9 Benefits of Safflower Oil

Last Updated on July 3, 2018 by Marc Seward

What is Safflower Oil?

One of a number of edible oils believed to be beneficial to your health, safflower oil does come along with certain risks. This article will try to inform you as fully as possible on its potential benefits and its negative effects. With any luck, you will be able to make a more informed decision and way up the benefits against the potential risks.

If you are unfamiliar with safflower oil, let me start by saying that it is derived from the safflower plant’s seeds. The safflower plant is known scientifically as Carthamus tinctorius L and is an annual crop belonging to the Asteraceae family.

The safflower plant is native to much of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In India, it is known as kusum while in China it is called hongua. It is among the world’s oldest cultivated crops with a history dating back some 4,000 years to ancient Egypt. However, it was not until the middle of the last century that safflower plant production went into full swing.

India produces the largest amount of commercial safflower in the world with California and Mexico following closely behind. As well as California, safflower is cultivated in other Western states of the U.S including Arizona, Dakota, Idaho, Colorado and Nebraska.

The Uses of Safflower Oil

Safflower has a long history of use for a variety of reasons. It was used by the people of ancient Egypt as a coloring agent or a dye for clothing. These days it has a variety of other uses which include the following:

As a Spice: The dried plant is often used as a replacement in cooking for the far more expensive spice -saffron.
As an ingredient in industry: Up until the mid 20th century, the primary uses of safflower oil was as an ingredient in varnishes, manufacturing paints and surface coating.
Artist’s solvent: Safflower oil is mixed with oil paints as an alternative to linseed oil.
Hair Conditioning: Safflower oil was historically used in parts of Asia like China by women who wanted to keep their hair looking healthy and shiny.

Safflower oil Nutrition and Composition

There are actually two kind of safflower. The first type is one that produces oil which is rich in oleic acid which is a monounsaturated fatty acid. The other has higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid otherwise known as linoleic acid. The ratio of unsaturated fat to saturated fats in safflower oil is around 10:1.

The oleic variety of oil has around 78% monounsaturated fats, 15% polyunsaturated and 7% saturated fat.
The linoleic variety of safflower oil contains around 75% more polyunsaturated fats than other oils such as olive oil, peanut oil or soybean oil.

Safflower oil contains high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acid but has no omega-3 fats. It is considered best to maintain a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fats. While they are both important for health, omega-6 tends to be consumed to excess these days in the standard western diets.

The Health Benefits of Safflower Oil

For Heart Health

Safflower oil is extremely rich in omega-6 fatty acid. Despite the concerns that our diets contain too much of these acids, omega-6 is vital to the body’s health. Otherwise referred to as linoleic acid, it helps maintain the body’s cholesterol levels at a healthy level.

Keeping cholesterol in check is absolutely essential to your heart and your overall health. Making sure that your cholesterol levels are healthy means that you reduce your risk of heart attacks, stroke and atherosclerosis or the hardening of your arteries.

For Diabetes

The omega-6 fatty acids mentioned previously can also help maintain proper blood sugar level and help people suffering from type 2 diabetes to keep their blood glucose in check. Switching to a more healthy oil like safflower may also help prevent the disease from developing in the first place.

For Obesity and Weight Control

Safflower oil is probably a healthy choice for people who are overweight and looking to get back in shape. It contains a good supply of Omega-6 fatty acid which can help the body utilize its fat stores as opposed to simply storing it in the body.

Of course, we are not suggesting that safflower oil in and of itself will help you to lose the pounds, but when compared to many other oils, it makes for a better choice. It works very well as a cooking oil so replacing a less healthy oil and switching to safflower may help you to make marginal reductions in weight in the long term.

For Hair Health

The oleic acid found in safflower oil is extremely beneficial for both the hair and the scalp. This nutrient can improve circulation to the scalp, stimulate hair growth and actually strengthen hair follicles resulting in healthier and stronger hair.

Its ability to keep your hair healthy and promote a glowing appearance means that it is a popular ingredient in cosmetic hair products.

How to use Safflower Oil on your Hair

Wet and then comb your hair thoroughly.
Put two or three drops of your safflower oil on your hands and rub your palms together.
Massage the oil into your hair and scalp using a comb to cover your hair evenly.
Wait for about an hour then rinse it out thoroughly with your regular shampoo.
Repeat this hair treatment once or twice every week and you should notice an improvement in your hair’s health and appearance.

For the Skin

The linoleic acid content of safflower oil is perfect for improving the health and appearance of the skin. The fatty acids work in combination with sebum to unclog the skin’s pores resulting in fewer whiteheads and blackheads which in turn may help protect against acne.

