What is Sunflower Oil?
Sunflower oil is a type of vegetable oil that is made from the seeds of sunflowers. The oil is extracted from the seeds using a mechanical or chemical process and then refined to remove any impurities and improve its shelf life. Sunflower oil is commonly used for cooking and frying due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without smoking or burning.
Sunflower oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that the body needs but cannot produce on its own. It also contains small amounts of saturated fat and is free from trans fats. Sunflower oil is also a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
There are different types of sunflower oil available, including both refined and unrefined varieties. Refined sunflower oil is more commonly used for cooking and has a neutral taste and aroma, while unrefined sunflower oil has a stronger flavor and may contain more of the natural nutrients found in the seeds.