Sunflower oil - properties and uses. How sunflower oil is produced

Description of the stages of the production of vegetable oil.

Very often the question arises - how does unrefined cold-pressed oil differ from the refined oil familiar to many, which is sold on store shelves. In order to answer this question, Let us consider in detail the production process and its varieties.

Seed processing. The quality of sunflower oil depends on the quality of sunflower seeds supplied for processing, the terms and conditions of storage of seeds before pressing. The main quality characteristics for sunflower seeds are oil content, humidity, ripening period. The oil content depends on the sunflower variety and how warm and sunny the summer turned out to be. The higher the oil content of the seeds, the greater the oil yield. The optimal percentage of moisture content of sunflower seeds supplied for processing is 6%. Seeds that are too wet will store poorly and be heavier. The ripening period in our climatic conditions is a very important factor that indirectly affects the price of sunflower oil. The peak of production and supply of finished vegetable oil is October - December. And the peak of demand is the end of summer - the beginning of autumn. Accordingly, the earlier raw materials are received, the faster the finished product will reach the consumer. In addition, the seeds must be well cleaned, the content of debris should not exceed 1%, and broken grain - 3%. Before processing, additional cleaning, drying, caving (destruction) of the seed peel and separating it from the kernel are carried out. Then the seeds are crushed, mint or pulp is obtained.

Extraction (production) of sunflower oil. Vegetable oil from the mint of sunflower seeds is obtained by 2 methods - pressing or extraction. Oil extraction is a more environmentally friendly way. Although the oil yield, of course, is much less and does not exceed 30%. As a rule, before pressing, the mint is heated at 100-110 ° C in braziers, while mixing and moistening. Then the roasted mint is squeezed out in screw presses. The completeness of the extraction of vegetable oil depends on the pressure, viscosity and density of the oil, the thickness of the mint layer, the duration of the extraction and other factors. The characteristic taste of the oil after hot pressing is reminiscent of roasted sunflower seeds. Oils obtained by hot pressing are more intensely colored and flavored due to the breakdown products that form during heating. BUT cold pressed sunflower oil obtained from mint without heating. The advantage of this oil is that it retains most of the useful substances: antioxidants, vitamins, lecithin. The negative point is that such a product cannot be stored for a long time, it quickly becomes cloudy and rancid. The cake remaining after pressing the oil can be subjected to extraction or used in animal husbandry. Sunflower oil, obtained by pressing, is called raw, because after pressing it is only defended and filtered. Such a product has high taste and nutritional properties.

Extraction of sunflower oil. The production of sunflower oil by extraction involves the use of organic solvents (most often extraction gasolines) and is carried out in special apparatus - extractors. In the course of extraction, a miscella is obtained - a solution of oil in a solvent and a fat-free solid residue - meal. The solvent is distilled off from miscella and meal in distillers and screw evaporators. The finished oil is settled, filtered and further processed. The extraction method for extracting oils is more economical, as it allows the maximum extraction of fat from raw materials - up to 99%.

Refining of sunflower oil. Refined oil has practically no color, taste, smell. This oil is also called impersonal. His the nutritional value is determined only by the minimal presence of essential fatty acids (mainly linoleic and linolenic), which is also called vitamin F. This vitamin is responsible for the synthesis of hormones, maintaining immunity. It gives stability and elasticity to blood vessels, reduces the body's sensitivity to the action of ultraviolet rays and radioactive radiation, regulates the contraction of smooth muscles, and performs many other vital functions. In the production of vegetable oil, there are several stages of refining.

First stage of refining. Getting rid of mechanical impurities - settling, filtration and centrifugation, after which the vegetable oil goes on sale as commercial unrefined.

The second stage of refining. Removal of phosphatides or hydration - treatment with a small amount of hot - up to 70 ° C water. As a result, proteinaceous and mucous substances, which can lead to rapid spoilage of the oil, swell, precipitate and are removed. Neutralization is the effect on the heated oil of the base (alkali). This step removes free fatty acids, which catalyze oxidation and cause smoke when frying. Heavy metals and pesticides are also removed at the neutralization stage. Unrefined oil has a slightly lower biological value than raw oil, since hydration removes part of the phosphatides, but it can be stored longer. Such processing makes the vegetable oil transparent, after which it is called commercial hydrated.

The third stage of refining. Excretion of free fatty acids. With an excess content of these acids, vegetable oil has an unpleasant taste. The vegetable oil that has passed these three stages is called already refined non-deodorized.

