL cholesterol. The study indicated that people who used sunflower oil instead of a cooking oil containing saturated fats reduced their LDL levels by up to 14 percent over a period of 10 weeks. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Omega-3s
Sunflower oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids. They are not produced in the body, so we need to obtain them from our diet. They are vital for maintaining health as they are involved in maintaining healthy blood pressure, improving brain function, preventing heart disease and stroke and promoting healthy growth and development.
References
- National Sunflower Association: Sunflower Oil
- Health Food Guide: Health Benefits Of Sunflower Oil
- Whole Living: Choosing Healthier Oils
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; A Diet Rich in High-Oleic-Acid Sunflower Oil Favorably Alters Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Factor VII Coagulant Activity; Allman-Farinelli M.A, et al.; July 2005
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