Sunflower oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, precursors of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, is useful for heart health and energy production. Let's find out better.
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Sunflower oil characteristics
Sunflower oil is obtained by pressing the seeds of the Helianthus annus plant. This beautiful yellow flower that follows the movement of the sun is native to the Americas and even the Inca population used it already 3000 years ago for its properties.
It belongs to the Asteraceae family and in fact its large flower is actually an inflorescence composed of many small flowers, each of which produces a fruit with a seed inside . The plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and the inflorescence can have a diameter of 85 cm.
At room temperature, sunflower oil has a liquid consistency, a straw yellow color and the scent is delicate. If it is refined it becomes almost transparent with a slight color on the amber.
The composition of sunflower oil is essentially unsaturated fatty acids, about 32% of oleic acid (monounsaturated) and 52% of linoleic (polyunsaturated) precursors of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids; these omegas are important for heart health, energy production, oxygen transport, the creation of hemoglobin in the bloodstream and even to keep the body's hormonal system in balance.
A component present in sunflower oil is vitamin E, also called tocopherol . Its primary property is to be an excellent antioxidant, in quantities even five times higher than olive oil, and is therefore capable of protecting cell membranes and fighting free radicals also responsible for cellular aging.
Sunflower oil, like olive oil, among foods rich in vitamin E
To slow down photo-aging it is possible to use sunflower oil directly on the skin, and as an ointment it will restore youth and softness.
Furthermore, the vitamin E present in sunflower oil is essential for the proper functioning of the muscles and to strengthen the immune system . There is also the presence of a good dose of ascorbic acid, which works in synergy by increasing the antioxidant power and reducing the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
In 100 ml of sunflower oil there are 28 mg of vitamin E which correspond to 280% (RDA) of the recommended daily allowance.
The composition in vitamins is wide and in fact we find the B6, which protects the fibers of the nervous system, the B5 (pantothenic acid), the B3 (niancina or PP) and the folates; all useful for the correct activity of the nervous system and for the creation of the digestive system tissues.
There is also a considerable wealth of minerals, such as selenium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese. Each contributes to giving the unique properties of sunflower oil, such as the ability to strengthen tissues and bones, help the blood circulation, produce hormones, balance the immune system and lower the risks of cardiovascular disease.
Sunflower oil, being rich in unsaturated acids, easily goes rancid so it is advisable to keep it in the fridge, away from heat and light, keeping it in a well closed bottle, even better if dark glass to avoid passage of the light.
Properties and use of sunflower oil
In the food industry and in the kitchen it is used for frying or raw for dressing salads or vegetable-based dishes, for preparing sauces and sauces (mayonnaise) and of course also for preparing mixed vegetables in oil.
In the field of body wellness, it is known as a good health ally due to the broad composition of vitamins, minerals and beneficial substances of which it is composed.
A simple rinse with sunflower oil when the mucous membranes of the mouth are inflamed or the gums reddened, and its refreshing and soothing properties will help restore the health of the membranes involved.
Inserted in the diet a bit like a food supplement, one or two tablespoons can be used raw to reach the recommended daily dose of vitamin E and a wide range of vitamins and minerals useful for the total well-being of our body.
In cosmetics it is very useful for rejuvenating the skin, eliminating aging brought by sun exposure (photo-aging) and preventing scars, smoothes wrinkles and restores health to the skin throughout the body by smoothing, nourishing and restoring elasticity.
Applied directly to the skin as a cleanser, it is able to keep bacteria away from skin pores preventing preventing acne due to its composition of vitamins and carotenoids.
Sunflower oil is a good base for massage oil against muscle or rheumatic pains .
In cosmetic products it is possible to use it as an ingredient only if the oil contains a good percentage of oleic acid and on the label we can find the name in the INCI nomenclature of Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.
To have all the properties of sunflower oil intact, you must choose the product by reading the labeling and preferring the purchase if the extraction is by cold pressing and the cultivation of the plant comes from organic farming.
Curiosity
Sunflower plants have been selected and created with a higher composition of oleic oil up to over 60% in order to have a more conservable product and to prevent rancidity for some time. This possibility allows it to be used in the food industry to fry with a less expensive oil than olive oil .
In the breeding industry, where they use products derived from sunflower to feed the animals, it has been noticed a minor degradation of the meat from sausage that increases its marketing.
A recipe for biofuel with sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is a product that can be used for the production of biodiesel and there are recipes for DIY preparation. The only difficulty is to find anhydrous alcohol (ethanol), which does not have percentages of water. In the shop the alcohol is only found at 90 °.
The process is not so complex: after mixing with ethanol in sunflower oil, the glycerine is deposited (which is removed) and the overlying part is the biodiesel. After this step, subsequent cleaning is required by washing to get the biofuel, and a decantation to eliminate all the water residues. Along with sunflower oil, also rape oil and soy oil are used as biofuels.