Fourth stage of refinement. Bleaching is the treatment of oil with adsorbents of organic origin (most often special clays) that absorb coloring components, after which the fat is clarified. Pigments pass into the oil from the seeds and also threaten to oxidize finished product. After bleaching, there are no pigments left in the oil, including carotenoids, and it becomes light straw.

Fifth stage of refinement. Deodorization is the removal of aromatic substances by exposing sunflower oil to hot dry steam at a temperature of 170-230°C under vacuum conditions. During this process, odorous substances that lead to oxidation are destroyed. Removal of the above, undesirable impurities leads to the possibility of increasing the shelf life of the oil.

The sixth stage of refinement. Freezing is the removal of waxes. All seeds are covered with wax, this is a kind of protection from natural factors. Waxes make the oil cloudy, especially when sold on the street during the cold season, and thereby spoil its presentation. During the freezing process, the oil turns colorless. After going through all the stages, vegetable oil becomes impersonal. Margarine, mayonnaise, cooking oils are made from such a product, and are used in canning. Therefore, it should not have a specific taste or smell, so as not to disturb the overall taste of the product.

Sunflower oil hits the shelves as the following products: Refined, non-deodorized oil - outwardly transparent, but with a characteristic smell and color. Refined deodorized oil - transparent, light yellow, odorless and tasteless seeds. Unrefined oil- darker than bleached, maybe with sediment or suspension, but nevertheless it passed the filtration and, of course, retained the smell that we all know from childhood.

Sunflower oil is the most demanded, popular and affordable product among similar ones. Since it has a natural plant origin, it undoubtedly has beneficial and harmful properties. What are the benefits and harms of sunflower oil, how to take it for recovery? It turns out that the answer to this question depends on what kind of oil we use.

Useful and harmful properties sunflower oil depends on whether it is refined or not

Types of sunflower oil

The product is of two types: unrefined and refined.

Unrefined. Obtained by pressing (cold or preheated raw materials). It is considered the most beneficial for the body, as it retains all the beneficial compounds in an active form. It is characterized by a specific smell and taste, dark color, precipitation in containers during storage. This oil is suitable for use as an addition to salads or for treatment. Heating leads to a change in the chemical composition of the active components and their transformation into toxic compounds. Therefore, frying in unrefined oil is not recommended.
Refined. After pressing, it undergoes a number of successive processing processes. The result is a light yellowish transparent product, odorless and tasteless (negligible), which does not form a precipitate. In this oil, there are no longer substances that smoke during frying, but there is also no initial amount of vitamins and useful compounds. It is more suitable for frying, but when eaten raw, it brings nothing but calories.

Features of the chemical composition

Sunflower oil is rich not only in saturated, but also in unsaturated fatty acids, including OMEGA-3 and 6. They are responsible for the state of the nervous, immune, endocrine systems. Fatty acids are components of the shell of every cell in the body. They normalize the composition of the blood, prevent the deposition of cholesterol plaques and have many other important properties for the body.

In addition, sunflower oil (unrefined) is rich in vitamin E. 100 grams of the product contains 300% of the daily requirement for this important compound. That is, to provide cells with tocopherol, only 30 g (two tablespoons) of sunflower oil is required.

Useful and harmful properties of sunflower oil

In order to accurately determine for yourself whether it is possible to drink sunflower oil or choose another recovery option, you need to know what beneficial properties it has and what harm it can cause. The benefits of the product are as follows:

prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis;
eliminates violations of cognitive processes (improves memory, stress resistance, speed of mental reactions, attention and concentration);
promotes cell rejuvenation;
improves immunity;
improves the condition of the skin and its derivatives;
prevents the development of cancer;
lowers cholesterol levels, preventing heart and vascular diseases;
normalizes the hormonal background;
has a positive effect on the formation and maturation of germ cells;
prevents the development of obesity;
normalizes blood pressure;
eliminates congestion in the gallbladder;
promotes the removal of toxins and toxins;
has a regenerative effect.

Attention! The listed properties refer to unrefined sunflower oil, which is widely used not only in traditional medicine, but also official, as well as in cosmetology. For medicinal purposes, the product is used internally and externally.

Despite the abundance of beneficial properties for the body, sunflower oil, with an inattentive approach, can also cause serious harm to health. First of all, this refers to the method of its culinary processing. As already mentioned, the unrefined product is not recommended to be heated at all. It contains a large amount of free fatty acids and other organic compounds that can turn into toxic substances for organs, causing cancer. Refined oil should only be used once for frying. Reheating it also contributes to the formation and accumulation of carcinogens.

