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Safflower

Overview

Safflower is a plant. The flower and oil from the seeds are used as medicine.

Safflower seed oil is used for high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, to prevent scarring, and for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, safflower seed oil is used as a cooking oil.

In manufacturing, safflower flower is used to color cosmetics and dye fabrics. Safflower seed oil is used as a paint solvent.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

High cholesterol

Also Known As:

Alazor, American Saffron, Bastard Saffron, Benibana

How Does It Work?

The linolenic and linoleic acids in safflower seed oil might help prevent "hardening of the arteries," lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Safflower contains chemicals that may thin the blood to prevent clots, widen blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and stimulate the heart.

Uses

High cholesterol. Some research shows that taking safflower oil as a dietary supplement or substituting it for other oils in the diet helps lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. However, it does not seem to lower other blood fats called triglycerides or raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS
BY MOUTH:

  • For high cholesterol: Meals containing safflower oil in place of some saturated fats have been used for up to 6 weeks.

Safflower Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is safflower good for?

The linolenic and linoleic acids in safflower seed oil might help prevent “hardening of the arteries,” lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Safflower contains chemicals that may thin the blood to prevent clots, widen blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and stimulate the heart.

Does safflower help you lose weight?

Focus on Healthy Fats for Weight Loss

Although safflower oil is not a good choice for weight loss, increasing the amount of other, healthier fats in your diet is. Plus, a diet rich in omega-3s has been associated with benefits such as a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Does safflower oil cause inflammation?

Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6s are found in oils such as corn, safflower, sunflower, soy and vegetable and products made with those oils. Excess consumption of omega-6s can trigger the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals, and the American diet tends to be very high in omega-6s.

Is safflower good for hair growth?

Healthy scalp = healthy hair

One of the major selling points for us for including Safflower oil in our products was that the aforementioned oleic acid is a potent scalp stimulator, increasing circulation to strengthen the follicles and encourage strong, healthy hair growth.

Which is healthier safflower oil or canola?

Safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are often called “good fats.” It's every bit as healthy as olive oil and canola oil. But it has less flavor than those alternatives and is often less expensive.

Why is safflower oil bad?

Side effects of safflower oil

Most people will not have any adverse reaction to safflower oil, as long as they consume it in the recommended daily amounts. As safflower can thin the blood, it may slow down the clotting of the blood, which may increase the risk of bleeding in: people who have bleeding disorders.

Does safflower oil reduce belly fat?

Safflower oil has been shown in a major university study to help reduce belly fat by up to 9.4%, or 6 times more than the leading omega oil, in only 16 weeks without diet or exercise,​” ​states the Safslim site.

Is safflower oil better than olive oil?

The takeaway. Safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are often called “good fats.” It's every bit as healthy as olive oil and canola oil. But it has less flavor than those alternatives and is often less expensive. There are many benefits to safflower oil.

Is safflower good for skin?

Safflower oil prevents dryness and roughness and removes dirt and oil. Its content makes safflower oil a key treatment for issues including eczema, psoriasis and acne. Its hydrating properties lend skin a healthy glow, promote elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Is safflower oil unhealthy?

Safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are often called “good fats.” It's every bit as healthy as olive oil and canola oil. There are many benefits to safflower oil. But like all oils, it's high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals.

Is safflower oil good for health?

Safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are often called “good fats.” It's every bit as healthy as olive oil and canola oil.  There are many benefits to safflower oil. But like all oils, it's high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals.

Which safflower oil is best?

High-linoleic safflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, while high-oleic safflower oil contains more monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated safflower oil is good for unheated foods, such as vinaigrettes. Monounsaturated safflower oil is good for cooking at high temperatures.

What can I substitute for safflower oil?

Substitute with: Canola, corn, soybean or peanut oil.

Is safflower oil highly processed?

Safflower Oil Is Refined

For the most part, it is usually a high heat process, which uses heat or steam. This refining process is also used with many different oils: for example canola, soybean, coconut and grapeseed oil along with pure olive oil, extra light olive oil and many more.

What is CLA safflower oil used for?

Safflower oil and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are popular options in burning fat and reducing obesity. A number of empirical studies have shown that both these substances are effective in facilitating weight loss.

Is safflower oil bad for cholesterol?

A study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that daily doses of safflower oil may help improve blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and inflammation levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The AHA also suggests that unsaturated fatty acids can help lower bad cholesterol in your blood.

Is safflower oil good for face?

While it may seem counterproductive to apply oil to acne, safflower oil is found to be noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. Its anti-inflammatory effects may also be potentially helpful in treating pimples and acne spots. It may also help unclog your pores when used a few times per week.

What does safflower oil smell like?

Light yellow, almost clear color. Very little flavor profile. Mild smell and aroma. High smoke point and good heat tolerance.

Is safflower oil good for baking?

It can be used instead of olive oil in many recipes. While olive oil also contains healthy unsaturated fats, safflower oil has a milder flavor and can be heated at higher temperatures. You can even use monounsaturated safflower oil while baking. For example, add it to any baked goods recipe that calls for oil.

Is safflower the same as sunflower?

Sunflower and safflower oil are very similar oils; in fact, they're so much alike that they're often used interchangeably.

Clinical Studies