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In addition to cooking recipes, sunflower oil can also be used to moisturize skin and hair.

Image: Jordan Cormack on Unsplash

Who has never heard of sunflowers? With the scientific name of helianthus annuus (sun flower), the plant originates from North America and is very well known today. She has a very characteristic ability, which made her famous and named her: heliotropism, which is the ability of a living organism to move in the direction of the sun.

Sunflower adapts very well in different climates. The only problem is with regard to the nutritional conditions of the soil - it depends on nitrogenous soil and the presence of boron as a limiting micronutrient. The plant can reach almost three meters in height and sunflower seeds are rich in fatty acids, which allows the extraction of sunflower oil and also the consumption of the seeds themselves as food, by birds and humans.

• Sunflower Seed Has Amazing Benefits

Sunflower oil

Sunflower seed is rich in fatty acids, which makes it possible to extract sunflower oil using cold mechanical pressing, which literally consists of pressing the grains until the oil is extracted. As this process does not have heating, many of the nutrients and compounds in the seeds do not degrade, remaining present in the sunflower oil.

After being filtered and refined, sunflower oil is basically composed of fatty acids (omegas 3, 6 and 9) and vitamin E. Unsaturated fatty acids reach 90% of the oil composition (almost 70% being omega 6), o which makes the addition of preservatives necessary, as there is rapid degradation. The most advisable is to use sunflower oil without the addition of preservatives and that it is stored in containers that are not transparent, protecting it from any source of light.

In Brazil, sunflower cultivation began in the south of the country, in the nineteenth century, brought by European settlers who consumed the roasted seeds. Sunflower has the capacity to be cultivated practically in all the national soil. The national cultivation of sunflower, nowadays, is dedicated, almost exclusively, to the production of sunflower oil, destined to the food industry. Its production for use as a biofuel is also possible, but not very common in the country.

Sunflower oil is widely used in cooking, as an oil for frying and for many other recipes. But did you know that it can also be used as a cosmetic?

Properties and applications of sunflower oil

Sunflower oil has some properties that allow its use for various purposes. Among its properties are:

• Antioxidant;
• Anti-free radicals;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Soothing;
• Antiallergic;
• sunscreen;
• Moisturizer;
• Healing.

Due to these properties, in addition to being edible, it can be used in skin and hair care.

Sunflower oil for skin

Sunflower oil can be used for skin with the aim of moisturizing, softening, nourishing and even helping in the healing process. Having a tissue repairing effect, as it is rich in vitamin E, sunflower oil also has a cleansing effect, fighting acne.

Hair

Sunflower oil can be used on the strands with the purpose of acting as a protective cream, moisturizing dry strands and adding shine.

soaps

Sunflower oil can also be used for the production of homemade soaps (both new and used oil). See "How to Make Sustainable Homemade Soap".

Sunflower Oil Problems and Trivia

As we saw earlier, sunflower oil is rich in omega 6 (almost 70% of its composition) and this can be considered a problem. As much as omega 6 has some benefits to our health, its excess can bring harm. Studies show that the disproportionate consumption of omega 6 and omega 3 can cause heart disease. Too much omega 6 can lead to inflammation, preventing blood flow and causing serious heart problems. Note that excessive consumption of omega 3 can also be harmful. The most recommended oil for use in cooking is coconut oil.

On the other hand, sunflower oil is very rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E contributes to the maintenance and regeneration of body tissues, including skin, bones, muscles and nerves, being considered anti-aging and may even help in prevention of cancer.

The balance in the consumption and use of all things must be maintained and respected, as much as something has benefits, its excess can bring complications. Moderate and conscientious use is essential.

Does sunflower oil lose weight?

This is a common question about sunflower oil. There are still no conclusions saying yes or no, but it is unlikely that he will act in this way. There is no magic formula that can make anyone lose weight in a healthy way without exercising (see a physical workout of just 7 minutes and without equipment, recommended by scientists).

Vegetable oil is mainly composed of fats, and studies indicate that the consumption of fat does not reduce hunger to the point of helping a person lose weight. It still cannot be denied or affirmed that sunflower oil helps to lose weight, remembering the problem that excessive consumption of sunflower oil can cause in the balance of omega 6 and omega 3 in the body.

Where to find?

Sunflower oil is easily found in any market, but it is important to consume the product 100% natural and without any added preservatives or additives.

To buy various vegetable oils, visit the eCycle store!

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