Advice! There will be more benefits if vegetables or meat are first stewed in water, and sunflower oil is added at the end.

If you plan to drink oil on an empty stomach, then you need to keep in mind that it has contraindications:

in the acute stage;
individual intolerance.

It is best to consult a doctor before using a sunflower product for medicinal purposes. This article, like other informational materials on the network, is not a guide to self-treatment.

Who can drink sunflower oil and when?

As a rule, for therapeutic purposes, the product is taken on an empty stomach. What are the benefits of sunflower oil drunk on an empty stomach? Several options for this approach are possible.

For the treatment and prevention of diseases

Sunflower oil inside can be used as a preventive measure or for the treatment of the following disorders in the body.

Regular intake of sunflower oil on an empty stomach contributes to the prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels

. To get rid of this disorder, it is enough to drink about 20 g (tablespoon) of oil on an empty stomach every morning. Gradually, the feces will become soft, and defecation will occur without difficulty. In the process of such treatment, it is recommended to drink a large amount of plain water.
Diseases of the anus (). As with constipation, taking the product on an empty stomach in the morning helps to soften the stool. This, in turn, will make defecation less traumatic and painful, and will allow the damage to heal faster.
Atherosclerosis. In vascular diseases associated with cholesterol deposits, it is recommended to drink oil on an empty stomach twice a day for 10 g. It improves blood properties and helps to cleanse the vascular walls from atherosclerotic deposits.

Cleansing the body

Sunflower oil is used to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. This Indian method does not consist in the use of oil inside, but in a kind of rinsing of the mouth with it. It is believed that in this way the product absorbs toxic substances, "collects" pathogenic microorganisms and saves a person from many diseases, since the blood supply to the oral cavity is activated in the process of sucking and chewing.

The cleansing procedure is simple: you need to chew and suck one tablespoon of sunflower oil on an empty stomach in the morning and at night. The duration is about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the oil in the mouth should first become thick and then very thin. You can not swallow it, after the required time the oil is spit out. However, it should be white.

For weight loss

Despite the fact that the calorie content of sunflower oil is 900 kcal, it is also successfully used for weight loss. The fat-burning effect is due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the product, which normalize metabolic processes and promote the breakdown and removal of fat.

For weight loss, you need to take sunflower oil on an empty stomach before breakfast and after dinner (before going to bed) in a teaspoon. The course of admission is 60-90 days. According to reviews, this approach makes it possible to reduce body weight by 5-10 kg.

How to drink sunflower oil during pregnancy

During the bearing of a child, the benefits of sunflower oil drunk on an empty stomach are to prevent constipation and eliminate heartburn.

During pregnancy, sunflower oil taken orally will prevent constipation and heartburn.

If a natural unrefined product in its pure form causes a gag reflex, then it is enough to add it to salads or seize, for example, with lemon. A pregnant woman is recommended up to 3 tablespoons of oil per day. To get rid of heartburn, one tablespoon is enough.

Child use

If the child has frequent problems with bowel movements, then taking the oil on an empty stomach will gradually eliminate this disorder for a long period of time. Since not all children will be able to drink it in its pure form, you can add a sunflower product to a finished dish, for example, to soup. Per day, depending on how strongly the violation is developed, from 1 to 3 tablespoons is enough.

Use by the elderly

The use of sunflower oil on an empty stomach will have invaluable benefits for the elderly and senile. It slows down the aging process in the body, prevents the occurrence of diseases of the central nervous system (for example, Alzheimer's), and is the prevention of cancerous tumors. In addition, constipation is often observed in old age due to developing intestinal hypotension. Reception of an oil product normalizes digestion and peristalsis, facilitates defecation.

In the article we talk about sunflower oil, its beneficial properties and contraindications to its use. You will learn whether there is cholesterol in sunflower oil, and how to use the herbal remedy in cooking, cosmetology and for treatment. various diseases.

Useful properties of sunflower oil

The beneficial properties of sunflower oil are due to the presence of a large number of useful trace elements in it.

The product contains the following items:

linoleic acid;
oleic acid;
arachidic acid;
myristic acid;
palmitic acid;
stearic acid;
linolenic acid;
phosphorus;
tocopherol, incl. and vitamin E.

