Health Benefits of Sunflower Oil

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Feb 11, 2022 • 3 min Read

Sunflower oil is a food, a medicine, and a skin treatment. It is an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and it’s low in saturated fat and high in fatty acids that has many health benefits.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of this wonderful sunflower oil:

1. Nutrition

One of the many reasons for its growing popularity is its impressive fatty acid content. The combination of fatty acids in the body is extremely important to maintain various elements of human health. Some of these fatty acids, vitamin E (tocopherols), and other organic compounds may act as antioxidants that can positively affect a huge range of conditions.

2. May Lower Cholesterol Levels

Many studies point out the benefits of the oil on cholesterol levels. Sunflower seeds have a compound named phytosterols, similar in structure to cholesterol, it may help in countering cholesterol’s absorption in the bloodstream. As it often wins out, it ultimately results in overall lower amounts of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

3. May Provide Relief from Athlete’s Foot

Sunflower oil is also an effective remedy in providing relief from Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that starts between the toes. The topical application of the oil helps in curing it faster.

4. May Improve Skin Care

Sunflower oil, rich in vitamin E, is considered to be important in improving skin health and regenerating cells. Your skin may be better protected against damage from the sun, as well as the natural degradation that comes with age. Some changes occur when free radicals are present in the body. Antioxidants, like vitamin E, neutralize free radicals, keeping them from destroying or damaging healthy cells. There’s an increased reduction in scars, quicker wound healing, and a healthier natural glow in your skin, a major reason why it is commonly used in cosmetic applications.

Some people use sunflower oil for massaging premature infants with low birth weight or other complications. In certain traditional medicines, this process is thought to effectively lower the chances of developing skin infections. Since their organs (including their skin) are in an underdeveloped stage, the oil is believed to act as a protective barrier.

5. May Boost Energy Levels

The fatty acid content in sunflower oil is connected to energy levels in the body. Saturated fats can make you feel sluggish, while unsaturated fats, which the oil has many, can keep you feeling energized and satiated for much longer.

6. May Reduce Inflammation

Sunflower oil has been positively correlated with a lower amount and severity of asthma attacks because of its anti-inflammatory qualities derived from its vitamin content and the benefits of contained fatty acids. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined showed a promising impact between these anti-inflammatory properties and the reduction of respiratory conditions.

7. May Protect Body

Fatty acids may have a significant effect on the general immune system and may increase the body’s ability to resist attacks by infection. Sunflower oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may protect the skin by strengthening the membrane barriers, thereby making it harder for bacteria and viruses to enter the body. 

Start including this healthy oil in your daily routine and enjoy its benefits.

Stay healthy and safe!