Top 3 Uses for Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is present in more and more products nowadays. Its taste and frying performance make it popular with chefs; its beauty benefits allow sunflower oil uses in cosmetics; the oil is used as a natural medical treatment as well.

The uses for sunflower oil in cooking

Due to its properties, sunflower oil is suitable for numerous cooking purposes. Its major features, which determine sunflower oil uses in the kitchen, are the following:

• A high smoke point. Sunflower oil begins to smoke only at 227 °C (440 °F) and is thus a good choice for frying, sautéing and baking with no free radicals coming out.
• A light taste and odor. Sunflower oil does not overpower food and lets the natural flavor and taste of other ingredients to come through. Therefore, the oil suites very well for salad dressing use and baking.
• Healthy nutrition content. Sunflower oil has one of the highest amounts of Vitamin E among other vegetable oils. This vitamin is a very strong antioxidant protecting cells from free radicals as well as preventing infection. The fat formula of sunflower oil consists mostly of unsaturated fats, which is good for the decreasing in blood the levels of both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, sunflower oil can be used for cooling in any diet.

SEE ALSO: 3 Must Uses for Coconut Oil

Sunflower oil uses in cosmetology

As it was mentioned above, sunflower oil is rich in Omega-6 fatty acid and Vitamin E. These compounds work perfectly when applied topically as well. Vitamin E, along with being antioxidant, is an emollient as well. It traps moisture inside skin cells, helps lower skin redness and roughness and protect the collagen and elastin thus reducing wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Omega-6 (linoleic acid) also helps decrease inflammation in skin (i.e., acne, dermatitis, sun burns). The mentioned center says that the fatty acid enhances the developing of new skin cells.

In the total, the uses for sunflower oil in skin and hair care are the following:

• anti-inflammatory;
• anti-bacterial;
• deeply moisturizing and smoothing;
• rejuvenating skin cells;
• anti-aging.

 For these reasons, sunflower oil is a popular ingredient in both commercial and homemade cosmetic products. The internal consuming of the oil will also help the overall health of skin and hair.

Sunflower oil uses for health boosting

In natural medicine, sunflower oil helps lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. A study proved it, according to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (2005). Healthy cholesterol level minimizes the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Sunflower oil can be used for treating arthritis and skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne, poor healing injuries, and sunburns. The oil is applied directly to the skin and is easily absorbed then.

Sunflower oil can also be helpful for solving constipation problem, according to Wikipedia. For this purpose, consume one tablespoon of pure oil on an empty stomach in the morning. It will better your digestion and bowel movements.

There are more options of the uses for sunflower oil. It works well as massage oil, as lubricant and as base oil in aromatherapy. 

SEE ALSO: Sunflower Oil Benefits You Didn’t Know About