We have all heard about the benefits of olive oil, however, sunflower oil also has great benefits for our body. Sunflower oil is rich in nutrients and minerals that work wonders on your skin. Therefore, we will know a little more in-depth this great ally of our daily kitchen. An oil that can give us many more things than we think. The first point that we must keep in mind is that to benefit from all the properties of sunflower oil, it must be of quality like Navarra Oil.
Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seed and is one of the healthiest for consumption thanks to its nutritional values. Also, due to its emollient properties, it is an important ingredient in the cosmetic industry. It contains abundant fatty acids and vitamin E, which can be absorbed topically or with intake. Sunflower oil contains emollient, soothing properties, rich in antioxidants and nutrients, so it is widely used in medicine and aesthetics.
Sunflower oil composition
Before we delve deeper into the benefits of sunflower oil, let’s dig a little into its composition.
The main element is linoleic acid, polyunsaturated essential fatty acid-rich in omega 6. Sunflower oil is the richest of all in Omega 6.
Other important components in sunflower oil formulation are oleic acid (omega 9) and palmitic acid, the main saturated fatty acid that we humans have.
In addition to these essential oils, other benefits of sunflower oil are due to lecithin, carotenoids, tocopherols and much of vitamins A, D and E.
Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect your body’s cells from damage by free radicals, supports immune function, and prevents inflammation.
Good Source of Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Sunflower oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids. While these are essential for the body as they support brain function and normal growth and development, they need to be balanced with omega-3 fats in your diet as an excess of omega-6 can lead to inflammation.
ADVANTAGES OF SUNFLOWER OIL
Although sunflower oil may have high-fat content, it is gaining many adherents for being the perfect balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Cardiovascular benefits
Sunflower oil is a heart-healthy choice known for its rich content of unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are critical in maintaining good cardiovascular health as they can help to lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels while boosting beneficial HDL cholesterol. Sunflower oil also contains an abundance of Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that aids in protecting cells from damage by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, its generous phytosterol content can further contribute to cholesterol management. In terms of inflammation, which is often linked to cardiovascular disease, sunflower oil may also offer benefits due to its linoleic acid content. However, moderation is crucial as sunflower oil is still high in calories. Incorporating it into a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity can leverage its potential benefits for heart health.
Lowers cholesterol:
In other oils with more saturated fats, the body is unable to break down that substance during digestion and nutrient absorption. Therefore, that fat is transported to different parts of the body and is deposited generating the known as LDL cholesterol or “bad cholesterol.” Sunflower oil is low in saturated fat and contains phytosterols, a component that blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines while protecting the heart. In this way, it helps reduce the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Antioxidant, repairs the body and helps cell regeneration
Sunflower oil, rich in Vitamin E, has potent antioxidant properties that can contribute to cellular repair and regeneration. Vitamin E scavenges harmful free radicals produced in the body during metabolic processes or introduced by environmental stressors. By neutralizing these radicals, it helps prevent damage to cellular structures, including DNA and proteins, effectively aiding in the repair and maintenance of the body’s tissues.
The omega-6 fatty acids in sunflower oil also play a significant role in supporting cell regeneration. They are crucial components of cell membranes, ensuring their integrity and functioning. These fats can support the formation of new cells and promote their proper growth and development.
Additionally, the Vitamin A present in sunflower oil is integral to the health of epithelial tissues and can support skin cell regeneration. However, it’s important to note that while sunflower oil has these beneficial qualities, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are fundamental to overall health and wellbeing.
Great skin ally
It contains a large amount of vitamin E, so it helps prevent cell damage from UVA or ultraviolet sunlight. It also improves the appearance of the skin, prevents the appearance of scars and softens it thanks to this high content of vitamin E, apart from that it helps reduce wrinkles.
In the case of sensitive skin, it can be used as a make-up remover since it does not irritate or damage the dermis.
It also has great emollient properties that help the skin retain moisture. Also, it acts as a protective film reducing the probability of infections or pimples by 14%. Besides, it is rich in vitamins A, C, and D and in carotenoids and waxes that are effective against the fight against acne. Being light and non-oily oil, the skin absorbs it without clogging the pores.
It has great antioxidant properties making it a great ally against aging, reducing the risk of the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.
It is also a great ally of dry skin as it improves the ability to retain hydration. If combined with quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil it is effective in removing dead cells and impurities.
Shine and softness to the hair
Sunflower oil is a versatile natural remedy that can significantly enhance the health and appearance of hair. It is rich in Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids that nourish the hair and scalp, potentially improving overall hair health and growth. Its lightweight, non-greasy nature makes it a superb choice for adding a glossy shine to the hair. This oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft, thereby conditioning and moisturizing hair strands from within, resulting in softer and smoother hair.
Further, sunflower oil helps to reduce frizz and manageability issues by sealing moisture within hair cuticles, making them less prone to dryness. Its antioxidant properties protect hair from damage caused by environmental stressors like sunlight and pollution. It also acts as a natural emollient, reducing split ends and breakage. Despite these benefits, it’s essential to use sunflower oil in moderation and as part of a holistic hair care regimen for best results.