Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : May 18, 2016 5:37 PM IST
Read this article in HINDI.
In Indian households, no recipe is complete without oil (even oil-free idlis are supplemented with chutneys and sambar). Being an integral part of cooking, it is extremely important to choose an oil loaded with numerous health benefits. One such highly nutritious and not commonly used oil for cooking purposes is sunflower oil.
Sunflower oil Why is it healthy?
Being non-volatile in nature, sunflower oil contains healthy fats such as linolic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. In addition to this, the presence of Vitamin A, D and makes this oil highly nutritious in nature. Sunflower oil is mildly yellow in colour, has a pleasant taste and light texture and fragrance. Here are 7 health and beauty benefits of sunflower oil you probably didn t have an idea about!
#1 Keeps your heart healthy
According to Deepshikha Agarwal, a nutritionist and dietician, Sunflower oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E , which are responsible for lowering blood cholesterol levels and improving the functioning of the heart. Hence, it is wise to include this oil as part of your daily cooking oil to keep your heart healthy. Apart from this, the low content of saturated fat makes this oil good for patients suffering from heart disease. Here are 6 natural remedies for a healthy heart.
#2 Fights cancer
Being packed with high amounts of phytochemicals, daily intake of sunflower oil exerts a protective effect against cancer. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant which neutralizes the harmful effects of toxins and free radicals present in the body, thereby preventing colon cancer, lung, skin and uterine cancer. Read about 10 simple ways to prevent cancer.
#3 Slows down ageing
Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, which prevents skin damage and also helps in skin rejuvenation. Apart from this, the oil contains other phytochemicals that help in speeding up the healing process of your skin. By shielding the effect of free radicals on the skin and rendering a protective effect against exposure to the sun, it prevents skin damage, making you look younger. To reap its skin-healthy benefits, apply sunflower oil to your skin before going to bed and wash your face in the morning.
#4 Packs a protein punch
Not many people are aware of the fact that sunflower oil has protein in abundance, which repairs tissues and increases the production of enzymes and hormones. So if you are planning to increase your protein intake, start by including sunflower oil in your food. High amount of protein also supplements the wear and tear your body undergoes. Did you know these top 6 health benefits of proteins?
#5 Prevents cataract
Being one of the richest sources of vitamin A, sunflower oil acts as a perfect natural measure to prevent eye-related problems common in adults, such as cataract. So use this oil for your cooking purposes to increase your daily intake of vitamin A and get protected from vision problems.
#6 Boosts immunity
Are you highly prone to infections? If yes, replace your cooking oil with sunflower oil for its far-reaching health benefits. This oil will not only strengthen the membranes of your skin barriers but also improve your immune function , thereby preventing infections. Here are few tips to improve immunity in children.
#7 Nourishes your hair
As sunflower oil is light in texture and loaded with nutrients (especially fats), applying this oil to your hair makes your tresses smooth and frizz-free. It also protects your hair from the harmful effects of chemicals by providing the right amount of nourishment to your hair shaft. The presence of gamma alpha-linolenic acid prevents your hair from becoming too thin. Here are 7 home remedies for hair loss you probably haven t tried yet!
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