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Safflower oil is now among the heart-healthy oils, it is a source of monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and has very little amount of saturated fat. Saturated fat is seen as bad fat, that cause heart disease.
Safflower oil possesses a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high temperature unlike olive oil, canola oil and corn oil. This makes it alternative oil for cooking.
However, nutritionists/ Dieticians often recommend substitute of trans and saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat with monounsaturated fat so as to maintain and prevent heart disease.
Furthermore, safflower oil contains notable nutrients like vitamin E, believed to be of great important in minimizing skin infection and anti aging, as well as preventing heart disease, stroke, chest pain among others.
Safflower oil health benefit include;
Lower cholesterol, management of diabetes, control atherosclerosis, prevent constipation, Anti inflammatory, prevent menstrual syndrome, Anti aging, skin health, Healthy Hair. Improve fertility.
10 Health Benefits Of safflower oil
1. Lower cholesterol levels
Nutritionists say that, consuming safflower oil daily could help in lowering cholesterol level in human body, this is due to high content of monounsaturate fatty acids in it. However, this essential fatty acids is well known for its capacity in reducing high cholesterol level in the body. It lower bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and keep good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) in check. Therefore, it’s alternative for elevated cholesterol patients.
2. Management of diabetes
Safflower is very helpful in treating patients with diabetes, as it is filled with polyunsaturated fatty acids, believed to facilitate insulin sensitivity. Though more research is needed to be done on it. The reduction in blood sugar level is linked to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in it. Therefore, it can be an alternative supplement for diabetic patients. There are no carbohydrates in safflower oil. The estimates glycemic load of safflower oil is zero.
3. Control atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease. When arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle become blocked, the heart suffers damage know as coronary heart disease. Safflower oil prevents this plaque that cause coronary heart disease. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated inhibit the chance of forming plaques in the blood vessels and help keep you healthy.
4. Prevent Constipation
When you face difficulties in passing out stool through the colon lumen,considered incorporating safflower oil as it help in lubricating large intestine. Safflower oil has a stool softener properties though aid the production of bile,that releases enzymes called lipases. Lipase contribute immensely in digestive system.
5. Anti- inflammation
Safflower oil contain omega-6-fatty acids,omega-3-fatty acid, vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E is very effective in stopping oxidative stress which is capable of causing inflammation. Make safflower oil one of your food ingredients and stay safe from inflammation.
6. Premenstrual syndrome
Moderate intake of omega-3-fatty acids omega-6-fatty acids helps maintain and regulate prostaglandin. Symptoms like pain, cramps in the abdomen usually occur before and during menstrual cycles can be prevented if prostaglandin is maintained.
7. Anti- aging
Safflower oil is a rich source of selenium and vitamin E, antioxidant. Antioxidant is very vital in the body, it ward off oxidative damage,a factors that promote free radicals that is harmful and facilitate aging process. Also the healthy fat help moisturizer the skin, increase regeneration of new cells.
8. Skin Health
Consumption of safflower oil offers a lot of benefit since it contain monounsaturate fat, polyunsaturated fat and vitamin E to mention a few. They assist beautiful the skin health,minimize skin infection such as eczema, dark spot and psoriasis.
9. Healthy Hair
Safflower oil contain oleic acids which is vital for hair growth as well as scalp. It accelerate hair growth and keeps the follicles healthy. It beautify and makes your hair shiny.
10. Improve fertility
Safflower oil can also improve fertility due to the minerals and healthy fat it contain. The selenium well known for improve fertility and reduce symptoms of infertility.
Conclusion
Comparatively, safflower has high smoking point than other vegetable oil, making it one of the healthiest oil for cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Vitamin E and essential fatty acids are it constituents which contribute in numerous health benefits when consumed. Cooking with safflower is superb.
