Some of the health benefits of safflower oil include its ability to lower cholesterol levels, manage blood sugar, aid in weight loss, improve hair health, boost skin health, reduce the symptoms of PMS, control muscle contractions, and improve the immune system.
Safflower is an annual, thistle-like plant with many branches and little-known use except for its oil. Fortunately, this oil is extremely valuable and is extracted from the seeds. In the past, safflower seeds were typically used for dyes, but they have had a range of uses over the last few thousand years. It has been an important plant for cultures dating back to the Greeks and the Egyptians.
There are approximately 60 countries around the world that cultivate this crop, but the overall yield is rather small, only about 600,000 tons per year around the world. In modern history, the vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds is the most valuable element of the plant, and the majority of production is used for this purpose. The oil, however, is a good replacement for other, less healthy vegetable oils that are widely used, so the market continues to increase around the world.
Health Benefits Of Safflower Oil
The health benefits of this oil, rather than more traditional vegetable oils, are significant and are outlined in more detail below.
Improves Heart Health
Safflower oil has been shown to have a very high content of omega-6 fatty acids, which is a beneficial type of fatty acid that our body needs. It is otherwise known as linoleic acid. This acid can help the body to keep a healthy balance of cholesterol in the body, which decreases the chances of developing atherosclerosis, as well as the other health conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, that are often the result of this condition.
Prevents Diabetes
The omega-6 fatty acid has also been shown to manage blood sugar levels, thereby helping people who suffer from diabetes to keep their blood sugar even. This can also prevent people from developing diabetes.
Weight Loss
This has long been known as a good choice for people who are trying their best to lose weight. Omega-6 fatty acids, of which safflower oil is rich, helps the body to burn fat, rather than store it. This makes safflower oil very valuable, since vegetable oil is used in so many cooking preparations, and it can be used by people suffering from obesity to lose weight without having to make too many changes to their diet.
Hair Care
Safflower oil is also rich in oleic acid, which is very beneficial for the scalp and hair. This vitamin increases circulation on the scalp, stimulating hair growth and strength in the follicles. It can also help to keep your hair shiny and vibrant, so it is often used in cosmetic applications. However, it also does the same thing if consumed as food.
Skin Care
The high content of linoleic acid in safflower oil makes it ideal for boosting the quality and appearance of your skin. The linoleic acid can combine with sebum to unclog the pores and reduce blackheads, as well as acne, which is a result of sebum build-up under the skin. Furthermore, linoleic acid stimulates the regeneration of new skin cells that help clear up scars and other blemishes from the surface of the skin, leaving you looking younger and more attractive.
Relieves PMS Symptoms
For women going through menstruation, it can be a painful and uncomfortable time. Safflower oil’s linoleic acid regulates the prostaglandins in the body, which can cause such dramatic hormonal fluctuations and symptoms during menstruation. Therefore, safflower oil can decrease the severity of the PMS symptoms and can also regulate menstrual cycles, just like hormonal supplements, without the dangerous side effects.
Boosts Immune System
Although they regulate the function of prostaglandins, safflower oil also contributes the omega-6 fatty acids that create prostaglandins. These are hormone-like substances that help the body to function normally, including the processes of the immune system, therefore leaving our body more protected.
A Word of Caution
If you have a problem with blood clotting, use safflower oil, because it can dramatically slow down blood clotting, since it is a blood thinner. Also, if you have an allergy to ragweed and others in that family, avoid safflower oil, since it is from the same botanical family and can cause allergic reactions of varying severity.
Basically, switch to safflower oil for all of your vegetable oil needs today and enjoy all of the beneficial results soon.
Source: Naturalnews
