Safflower Oil: Effect and Uses
Safflower oil is considered a healthy vegetable oil. If you don’t know it yet, you can find out all about its effects and uses here.
Background of safflower oil
- Originally, the flower of safflower alone was considered a healthy herbal remedy. Because of its striking colourful appearance, many cultures have studied the thistle and its flowers and have given it the name safflower.
- In cultures in the Middle East, tea extracted from the safflower was mainly used to reduce fever or cure various diseases.
- Safflower itself is also originally from the Middle East, but has long been cultivated in Europe and the USA. The plant can grow up to one meter high.
Preparation of safflower oil
To extract safflower oil, the seeds of the safflower are needed. They would have to be dried for several months and stored in the dark. They are then cold pressed. Traditionally, a screw press is used to press the safflower oil from the oil seeds. Suspended matter is then removed and the oil is bottled for use.
Taste of safflower oil
Safflower oil ignites a subtle fragrance and tastes mild. Due to a good cold pressing all important ingredients remain in the oil and are available for use in the kitchen as well as on the skin.
Safflower oil: Ingredients
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Linoleic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Oleic acid
- Stearic acid
Nutritional values (100g)
- Calories: 879 kcal
- Fat: 100 g
- Of which saturated fatty acids: 8 g
- Of which unsaturated fatty acids: 88 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Safflower oil is characterised by a very high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Hardly any other vegetable oil can contain 88 g of these fatty acids. Safflower oil contains 78 percent linoleic acid, up to 13 percent oleic acid and up to 6 percent palmitic acid.
Safflower oil: Effect
- Prevention of giriatric complaints (dementia, incontinence, brain disorders etc.)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Strengthen the immune system
- Strengthen the cardiovascular system
- Reduction of the cholesterol level (through unsaturated fatty acids)
- Reduction of stress (due to high vitamin E content)
- Inhibition of blood clotting enzymes (in thrombosis)
- Formation of bone cells (vitamin K)
Safflower oil: Dosage
- To apply the oil to the skin, a few drops are usually enough. However, depending on the skin type (from dry to oily), a different dosage can lead to the best effect. Test different amounts and see which dosage your skin tolerates and needs.
- If you use thistle oil in the kitchen for your diet, keep in mind that in many cultures the oil is used as a laxative. This means that one teaspoon per day should be absolutely sufficient.
Use in the kitchen
Safflower oil is an ideal source of fat for your diet because of its unsaturated fatty acids. The linoleic acid provides a good amount of healthy omega-6, which is otherwise mainly found in meat and milk. This makes safflower oil particularly interesting for vegans and vegetarians.
Due to the fine, slightly nutty taste you can use the oil for various dishes:
- For spreads and dips
- To refine salads
- As an additive when cooking vegetables
Caution: You should not heat safflower oil too much. Just like olive oil, it has a relatively low smoke point, which is about 150 degrees. You can also apply the oil to vegetables and co. directly before consumption.
Application for the skin
- Safflower oil can fulfil various functions when applied to the skin. The linoleic acid contained in the oil is also produced in our body and provides the skin cells with moisture and protection.
- Thus the oil can provide moisture for oily skin. Safflower oil is also used for blackheads and pimples. Due to vitamins A and E, inflammations can be healed faster. To use, take a few drops of the oil and spread it over the skin. Gently brush it with your fingertips until it is completely absorbed.
- You can also use the oil on your hair. Warm a cup of the oil and pour it over the hair after washing it with shampoo. Then massage the oil with your hands and let it soak in for a few minutes. Then rinse it out again.
Buy safflower oil
- To buy oil without chemical additives, you should rely on organic oils produced in local oil mills. Therefore, read the packaging to find out where the safflower used comes from. In organic supermarkets and many online shops you are sure to find suitable products.
- Also for a good eco-balance you should not rely on oils from the USA or India. These cause a high emission of CO2.
We introduce you to rosemary oil. You can also read about how to create a healthy diet plan here.