Sunflower Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Oct 3, 2023Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Oct 3, 2023Table of Contents
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 profile.1 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.
Sunflower oil may have the following nutrients:
| Nutrients | Amount per 100 g |
| Vitamin E | 68.5 mg |
| Vitamin K | 6.9 µg |
| PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids) | 20.7 g |
| MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) | 63.4 g |
| Fats | 93.2 g |
Table 1: Nutrients present in 100g of sunflower oil.2
Sunflower oil may contain the following properties:
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Sunflower oil contains several nutrients that may have potential benefits for the body and some of the potentials are as follows:
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 activity.1 Diabetes is a serious condition and is accurately diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate.
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 wounds.1 Therefore, sunflower oil might help boost immunity. However, more studies are needed to confirm its activity.
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 conditions.1 If you have any brain-related problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.
Also read: The Truth about Sunflower Oil: Is it Really Bad for You?
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 skin.3 If you have any skin-related problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.
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 cancer.1 Cancer is a serious condition, and it should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate.
Sunflower oil contains MUFA and PUFA, which may be excellent for heart and heart-related diseases.3 The presence of lignan and phenolic acids may help in preventing heart diseases.1 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 conditions.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
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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.
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 consumed.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
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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 reactions.5
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 diet.5
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: 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.
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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.
Sunflower oil may be helpful against heart-related diseases, cancer, obesity, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and arthritis. However, more research is needed to confirm that sunflower oil benefits human health.1 You must consult your doctor for the mentioned conditions. Do not self-medicate.
Some studies have reported that sunflower oil might be good for the skin, enhance its appearance and lower the ageing process. However, it is important that you consult your doctor before consuming or applying sunflower oil for skin benefits.3
Sunflower oil contains MUFA, PUFA, lignan, and phenolic acids which are good for the heart and may prevent heart-related conditions.1,3 However, more studies on humans are needed to confirm that sunflower oil is good for the heart. Do not self-medicate.
Some people might be allergic to sunflower seeds and oil. For this reason, a person must consume highly refined sunflower oil. Please consult your doctor if you are allergic to sunflower and want to consume sunflower oil.5
There is no sufficient information on the consumption of sunflower oil during pregnancy. Therefore, a pregnant woman should consult an expert on the consumption of sunflower oil during her pregnancy.
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