Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil compressed from sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds. Sunflower oil is commonly used in food as a frying oil and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient. Sunflower oil was first industrially produced in 1835 in the Russian Empire.The world's largest sunflower oil producers now are Ukraine and Russia.

Sunflower oil also contains lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids and waxes. Sunflower oil's properties are typical of a vegetable triglyceride oil. Sunflower oil is produced from oil type sunflower seeds. Sunflower oil is light in taste and appearance and has a high vitamin E content. It is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels.

Uses

As a frying oil, sunflower oil behaves as a typical vegetable triglyceride. In cosmetics, it has smoothing properties and is considered noncomedogenic. Sunflower oil is also an ingredient in sunflower butter. Sunflower oil can be used to run diesel engines when mixed with diesel in the tank.

There are a variety of health benefits associated with the consumption of sunflower oil.

Diet and cardiovascular benefits

Sunflower oil is high in the essential vitamin E and low in saturated fat. The two most common types of sunflower oil are linoleic and high oleic. Linoleic sunflower oil is a common cooking oil that has high levels of polyunsaturated fat. It is also known for having a clean taste and low levels of trans fat. High oleic sunflower oils are classified as having monounsaturated levels of 80% and above. Newer versions of sunflower oil have been developed as a hybrid containing linoleic acid. They have monounsaturated levels lower than other oleic sunflower oils. The hybrid oil also has lower saturated fat levels than linoleic sunflower oil.

Protection of skin

Sunflower oil, like other oils, can retain moisture in the skin. It may also provide a protective barrier that resists infection in premature infants. Studies using sunflower oil have been conducted involving low birth weight infants who are often susceptible to infection due to their underdeveloped skin. The study determined that infants receiving a daily skin treatment of sunflower oil were 41% less likely to develop infections in the hospital.

Negative health effects

Sunflower oil is richer in omega-6 linoleic acid (48–74%) than most of vegetable oils. Some medical research suggests that excessive levels of certain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to certain omega-3 fatty acids but likely in conjunction with exogenous toxins, may have negative health effects. Those include an increase in the likelihood postmenopausal women may develop breast cancer. A similar effect was observed on prostate cancer, but the study was performed on mice. Another study indicated that, when heated to frying temperature for extended periods, sunflower oil produces aldehydes, which may be associated with some neurodegenerative diseases.

Sunflower oil a has a large collection of benefits to help keep your body healthy and strong. Many people are not aware of the many natural benefits sunflower oil because it is not the most popular oil used in cooking. It is easy to substitute into your diet and has a natural, light taste.

Sunflower oil can lower cardiovascular diseases and the chance of heart attack.

Sunflower oil provides lots of natural energy. By incorporating a little sunflower oil in your salad at lunch, you can feel naturally energized at work or at school.

It lowers risk of infections of low birth weight and pre-term infants. These infants are at risk of infection because of undeveloped organs and skin. It serves as a protective barrier.

Benefit of sunflower oil:-

Another great benefit is that it neutralizes cancer causing free radicals. This is possible because of the vitamin E or tocopherols found insunflower oil. Free radicals damage cells as well as your immune system.

• Sunflower oil also acts as an antioxidant because of the levels of vitamin E.

• The vitamin E in sunflower oil is a moisturizer and helps cells retain water.

• In addition to preventing rheumatoid arthritis,sunflower oil also prevents asthma and colon cancer. By adding this oil to your diet regularly you will help prevent the potentially devastating effects of colon cancer.

• Sunflower oil contains vitamin B which is good for a healthy nervous system, good digestion, and it is great for producing energy.

• Lecithin is also present in sunflower oil which helps keep colestrol levels low. This is possible because lecithin sticks to your nerve and cell linings and prevents fat and cholesterol from sticking to the cell.

• Carotenoids can be found in this oil which help prevent cancers such as uterine, lung and skin. Also, carotenoids can aid in preventing cataracts as well as provide a nice source of vitamin A.

• Sunflower oil is a good way to incorporate selenium into your diet. By having higher levels of selenium in your blood, you reduce the risk of lung and skin cancers. It also reduces the chances of cardiac problems and hepatic degradation.

• Protein is beneficial in building and repairing tissues and the production of hormones and enzymes. Protein is also found in sunflower oil. Your body actually needs high amounts of protein because the body does not store it. Because of this, there is no backup supply of protein ready for your body to use if you do not continuously consume it.

• Another benefit of sunflower oil is that it contains zinc. Zinc is great because it helps maintain a healthy immune system which helps in the healing of wounds. Zinc also is beneficial in maintaining your sense of smell and taste.

• Sunflower oil contains folic acid, which helps the body manufacture new cells.