Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil compressed from sunflower seeds. It is a monounsaturated (MUFA)/polyunsaturated (PUFA) mixture of mostly oleic acid (omega-9)-linoleic acid (omega-6) group of oils. The oil content of the seed ranges from 22 to 36% (average, 28%): the kernel contains 45–55% oil. The expressed oil is of light amber color with a mild and pleasant flavor; refined oil is pale yellow. Refining losses are low and the oil has good keeping qualities with light tendency for flavor reversion. The oil contains appreciable quantities of vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and other aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is commonly used in food as frying oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient.

The fascinating health benefits of sunflower oil are:

   –   It helps in lowering heart related diseases and prevents rheumatoid arthritis

   –   It provides protection against colon cancer, asthama and various other types of cancer

   –   It fights cancer-causing free radicals, repairs the body and prevents infant infection

   –   It promotes healthy nervous system and reduces the risk of cardiac problems