What are the benefits of safflower oil?
Safflower oil is derived from the thistle-like safflower plant. The oil, which can be used for cooking, is considered to have many health benefits.Polyunsaturated FatsThe polyunsaturated fats in safflower oil, a vegetable cooking oil, are considered healthy fats. The Mayo Clinic reports that polyunsaturated fats can help “lower your risk of heart disease by reducing the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in your blood.”Omega-6 Fatty AcidsSafflower oil also contains omega-6 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat that can help promote heart health and brain function. The American Heart Association recommends that people get between 5 and 10 percent of their daily calories from omega-6 fatty acids.Potential BenefitsHealth magazine reports, “Some clinical studies have shown that safflower oil supplementation may be helpful in patients with cystic fibrosis, Friedreich’s ataxia, and neurotoxicity from lithium.” However, more definitive studies are needed.P
