Safflower oil is a colorless and flavorless edible vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the safflower.
It has a light texture, non-greasy feel, easily absorbed, and is nutritionally similar to sunflower oil.Two different kinds of safflower oil are produced from two different kinds of safflower varieties –
(1) High oleic variety of safflower oil -is high in the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, about 70%. It is used for heat stable cooking like deep frying.
(2) High linoleic variety of safflower oil -is high in the polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid, about 70%. It is good when used as salad dressings, soft margarine and as a nutritional supplement.
PUFA are fragile and when exposed to heat, light or oxygen, they can quickly turn rancid and lose their ability to function. So it is best when used cold.
- Safflower oil has more PUFA than any other available oil.
- The high oleic safflower oil has a high smoking point of 225 F for unrefined oil and 450 F for refined oil. So the nutritional value is not lost when used for deep frying.
- It is nutritionally similar to olive oil in that it has very a high monounsaturated fat content, nearly 75%.
- It has a long shelf life when stored in a cool dark place away from light and heat due to the presence of very high amount of vitamin E naturally, about 34%.
Is it raw?
Yes and No.
- Yes, the mechanical expeller pressed safflower oil is raw and is not treated with heat or chemicals.
- No, the chemically extracted safflower oil is treated with chemicals and heat. Make sure you read the label.
Health Benefits
1. Safflower oil is low in saturated fats and very high in unsaturated fats.
2. Essential fatty acids are the precursors of prostaglandins, which are hormone like substances that have a variety of functions like contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, control of blood pressure, inflammatory response, etc in humans and animals.
3. Good source of cis-linoleic acid, the omega-6 fatty acid in safflower oil is responsible for prostaglandin production.
4. Cis-linoleic acid is also responsible for burning the brown fat in the body for heat rather than storing as white fat. Thus, safflower also aids in weight loss and its maintenance.
5. Has a very high content of vitamin E, about 34%, which is an antioxidant that fights against free radicals and preserves the integrity of cell membranes and reduces the risk of heart diseases, cancers and other degenerative diseases.
6. Also used as massage oil, manufacturing soaps, moisturizers, lotions and sunscreens in cosmetic industry.
7. Acts as a conditioner when applied to hair.
8. When applied topically, it reduces the wrinkles on the face, makes the dry and rough skin smooth and gives a youthful, shiny and soft skin. And so is used in the manufacture of anti-wrinkle creams.
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