Understanding Safflower Oil: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

It is very important to know how beneficial the oils we use for cooking are for our health. Usually, when we overheat the oil for cooking, during this process many beneficial compounds present in the oil are destroyed and harmful free radicals are formed. These free radicals can damage the molecules present in our body. In such a situation, we should use oils that have a high smoking point, that is, their quality is not destroyed even at high temperatures. If you are also looking for similar cooking oil, in this article we are giving you information about the beneficial safflower oil.

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The neutral flavor of safflower oil also makes it special for different dishes. Apart from making food delicious, this oil is also used for many types of diseases like high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, diabetes etc. Some research suggests that its consumption as a diet and applying it on the skin can be very beneficial. Apart from this, the smoking point of safflower oil is much higher than other options like olive oil, corn oil, canola oil and sesame oil. Hence, even after heating, it remains rich in nutritional properties. Here are some common things related to this oil-

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Scientific name: Carthamus tinctorius
Family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Seeds and leaves.
Common name: Alazor, American Saffron, Benibana, Benibana Oil, Benibana Flower.

The safflower plant is tall. Both its leaves and flowers are pointed and the color of the flower of this plant is yellow and orange. In ancient times in Egypt, these flowers were used as a dye to color clothes. At present, safflower petals are used as an alternative to saffron in many places. Oil is extracted from safflower seeds which is beneficial for our health in many ways.

There are two varieties of safflower oil available: high-linoleic and high-oleic. High-linoleic safflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, while high-oleic is higher in monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated safflower oil is good for preparations that do not require heating, such as vinaigrettes, and monounsaturated safflower oil is good for foods cooked at high temperatures.

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Nutritional Facts Of Safflower Oil
Benefits of Kusum Oil
Other Benefits of Safflower Oil
Side Effects of Safflower Oil
Summary

Doctors for Understanding Safflower Oil: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Nutritional Facts Of Safflower Oil

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), one teaspoon i.e. about 14 grams of safflower oil contains the following types of nutrients-

Calories: 120
Fat: 14 grams
Sodium: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Fat content in safflower oil

Three different types of fats are found in safflower oil. This oil contains very little amount of saturated fat. Saturated fats are considered harmful because they can cause heart diseases. According to the American Heart Association, we should use such oils whose saturated fat content in one tablespoon is less than four grams. The amount of saturated fat per tablespoon in safflower oil is only one gram.

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Benefits of Kusum Oil

A study published in Clinical Nutrition shows that safflower oil can be beneficial for our health in many ways. Daily use of safflower oil can be beneficial in reducing blood cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. According to experts from the American Heart Association, unsaturated fatty acids can also help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. Let's know how else safflower oil is beneficial for our health-

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Benefits of Kusum Oil for Fatty Acids

Safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The body needs both these types of fats to function. Experts generally consider unsaturated fatty acids to be healthier than saturated fats.

The fats found in safflower oil are essential for regulating hormones and improving memory. They also allow the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Consuming these types of fats through food leads to feeling full.

Safflower oil is low in saturated fats, known as bad fats. A diet high in good fats and low in bad fats can have many benefits. For example, it is important in improving heart health along with reducing inflammation.

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Benefits Of Safflower Oil In Diabetes

During a review of a study conducted in the year 2016, researchers found that a high amount of unsaturated fat in the diet helps in improving blood glucose levels.

Based on a 2011 study, researchers have reported that consuming 8 grams of safflower oil daily for 4 months can be helpful in reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes. It is important to note here that the women included in this study also had obesity along with type 2 diabetes and they had crossed the stage of menopause. Researchers suggest that consuming quality dietary fat along with diabetes treatment can help reduce complications associated with diabetes.

myUpchar doctors after many years of research have created myUpchar Ayurveda Madhurodh Capsule by using 100% original and pure herbs of Ayurveda. This ayurvedic medicine has been recommended by our doctors to lakhs of people for diabetes with good results.

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Benefits Of Safflower Oil For Heart Health

In the same study of 2011, researchers also reported that the use of safflower oil for 4 months improves blood sugar as well as cholesterol levels, which helps in keeping the heart healthy. This finding supports the suggestion of the American Heart Association that unsaturated fats can be helpful in reducing the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol is considered a risk factor for heart disease.

