Sunflower Oil Benefits

Whenever you hear that someone you know has had a heart attack, the first thing that dominates your mind, is the thought of exercising and reducing the quantity of cooking oil in your food. Maybe, you are not aware that you are already reaping the benefits of sunflower oil, as it may be regularly used as cooking oil in your household. If it is so, then you have a reason to rejoice. The sunflower oil benefits are manifold, especially imparted by its health-enhancing nutrient contents.

Health Benefits of Sunflower Oil
You can choose from the two types of sunflower oils, viz. linoleic and high oleic, that are available in the market. High oleic sunflower oil is known to be rich in the monounsaturated acids. But, it is the linoleic type that contains polyunsaturated fat, that we commonly know and use as sunflower oil.

Chemical Structure and its Effects on Health
Saturated fats can resist high temperatures ranging from 180 to 200 degrees Celsius. They are difficult to break down during metabolism and are carried by the blood to different parts of the body and get deposited. This causes diseases like embolism, atherosclerosis, joint pain and birth defects. The polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats present in sunflower oil provide energy and at the same time, lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The chemical bonding in the polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fatty acids, is weaker than that of the saturated fats, such as butter. This is the reason for their low melting point. Most of the unsaturated fats (poly and mono) remain in liquid state, unlike saturated fats at room temperature. It is known that these fats lower the risk of heart attacks. The monounsaturated fats or fatty acids have low melting point than that of saturated fats, however it is higher than that of polyunsaturated fats.

Phytonutrients
This benefits of sunflower oil is further enhanced by the phytochemicals, such as choline, phenolic acid, etc., present in it. These chemicals are known to prevent heart diseases. Rest assured that you will be drawing benefits of sunflower oil. The main sunflower oil benefits revolves around the presence of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, along with vitamins in high quantity.

Skin Care with Sunflower Oil
It is found that in the low birth weight, pre-term infants, sunflower oil is useful in lowering the risk of infections. In these babies, there is always a risk of infection because of their underdeveloped organs, including skin. Sunflower oil works as a protective barrier, when applied to the skin of these babies.

Fights Free Radicals
One of the benefits of the sunflower oil is that it acts as an antioxidant, due to the presence of vitamin E in it. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes cancer-causing free radicals.

Vitamin E, in the sunflower oil, also acts as moisturizer, by helping the body cells retain water inside them. For this property, sunflower is often used in cosmetic products. Sunflower oil, through vitamin E, also prevents rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and colon cancer. Sunflower oil also contains Vitamin B. Along with the nutritive value discussed above, sunflower oil also contains the following nutrients:

• Palmitic acid
• Stearic acid
• Lecithin
• Tocopherols
• Carotenoids
• Selenium
• Proteins
• Copper
• Iron
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Omega-6 fatty acids

Moreover, folate or folic acid, present in sunflower oil, helps the body in the manufacture of new cells. Magnesium helps in preventing muscle cramps, while tryptophan helps in relaxing the brain and promoting sleep by helping the body in the production of the neurotransmitter, serotonin.

I hope this explains the nutritional value of sunflower oil. Fast lifestyles and increased levels of stress coupled with the target-oriented professional life is taxing. Fatty diet, instant food and lack of exercises may cause obesity. You can lead a healthy life by incorporating change in your lifestyle, by using the right cooking oil and drawing on the sunflower oil benefits.