lovesouthernsocial.com

Safflower oil can be used in the kitchen and on the skin.

Image: Carthamus tinctorius L. by Pseudoanas

Safflower oil is extracted from the seeds of Carthamus tinctorius, an annual plant, with yellow or orange flowers, many branches and little known use, except for its oil. In the past, safflower flowers were typically used for paints, but they have had a wider range of uses in recent years, having been an important plant for cultures dating back to the Greeks and Egyptians.

• Safflower oil, how to take

There are around 60 countries around the world that grow safflower, but the overall yield is quite small, only around 600,000 tons per year worldwide. In modern history, safflower oil, which is extracted from the seeds, is the most valuable element of the plant, and most of the production is used for this purpose.

The oil, however, is a good substitute for other less healthy vegetable oils that are widely used, so the market continues to grow around the world.

Benefits of safflower oil in the kitchen

In the kitchen, safflower oil is a great alternative. Anyone looking for an oil that is suitable for high temperatures can choose to use safflower oil. This is because it has a higher calorific value than corn oil, canola oil, olive oil, sesame oil, among others.

Safflower oil has a neutral flavor, making it an ideal choice for many recipes.

It has two varieties available: high linoleic and high oleic safflower oil. High linoleic safflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, while high oleic safflower oil contains more monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated safflower oil is good for unheated foods such as vinaigrettes. And monounsaturated safflower oil is good for cooking at high temperatures.

Safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids; it has a neutral flavor that goes well with many dishes and cuisines, and its monounsaturated form can be heated to higher temperatures than many other cooking oils.

When used in moderation, safflower oil is a healthy complement to a well-balanced diet, being a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which the American Heart Association (AHA) calls "good fats." And it still contains relatively little saturated fat, which the AHA calls "bad fat."

A study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that daily doses of safflower oil can help improve blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammation levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The AHA also suggests that unsaturated fatty acids can help reduce the bad cholesterol in the blood.

• Does altered cholesterol have symptoms? Know what it is and how to prevent it

Try using safflower oil in your kitchen instead of butter or other partially hydrogenated oils. Monounsaturated safflower oil is ideal for cooking at high temperatures, while polyunsaturated safflower oil is best suited for preparations raw or cooked over low heat.

But it also has cosmetic uses. Some people use safflower oil as a moisturizer for dry skin or as a carrier oil for essential oils.

• What are essential oils?
• Olive oil: benefits of different types

If you crave something fried every now and then, monounsaturated safflower oil is one of the best oils for the job. Unlike olive oil, it can withstand high temperatures. Here are some tips for using monounsaturated and polyunsaturated safflower oil in your kitchen.

Monounsaturated safflower oil

Monounsaturated safflower oil is one of the best options for cooking at high temperatures. If you want to consume fried foods from time to time, consider using foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as zucchini or a mix of vegetables. You can also use safflower oil to make potato chips like sweet potatoes.

• Italian zucchini recipes

Polyunsaturated safflower oil

Polyunsaturated safflower oil is ideal for salad dressings, other raw recipes and dishes prepared over low heat. But remember, this delicate oil can quickly turn rancid. Always store in a cool, dark place or in your refrigerator.

But like all oils, safflower oil is high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals. So enjoy in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet - and limit fried foods and baked goods with high fat content to the occasional treat.

Benefits of safflower oil on the body

Some people are using more and more safflower on their skin, both in its vegetable oil and essential oil form.

Some research indicates that safflower oil may have pain relieving effects as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Safflower oil can also be used topically in certain skin care products and cosmetics, due to its moisturizing effects, giving the skin a smoother, smoother appearance.

Safflower vegetable oil and safflower essential oil

Safflower oil is the edible version of the pressed seeds of the plant. It is commonly used in cooking and medicine, although it can also be used on the skin.

Safflower oil is also used as a carrier oil for other essential oils.

Safflower essential oil versions are the distilled or pressed versions of the plant's petals and flowering parts. Despite the name, these don't have the oily texture that cooking oil versions have. Safflower essential oil must be diluted before being applied to the skin; and should not be ingested due to its more potent nature and other ingredients.

Edible, pure versions of safflower oil can be applied to the skin without any preparation.

Essential oils are more potent and are only meant for short-term use. Discontinue use if you notice any signs of irritation or reactions such as a rash or hives.

Safflower oil for acne

While it may seem odd to apply oil to acne, safflower oil is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. Its anti-inflammatory effects can also be potentially useful in treating pimples and acne blemishes. It can also help to unclog pores when used a few times a week.

To use safflower oil to fight acne, mix it with oatmeal and apply to the skin. Leave for ten minutes and wash with water.

Safflower oil for eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition. Eczema symptoms are inflammatory responses. While severe eczema may require medication, you can also help treat skin blemishes through proper diet and topical ointments.

The dietary benefits of safflower oil include helping the body process oil-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and E. These antioxidant-rich vitamins are important for keeping cells healthy.

As a topical moisturizer, the linoleic acid in safflower oil is believed to help maintain the integrity of the skin's outer layer by preventing flaking.

Apply pure safflower oil directly to your eczema whenever you like. If you are using diluted essential oil, use it only once or twice a day.

Does safflower oil slim down?

The consumption of safflower oil has been associated with weight loss; however, there is great confusion regarding this property.

The consumption of natural safflower oil does not have significant studies that associate it with weight loss. Its capsule version, on the other hand, has studies that conclude that consumption can bring about weight loss. The downside is that these capsules are a chemically altered version of safflower oil, and have significant adverse effects; in addition to not providing weight loss of great relevance. To learn more about this topic, take a look at the article: "Does Cardamo Oil make you slim?.