Safflower oil can also help keep the heart healthy in many other ways. Experts believe that the unsaturated fat found in safflower oil is also helpful in thinning the blood. Apart from this, it also prevents the formation of blood clots which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Safflower oil is also helpful in relaxing blood vessels by lowering blood pressure. All these conditions are necessary to keep our heart healthy.

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myUpchar doctors after many years of research have created myUpchar Ayurveda Hridyas Capsule by using 100% original and pure herbs of Ayurveda. This Ayurvedic medicine has been recommended by our doctors to lakhs of people for problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, with good results.

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Benefits Of Safflower Oil For Swelling

Safflower oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study published in Clinical Nutrition, the unsaturated fatty acids found in safflower oil improve inflammation markers. In such a situation, it can help in curing many other conditions including diabetes and heart disease.

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Benefits Of Safflower Oil For Skin

Safflower oil is also beneficial for our skin. According to experts, applying safflower oil on dry skin or inflamed skin helps in making the skin soft and supple. Although most of the research related to the benefits of safflower oil for the skin is in anecdotes, despite this, safflower oil is used as an important ingredient in many types of cosmetics and skin care products.

Vitamin E is found in safflower oil, which is beneficial for the skin in many ways. Vitamin E has been used as an important ingredient in skin care products for decades. Some research suggests that vitamin E also protects the skin from the effects of sunlight and free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that can cause many diseases by damaging cells in the body.

Experts recommend that it is a good idea to do a patch test before using safflower oil on the skin. For this, rub a few drops of oil on the arms and leave it for 24 hours. If there is no reaction on the skin, then it is considered safe for you to use.

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Other Benefits of Safflower Oil

Apart from the benefits mentioned above, safflower oil can be beneficial for our health in many other ways. Although there is not enough research available to confirm the benefits of safflower oil in the following problems, in such a situation, before using safflower oil in these conditions, consult experts.

Benefits of Safflower Oil in Chest Pain (Angina): Preliminary research shows that when Safflower Yellow, a component of safflower flower, was given intravenously to people in China along with standard medication, there was a slight improvement in the symptoms of chest pain. However, it should be used only on the basis of medical advice.

Heart disease: Consuming one and a half teaspoons of safflower oil daily, which is rich in oleic acid, helps prevent heart disease. But research related to this benefit is limited.

Cystic Fibrosis: Preliminary research shows that consuming safflower oil for 1 year does not increase the severity of cystic fibrosis in children. Kidney problems due to diabetes: Giving safflower yellow, a component of safflower flowers, along with standard medication to the patient through veins can reduce kidney damage caused by diabetes and improve kidney function.

Hypercholesterolemia: There is conflicting evidence of how beneficial safflower oil is in treating cholesterol problems passed from parents to children. Early research suggests that using safflower oil instead of dietary butter helps reduce bad cholesterol in people suffering from this disease, while other research shows that it has no effect on some people.

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Side Effects of Safflower Oil

In the studies done so far, side effects of safflower oil have not been seen on most people. However, it may have side effects in some people. For example, safflower oil is effective in thinning the blood and preventing blood clots, due to which the risk of bleeding may increase in some people.

People who have bleeding disorders.
People who have undergone surgery.

According to experts, safflower oil should not be consumed during pregnancy. Safflower flowers can bring periods and cause miscarriage. At the same time, no specific information is available about its effect on breastfeeding women, so consult a doctor before consuming it.

Apart from this, since safflower can slow down the speed of blood clotting, it should not be consumed for some time after surgery. This can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using safflower oil at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Some people may be allergic to safflower oil. So if you already have any kind of allergy, then use this oil only after talking to your doctor.

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Summary

Safflower oil, called safflower oil in English, is a light and healthy oil obtained from safflower seeds. It contains a very high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-6, and a low amount of fat, which is very important for the heart. This oil is helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar, and improving skin health. Due to its mild flavor, this oil is suitable for cooking, frying, and salad dressings.