Sunflower oil is an oil that is widely used not only in the kitchen but also in the cosmetic field. Sunflower oil, which is a very decisive oil in food culture, is generally used in the preparation of dishes such as frying and pies.

It is an oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids beneficial to health. This oil is obtained from the seeds of the sunflower plant, which is a very ancient plant.

Sunflower oil, like other vegetable oils, is obtained by extraction from seeds using chemical solvents or by hot or cold pressing. Both chemical treatments and pressing at high temperatures cause the oil to lose its nutritional properties. Because, in order for the oil to be suitable for consumption during the production phase, it has to undergo further purification processes such as acidification, deodorization and color change.

Only by cold pressing can a nutritionally safe product be obtained. It is possible to find both chemically extracted refined oil and cold pressed oil in the market.

Nutritional Values ​​of Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil, a vegetable oil, contains various minerals and vitamin E. Its content is approximately 11 percent saturated fatty acids and the remainder are mono (mostly oleic acid) and polyunsaturated (linoleic and alpha linoleic acid) fatty acids.

As with all oils, it is high in calories, 100 grams of sunflower oil is about 900 calories. Therefore, it should not be used in excessive amounts.

In 100 grams of sunflower oil;

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Carbs: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 99.9 g
• Iron: 0.1mg
• Copper: 0.01mg
• Vitamin E: 49.2mg

Benefits of Sunflower Oil

• Thanks to the presence of sunflower oil, fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals, it is good for the health of the cardiovascular system as well as the skin and immune system.
• Thanks to the unsaturated fats in the sunflower oil content, it helps to reduce the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
• Sunflower oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant effective vitamin that is beneficial in preventing and fighting the formation of free radicals that cause cellular aging.
• When applied to the skin, sunflower oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helping to repair the skin's protective barrier.
• The good fats found in sunflower oil help strengthen cells, including the immune system, as essential components of cell membranes.
• Both linoleic acid and vitamin E found in sunflower oil help protect the intestinal mucosa. It also prevents constipation.
• Phenolic compounds, which are found in good amounts in sunflower oil, show antibacterial properties especially against skin infections.
• Sunflower oil and olive oil, when used in moderation, help diabetes management thanks to the high unsaturated fats they contain.

Sunflower Oil or Olive Oil?

Olive oil is particularly rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, while sunflower oil contains less oleic acid but more polyunsaturated fatty acids. Frequent processing of sunflower oil causes it to lose both its nutritional properties and the vitamin E content for sunflower oil, which is usually higher than olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil can also be used in cooking without losing its extraordinary nutritional properties, so it is definitely more natural.