Sunflower Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction

The importance of plants and their parts never be denied and one of the natural gifts given to us by nature is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is the fourth largest source of vegetable oil globally after rapeseed, palm, and soybean. The scientific name of the sunflower is Helianthus annus which is a major agricultural crop cultivated globally for its seeds and oil. It is believed to be derived from North America. The health benefits of sunflower oil and seed are due to the presence of antioxidants, proteins, minerals, phytonutrients, healthy lipid profile¹. We use sunflower oil for various food preparation, but many of us still do not know the potential uses of sunflower oil. So read ahead to learn more about sunflower oil and how it is good for your health. 

Nutritional Value of Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil may have the following nutrients: 

• Vitamin E: 68.5 mg (per 100 g)
• Vitamin K: 6.9 µg (per 100 g)
• PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids): 20.7 g (per 100 g)
• MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids): 63.4 g (per 100 g)
• Fats: 93.2 g (per 100 g)

Nutrients present in 100g of sunflower oil². 

Properties of Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil may contain the following properties: 

• It may have antioxidants  
• It might have anti-inflammatory activity 
• It might have anti-fungal activity 
• It may have anticancer property 
• It might have antidiabetic property 
• It may have anti-asthmatic activity 
• It might have anti-microbial activity^1,3,4. 

Potential Uses of Sunflower Oil for Overall Health

Sunflower oil contains several nutrients that may have potential benefits for the body and some of the potentials are as follows: 

1. Potential Uses of Sunflower Oil for Diabetes

Sunflower oil may contain antioxidants that may act against diabetes by preventing the destruction of pancreatic β-cell. Several studies have shown that regular intake of sunflower oil may reduce the sugar level in Type-2 diabetes. Therefore, sunflower oil might be helpful against diabetes. However, more studies are needed to confirm its antidiabetic activity¹. Diabetes is a serious condition and is accurately diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate. 

2. Potential Uses of Sunflower Oil for Boosting Immunity

Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties that might potentially prevent chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bronchial asthma. The sunflower seeds contain zinc that may boost immunity and fight against diseases. Sunflower oil may also help in the wound healing process, as it may help to form collagen fibre in oral wounds¹. Therefore, sunflower oil might help boost immunity. However, more studies are needed to confirm its activity. 

Due to its higher energy content and other benefits, sunflower oil is one of the most commonly consumed dietary oils in India. It is also a good source of vitamins E and K along with lipids and oleic acids. Due to its high lipid content, it might provide an energy boost when consumed⁷.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

3. Potential Uses of Sunflower Oil for Brain

Sunflower oil may contain high levels of vitamin E, phytosterols, and linoleic acid which may benefit brain-related conditions. It also contains choline that might have the potential to lower anxiety, stress, and depression, and may enhance memory. However, more research is needed to check its benefits for brain-related conditions¹. If you have any brain-related problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

4. Potential Uses of Sunflower Oil for Skin

Several studies have shown that a lack of fatty acids may affect the skin and gradually lose its appearance. Sunflower contains omega-6 fatty acids that might aid in improving skin condition and delay ageing. However, more evidence is needed to confirm sunflower oil’s effectiveness on the skin³. If you have any skin related problems consult your doctor and do not self medicate.  

5. Potential Uses of Sunflower Oil for Cancer

Sunflower is a rich source of phytochemicals such as lignan and phenolic acids that may fight against cancer. Studies show that the presence of phytosterols such as β-sitosterol, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive compounds might inhibit several types of cancer cells. However, more studies and research are needed to confirm that sunflower oil has the potential to fight against cancer¹. Cancer is a serious condition, and it should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate. 

6. Potential Uses of Sunflower Oil for Heart

Sunflower oil contains MUFA and PUFA, which may be excellent for heart and heart-related diseases³. The presence of lignan and phenolic acids may help in preventing heart diseases¹. However, there is a need for more information to check its usefulness for heart diseases. If you have any heart-related problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

Though there are studies that show the benefits of sunflower oil in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of sunflower oil on human health. 

Antioxidants are quite essential for reducing oxidative stress in our body. Increased oxidative stress due to free radicals can lead to various health problems like infectious diseases, diabetes, cancer development, arthritis, respiratory diseases, etc. Sunflower oil is said to possess antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds and might be beneficial in reducing various health conditions⁶.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Sunflower Oil?

You can use sunflower oil to prepare your favourite food items such as dal, gravies, soups, and baking. However, it is important to consult your doctor before replacing your regular oil with sunflower oil. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking sunflower oil in large quantities or any other herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

Side Effects of Sunflower Oil

Allergy: There are chances that a few individuals might be allergic to sunflower oil. Highly refined sunflower oil may not cause side effects but, less refined or unrefined sunflower oil may cause allergic reactions⁵.

Precautions to Take with Sunflower Oil

• Allergic individuals: People allergic to sunflower oil should avoid consuming sunflower oil and ask an expert if they want to include sunflower oil in their diet⁵.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctors before taking sunflower oil as there is no sufficient information on its consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions with Other Drugs

Sunflower oil might react with medicines and alter their activity. However, there is not much information on the interaction of sunflower oil with medicines. Therefore, more studies are needed to check if it affects any medication. If you are taking certain medications, please consult your doctor before consuming sunflower oil. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Oilseeds: Health Attributes and Food Applications. [Internet]. 2021. Available from: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-15-4194-0  
2. Oil, sunflower [Internet]. FoodData Central. 2022. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1750349/nutrients  
3. Mallick S, Mandal U, Mahalik G. A Review on the Health Benefits of Helianthus annuus L. Indian Journal of Natural Sciences [Internet]. 2022. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360787254_A_Review_on_the_Health_Benefits_of_Helianthus_annuus_L  
4. Bashir T, Mashwani Z, Zahara K, Haider S, Tabassum S. Chemistry, Pharmacology and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Helianthus annuus (Sunflower): A Review. Pure and Applied Biology [Internet]. 2015;4(2):226-235. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278196396_Chemistry_Pharmacology_and_Ethnomedicinal_Uses_of_Helianthus_annuus_Sunflower_A_Review  
5. Allergies K. AAFA’s Ask the Allergist: Can a Child With a Sunflower Seed Allergy Have Sunflower Oil? [Internet]. Kids With Food Allergies Foundation. 2022. Available from: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/ask-the-allergist-can-a-child-with-a-sunflower-seed-allergy-have-sunflower-oil  
6. Karamać M, Kosińska A, Estrella I, Hernández T, Dueñas M. Antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds identified in sunflower seeds. Eur Food Res Technol. 2012;235(2):221–30. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00217-012-1751-6
7. Sunflower oil [Internet]. Alimentarium. Switzerland: Alimentarium; [cited 2026 Jan 7]. Available from: https://www.alimentarium.org/en/fact-sheet/sunflower-oil

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