Safflower oil contains omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFAs. PUFAs contain the same number of calories as saturated and monounsaturated fats; a major difference is their effect on health. Polyunsaturated fats have heart-healthy benefits for lowering cholesterol, as do monounsaturated fats. PUFAs in safflower oil reduce insulin resistance that is associated with belly fat.
Safflower Oil and Diabetic Women
A July 2009 study from Ohio State University that focused on postmenopausal women with diabetes found safflower oil supplements helped women lose 2 to 4 pounds of belly fat after 16 weeks. In the study, safflower oil raised levels of a hormone called adiponectin, which helps the body burn fat more efficiently.
Benefits
Safflower oil has benefits for heart health. In another study, Ohio State University researchers found that taking 1-2/3 teaspoons of safflower oil daily raised beneficial HDL cholesterol levels in diabetic, obese, postmenopausal women. The oil lowered markers of inflammation that can lead to heart disease and helped control glucose levels. The amount consumed was 9.8 percent of daily calories, correlating with federal guidelines for daily oil consumption.
Omega-6 PUFA and the Body
Omega-6 fatty acids in safflower are important for overall health, but you also need omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in walnuts, fatty fish, flaxseed, canola and soybean oil, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts and spinach. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, most Americans do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Balancing your omega- 3 and omega- 6 ratio is important for preventing heart disease.
Expert Advice
The best way to lose weight is to remain active and burn more calories than you take in. To lose 1 lb of fat in a week, you need to eliminate 250 calories a day and exercise to burn 250 more calories daily. You should aim to lose no more than 2 lbs a week to preserve muscle mass. Safflower oil is a healthy dietary addition, but it can add calories and should be limited like any high-calorie food.
References
- The University of Arizona: Fats and Cholesterol in the Diet
- PubMed.gov: Metabolic Syndrome
- Ohio State University: "Two Dietary Oils, Two Sets of Benefits for Older Women with Diabetes"
- Ohio State University: A Dose of Safflower Oil Each Day Might Help Keep Heart Disease at Bay
- Harvard School of Public Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- FamilyDoctor.org: What it takes to Lose Weight
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