Sunflower Oil

Properties and benefits

Olive oil is often compared to sunflower oil, and olive oil is the one most commonly consumed in homes, followed in second place by sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is a source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats and vitamin E.
The cultivation of sunflowers for the production of oil began in Spain in approximately 1964 and this oil is currently the most widely used throughout Spain and Europe.

AVOID REFINED OILS!

To obtain the extract of sunflower oil, its seeds are subjected to 3 processes:

– (Hulling) The seeds are separated from all dirt and impurities that they contain.
– (Crushing and extraction) This process is important to break the plant cells that are then subjected to pressing to obtain the oil.
– (Refinement) In this step, the impurities that had formed in the previous phases are removed. The flavor of the oil is softened and its degree of acidity decreases.

The nutritional value that it contains are mostly polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and linoleic acid. These types of fatty acids must be provided to the body daily through foods rich in these, since our body cannot produce it on its own. Sunflower oil also contains monounsaturated fats in the form of oleic acid. It is considered the richest oil in vitamin E after wheat germ oil. The price of sunflower oil is lower than that of olive oil, this is usually used more when you have to cook some type of frying in which a larger quantity of oil is needed, it supports up to 170 ° degrees, no However, its properties do not withstand such high temperatures, so it is much more advisable to use it raw so as not to lose those properties.

The vitamin E it contains protects the body against damage caused by free radicals, at the same time, it prevents cancer and other degenerative diseases. Its content in polyunsaturated fatty acids, helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Combat the problems of arthritis, joint and bone pain, in addition to this the consumption of sunflower oil protects the skin against the sun’s rays, retains moisture in the skin and stimulates the formation of elastin an collagen.

Sunflower oil also provides anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss benefits and protects it from the sun’s rays equally. Although it sounds tempting to fill the cupboard with sunflower oil, caution should be exercised because excessive use of it can be counterproductive, instead of preventing cancer it can cause it, instead of losing weight it can contribute to obesity, diabetes, pain joint or cardiovascular problems. So watch out!.

If you are new to sunflower oil, and are considering swapping it for your olive oil, my personal recommendation is that you choose one that is not refined. The healthiest sunflower oil is one that has not undergone any refinement process, since it contains its original values of vitamin E and its smell is much stronger and more delicious and its color more vivid.

Also, stick with your olive oil too! : D you can vary every day and not abuse.