There are very few edible oils available in the market that can be deemed to be fit for health. One such oil that has recently emerged in the stores is safflower oil. Extracted from the seeds of safflowers, which are similar to sunflowers, this oil contains healthy fats and can also help in preventing cardiovascular diseases. There are many more benefits of the wonder oil. Here are some of them listed for you.
Healthy fat
Monosaturated fats, which can protect against heart diseases, can be found in abundance in safflower oil. Unlike most fats found in dairy and meat, which are known to spike cholesterol levels, monostaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol level in body.
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Vitamin E boost
Safflower oil is rich in vitamin E, and each tablespoonful of it provides 4.6 milligrams of the essential nutrient. Vitamin E is a necessary antioxidant that helps cells from free-radical damage caused by sun exposure, cigarette-smoking and pollutants.
Healthy for diabetics
As published in a study in Clinical Nutrition, safflower oil can be a healthy choice for diabetics for managing blood sugar levels. In a research, diabetic women were given 8 grams of safflower oil every day for 16 weeks. The researchers tested them for blood glucose, signs of inflammation and insulin sensitivity. At the end, it was noticed that the glucose and inflammation levels had reduced and insulin sensitivity had increased. This indicated that safflower oil could be helpful in keeping diabetes symptoms under control.
Versatility in kitchen
Safflower oil can be used in any recipe that needs oil. From salad dressings to marinades, safflower oil adds flavour to the food. The refined form of oil has a high smoke point, which means you can heat it to high temperature before it burns. This implies that you can use safflower oil for sautéing or frying too.
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