Linoleic acid can also stimulate new skin cell regeneration helping clear up scars and other nasty skin blemishes. As with any treatment for scarring and blemishes, you can not expect short term results and will need a fair bit of patience before you start seeing any noticeable results.

safflower oil is also a good natural moisturizer because it seals the moisture inside the skin keeping your skin properly hydrated and glowing. It can help soften dry areas of skin and rough patches improving the tone and texture of your skin.

How to apply safflower oil

You can either use your safflower oil alone or combine it with another skin friendly oil like jojoba or grape seed oil. Put the oil or oils in a bottle then store it in the refrigerator which will stop your oil from going rancid. Safflower oil tends to turn rancid because it contains unsaturated fatty acid.

First of all, use clean, warm water to wash your face.
Take a few drops of your safflower oil or oil mixture from the bottle and apply it to your face making sure you cover the surface evenly
Next, massage the oils into your skin but be careful not to get any in your eyes. Pay special attention to areas of your face that are dry and add a few extra drops if necessary.
safflower oil also has anti-inflammatory properties so you can massage a little into areas of your face and body that are swollen or sore.

For Immune Health

It is possible that safflower oil can help contribute to immune system health because the healthy fatty acids in the oil can regulate the body’s prostaglandins. These hormone like substances help our body’s to function more effectively and can help immune system function. This means our bodies are better able to protect themselves from sicknesses including colds and flu.

PMS

The linoleic acid in safflower oil is responsible for a number of bodily functions including the regulation of hormonal fluctuations common during menstruation. It is possible that safflower oil can ease the symptoms that affect many women during their period including mood swings and irritability. It can act in a similar way to hormonal supplements less the unwanted side effects.

Arthritis and Muscle Pain

Massaging safflower oil externally into the skin can help ease muscle pain or joint pain like arthritis. It can also help ease the pain suffered from injury.

For Headaches

Safflower oil may also help relieve headaches or migraines because of its soothing anti-inflammatory properties. If you have a headache, simply massage a little of the oil into your temples and you will hopefully find some fairly quick relief.

Of course, if you have a more serious or persistent headache, you should consult a doctor to make sure that it is not a symptom of a more serious health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is safflower oil good or bad for you?

Safflower oil is rich in good fats or unsaturated fatty acids. It is far healthier than most oils and nearly on a par with canola and olive oil. There are plenty of health benefits to using safflower oil but there are some drawbacks. Like most oils, it is very high in calories but not especially high in valuable nutrients. While it is not the healthiest food, it is a great alternative to more popular refined oils.

What are the health benefits of safflower oil?

Safflower oil has a wide variety of potential health benefits. It can help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar levels and may aid weight loss. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to treat muscle pain or joint issues like arthritis. Safflower oil can also be applied topically to the skin to improve its health and also to your hair.

What is the difference between safflower and saffron?

Some people confuse saffron and safflower because their names sound similar. However, safflower is mainly used for its healthy oil and used for cooking. Saffron is a very valuable and highly prized stigma taken from the crocus plant and also used as a cooking ingredient. An oil is also made with saffron but it is not usually used in cooking.

What does safflower oil do for the skin?

Safflower oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are great for the skin. Because it is a great source of linoleic acid, it can help treat acne when applied topically. Safflower oil can also help keep your skin moist, supple and attractive.

Safflower Oil Precautions

Safflower oil is likely safe for external use on the skin and hair but there are some precautions that should be noted before taking the oil internally.

Safflower oil should not be consumed in the days leading up to surgery nor the period following surgery unless you get approval from your doctor. Because the oil can may impede the blood clotting process, it may increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.
Taking safflower oil with anticoagulant medications or NDAIDs like ibuprofen can also increase the risk of hemorrhaging.
People with an allergy to ragweed, daisies, sunflowers or marigolds should avoid safflower oil.
Pregnant women should not take the oil internally because it can stimulate uterine contractions.
People with low blood pressure should not take the oil internally.
Reported side effects include vomiting, nausea, loose stools and diarrhea.

Final Thoughts

Safflower oil is a great option if you are looking for a healthy cooking oil to replace your usual refined oil. It contains plenty of healthy unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid.

Safflower oil comes with a wide range of health benefits including heart health, blood sugar management and may even help you lose some weight. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve muscle pain and the symptoms of arthritis.

If you are on the look out for a good quality oil, why not give safflower oil a go. If you have already made the switch, please let us know what you think of it.

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