Safflower Oil & Weight Loss

Safflower oil is made from the seeds of the safflower, an annual blooming plant. Safflower can be grown in a wide range of climates, so safflower oil is a common ingredient in many commercial products and can be used as a salad dressing or food flavoring. Safflower oil is calorie-dense, but it is purported to have weight loss benefits due to the fatty acids it contains. However, you may find the caloric density of safflower oil overcomes any potential benefits for dieting. Consult with your doctor first.

Calories

Safflower oil, as with other plant oils, is high in calories. A 1 tbsp. serving of safflower oil contains 120 calories, which constitutes 6 percent of the daily suggested intake of 2,000 calories. The calorie density of safflower oil can make it inappropriate for weight loss; topping a salad with 2 tbsp. of safflower oil would provide 240 calories, but the same sized serving of fat-free ranch dressing could provide just 30.

Fat

Safflower oil is high in fat, with 13.6 g in each 1 tbsp. serving. Although dietary fat is essential for proper health, it can be detrimental for dieting. Research from the July 1993 issue of "International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders" indicates that consumption of high-fat foods is less filling than high-carbohydrate foods, which can be detrimental when dieting.

Carbohydrates

Safflower oil does not contain any carbohydrates. While having no carbohydrates can make a food appropriate for low-carbohydrate diets, it is also detrimental because certain carbohydrates can aid weight loss. For example, dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that triggers feelings of fullness, so it can prevent you from eating too much.

Protein

Safflower oil does not provide any protein, a nutrient your body uses to build and repair tissues and organs. While protein is involved in muscle gain, it can also promote weight loss; research from the October 2004 issue of "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" indicates that high-protein diets can enhance satiety, calorie-burning and fat loss compared to lower protein diets.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Safflower oil can be a source of conjugated linoleic acid, a type of fatty acid that is purported to enhance weight loss. A study published in the September 2009 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found safflower oil supplementation could aid in weight reduction, but not fat loss. However, the results were not as significant as the body composition improvements produced by isolated conjugated linoleic acid supplements.