Guide Note

Pressed from sunflower seeds, sunflower oil can be used both as a cooking oil and in cosmetics.

Sunflower oil is typically used for frying and is considered healthier than more fatty oils based on its low trans fat and saturated fat content.

Fast Facts

1. Composed primarily of linoleic acid
2. High in omega 6 fatty acids
3. Leading producers: Russian, Peru, Argentina
4. Sunflower seeds are oil rich, and can be used in recipes with similar results as manufactured oil

Sunflower oil is high is polyunsatured fat which may help lower cholesterol and promote heart health. When stored properly, Sunflower oil can also last longer than other cooking oils, and has been used in many packaged products to help maintain freshness. Several brands of potato chips have included sunflower oil in their ingredients to lower the trans fat content and prolong freshness

Sunflower oil works as a protective and moisturizing solution for skin. A study published in The Lancet suggests that sunflower oil skin treatments may help prevent infection, especially for infants with underdeveloped skin.