4 Benefits of safflower oil for body and skin health

Safflower oil comes naturally from the seeds of the safflower or Carthamus tinctorius plant. Safflower oil can be said to be a versatile oil, because it can be used for cooking to skin care. Research shows that safflower oil provides many health benefits. What are the benefits of safflower oil?

The various benefits of safflower that you will get

1. Source of healthy fatty acids

The most important benefit of safflower oil is that it is a good source of fat for the body. This is because this oil contains a lot of unsaturated fatty acids which are needed to maintain bodily functions.

The unsaturated fatty acids present in this oil are monounsaturated fatty acids (monounsaturated) and plural unsaturated fatty acids (polyunsaturated). These two fatty acids are alleged to trigger the production of good fats in the body, thereby improving blood flow and optimizing the work of the heart. So do not be surprised if this fat content is said to be healthy fat.

Meanwhile, the content of saturated fatty acids, which cause heart disease, is found to be very low in this oil. In fact, the saturated fat content in safflower oil has been shown to be lower than olive oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil.

In addition, the fat found in safflower oil is essential for regulating hormones, memory, and dissolving and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, namely vitamins A, D, E, K.

2. Maintain blood sugar levels

A 2016 review study states that eating foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids can help control blood sugar levels. Therefore, including safflower oil in the diet is an option for people who have type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A 2011 study in the journal Clinical Nutrition showed that consuming 8 grams of safflower oil every day for 4 months can reduce the risk of inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes. In addition, it is also proven that the amount of this oil can optimize the body's ability to control blood sugar levels.

By reducing the risk of inflammation, this oil indirectly prevents complications in people with diabetes mellitus.

3. Low cholesterol, better heart health

In the same study in 2011, researchers explained that during 4 months of consuming safflower oil which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, blood cholesterol levels also decreased. Lowering blood cholesterol levels of course lowers the chances of heart disease attacks.

Additionally, the unsaturated fatty acids found high in safflower oil can help thin the blood and reduce platelet stickiness. In this way, the fatty acids in safflower oil can help prevent blood clots that are usually the cause of sudden heart attacks or strokes.

Safflower oil can also have a relaxing effect on blood vessels and reduce blood pressure in the body.

4. Makes skin healthier and more moisturized

The benefits of safflower oil for the skin are also well known. Applying safflower oil helps soothe and moisturize dry or inflamed skin. The high vitamin E content in safflower oil makes skin feel smoother and look softer.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that is good for the skin. Therefore, the antioxidant content of safflower oil is very important to ward off free radical attack from sun exposure, cigarette smoke and other pollutants.

Safflower oil can also help get rid of acne and relieve eczema. This is because safflower oil is non-comedogenic (it doesn't clog pores) and also has anti-inflammatory effects. This anti-inflammatory effect is very important for treating acne prone skin and inflamed eczema.

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