Health Benefits Of Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is flavorless and colorless oil extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant. The oil is widely used as cooking oil, in salad dressing and for producing margarine. Apart from its use in food production, safflower oil is also used in painting and as a component in a large variety of commercial products. Safflower oil is expressed either through the chemical process or mechanical process. Chemical process uses certain chemicals to extract the oil, which is actually not recommended for use, since it can cause certain negative effects on the body. On the other hand, the oil extracted through mechanical process is a more natural way, as it helps in retaining all the essential ingredients that are said to medically benefit the user. This article provides an insight on the health and nutrition benefits of consuming safflower oil on a regular basis. Also explore its nutritional value.

Nutritional Value Of Safflower Oil

Amount of Safflower Oil: 1 cup

Total Weight of Safflower Oil: 218 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Phytosterols	968 mg
Calories
Total Calories	1927 (8068 KJ)
Calories From Fat	1927 (8068 KJ)
Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	218 g
Saturated Fat	13.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat	163 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	31.3 g
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids	31284 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	74.3 mg
Vitamin K	15.5 mcg
Choline	0.4 mg

Nutrition Benefits Of Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is highly useful in providing relief to babies from diaper rashes. It is also used as a healthy alternative for baby oil.
External application of safflower oil helps nursing mothers to prevent cracked nipples.
Safflower oil helps in correcting irregular menstrual periods, thereby increasing the shedding process within the uterus.
Rich in polyunsaturated fats, safflower oil helps in the creating prostaglandins, hormone like compounds, in an individual’s body. It also helps in strengthening cell membranes and aids in the proper functioning of the entire body.
One of the biggest advantages of safflower oil is that it reduces the excessive accumulated fat content in the body, thus aiding in weight loss. It is the brown fat in our body that aids in burning down the calories. This process is triggered by the cis-linoleic acid present in the oil. Therefore, for people who are looking to shed down some extra tons, switching on to safflower oil would be highly beneficial.
Safflower oil helps in the healthy functioning of the heart. It reduces the cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases in an individual. Apart from providing a healthy heart, the oil helps in strengthening the immune system of the body, thereby increasing the body’s resistance to certain infections and diseases.
Safflower oil is a healthy choice for hair growth and shiny skin. The presence of vitamin E aids in strengthening the hair roots of a person, if massaged regularly. People suffering from hair fall can massage their scalp with this odorless, mild oil to get rid of the problem.
People having dry skin should use the oil to moisturize their skin, especially during winter.
Safflower oil is also useful in treating acne. It is highly beneficial in getting rid of skin problems like scars, wrinkles, etc.

Caution

Safflower oil should be avoided by pregnant women.
Safflower oil, when consumed in large quantities, can induce several complications.
The mild side effects of using safflower oil are nausea, vomiting, belching, loose stools, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, head aches, sleepiness, sweating, chest and back pain.
Some serious adverse effects of safflower oil include hyperthermia, hyperlipemia, dyspnea, severe chest pain, thrombocytopenia, hypercoagulability and transient increase in the liver enzymes.

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