DESCRIPTION
Sunflower oil is pressed from the seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus). It contains high amounts of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid.
Some sunflowers are grown to contain high amounts of oleic acid. Sunflower oil that comes from these plants is called high-oleic acid sunflower oil. It's used as a source of polyunsaturated fat in the diet.
People use sunflower oil for high cholesterol and preventing heart disease. It is also used for high blood pressure, eczema, dry mouth, dry skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
Heart disease. Using high-oleic acid sunflower oil instead of other dietary fats and oils higher in saturated fat might reduce the risk for heart disease. The US FDA allows high-oleic acid sunflower oil products to make this claim on their product labels.
High cholesterol. Consuming sunflower oil in the diet might reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels in some people.
Possibly Ineffective for
High blood pressure. Taking sunflower oil by mouth doesn't seem to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
There is interest in using sunflower oil for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
