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What is Safflower Oil Made From: Get to Know Different Types of Safflower Oil

what os safflower oil made

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What is safflower oil made from? Safflower oil is derived from seeds of safflower. Accordign to Wikipedia, safflower is a thistle-like plant growing in dry and hot areas. It is cultivated in the South-West of the United States. There are two types of safflower plants. One is rich in polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid; the other is a source of oleic acid, monounsaturated fat. It was received in the XXth century by cultivation and the high oleic safflower oil has become preferable because of its high stability.

Expeller-pressed safflower oil

There is expeller pressed safflower oil or chemically pressed oil available.  Most of cheap oils are solvent-derived. This way of pressing is more economical as it derives over 99% of all the available oil. When the oil is expeller-pressed it is extracted mechanically, without any chemicals, only at higher temperatures, as WiseGEEK.Org states. Cold-pressed safflower oil means that it is expeller-pressed. The pressing process is carried out at the controlled temperature lower 120°F. It lets keep more nutritional elements in oil. So the best oils are expeller pressed, preferably cold-pressed.

Expeller pressed high oleic safflower oil

Expeller pressed high oleic safflower oil is of high nutritional value. It contains not less than 70% of monounsaturated oleic acid. This safflower oil is sold in unrefined and refined forms. Unrefined safflower oil has a lower smoke point, about 225 degrees F and used mainly for salad dressings or sauces. Refined safflower oil is very stable, it resists 450 degrees F. So it doesn’t lose the nutrients when used for deep frying and roasting. It is neutral in flavor and colorless that makes it perfect for all purpose cooking. Safflower oil is also beneficial for hair.

Expeller pressed high oleic safflower oil is rich in vitamin E and well-absorbed. The high amount of vitamin E helps avoid oxidation, so unrefined and refined safflower oils have a long shelf life.

SEE ALSO: What is Hemp Oil?

High linoleic safflower oil

High linoleic safflower oil possesses about 70% of linoleic acid. It is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid. It is afraid of light or oxygen exposure. Its smoke point is low and it is primarily used for salad dressings. It will turn rancid at high temperatures. Although the caloric value of high linoleic safflower oil is high, it possesses health beneficial properties and even considered as beneficial for weight losing and belly fat reducing.

RELATED: What is Sunflower Oil? Its Types and Varieties

Where can you buy safflower oil

It is possible to buy safflower oil

When you buy safflower oil, pay attention to the fat profile on the label to buy the right variety of safflower oil. Organic expeller-pressed oils are the best. They are more expensive than other vegetable oils, but they are one of the most healthful. Moreover, high oleic safflower oil is cheaper than olive oil and their nutritional profiles are alike.