Sunflower oil contains vitamin D, tannins, carotenoids, vegetable proteins and carbohydrates, waxes, inulin, mucus. It is noteworthy that chemical composition product may vary depending on the region and growing conditions of the plant.

What effect does sunflower oil have on the human body:

improves the functioning of neurons;
strengthens vascular walls, prevents atherosclerosis;
normalizes metabolism, has an antioxidant effect;
prevents the formation of tumors;
increases the body's defenses;
normalizes blood viscosity;
normalizes the hormonal background;
improves the condition of the skin and bones.

The benefits and harms of sunflower oil are indicators that depend not so much on the composition of the product, but on the correctness of its internal intake and external use.

When using a herbal remedy, follow the prescribed dosages, and be sure to consult a doctor before using it for medicinal purposes.

Is there cholesterol in sunflower oil?

Contrary to popular belief that herbal products cannot contain cholesterol, lipophilic alcohol is part of sunflower oil. Cholesterol is found in the cell membranes of all living organisms.

In sunflower oil, the level of organic compounds reaches 14 mg/kg. These figures are quite small, for example, an egg yolk contains 15 g/kg of cholesterol.

BJU and calorie content of sunflower oil

100 g of sunflower oil contains 99.9 g of fat, 0.1 is protein and carbohydrates.

Calorie content of 100 g of sunflower oil is 899 kcal.

How sunflower oil is produced

Sunflower seeds are used to produce oil. The seeds are cleaned and the kernels are separated from the husks. Next, the kernels are passed through the rollers and pressed raw materials - mint are obtained. It is subjected to heat treatment in braziers, then press oil is pressed out in presses.

Press oil defend. To obtain the final product, it must undergo an extraction procedure. Organic solvents are added to the oil, the action of which separates the product into an oil solution and a defatted solid residue. The resulting product is sent for purification and refining.

Types of sunflower oil

What are the types of oils?

Unrefined - first-pressed oil, subjected only to filtration, the most useful, since the product retains the maximum amount of trace elements.
Hydrated - in addition to purification, the product is subjected to hydration, the oil is passed through hot water, as a result of which proteins and mucus precipitate. After cleaning, the product has an unexpressed taste and aroma, a light shade without sediment.
Neutralized refined - the product is completely purified from impurities and free fatty acids by means of alkalis. This oil has no taste and smell, useful components. It is used for frying.
Refined deodorized - obtained by filtration and exposure to water vapor under vacuum. The product has no smell and characteristic taste, but has a longer shelf life.
Refined frozen - when frozen, waxes are removed from the oil, this increases the shelf life of the product. After processing, the oil has no taste and smell, as well as nutrients.

Refined and unrefined oil - which is better

If we talk about the benefits to human health, unrefined oil is better, since all the beneficial substances remain in it. Refined oil does not contain fatty acids, vitamins and other trace elements. Its use is suitable for cooking hot dishes.

Unrefined oil should not be used for frying, stewing or baking food, as it will start to foam and smoke when heated. You can use it to dress salads and already cooked food.

Sunflower oil in cooking

Most often, sunflower oil is used for cooking, due to its availability in our country and its low price compared to olive oil. However, the product should be used with caution, if used incorrectly, it can be harmful to health.

For frying, stewing, baking, baking, use refined oil. Heating unrefined at high temperatures promotes the release of ketones and aldehydes. Ketones have a carcinogenic and mutagenic effect, aldehydes accumulate in the body, have a toxic and irritating effect.

Unrefined oil is seasoned with vegetable salads and added to already ready meals to flavor them. To get the maximum amount of useful trace elements, choose unrefined cold-pressed oil.

Sunflower oil in cosmetology

A natural remedy is used in cosmetology to improve the condition of the skin of the face and body and hair. It is most advisable to use sunflower oil for dry and aging skin. It retains moisture in upper layers epidermis, activates the production of collagen and elastin by skin cells. Sunflower oil is also used to restore the skin after frostbite, cleansing from impurities.

For the body, the product is used as a healing agent for cracks in the feet, hands and lips. Used to eliminate irritation and rashes on the skin. Problem areas are lubricated with oil 2-3 times a day, pre-mixing it with liquid vitamin A.

For hair, sunflower oil is used as part of masks. It nourishes the scalp and hair roots, strengthens them, makes them silky and prevents frequent hair loss.

How to take sunflower oil

For oral administration, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower oil per day, including its content in dishes.

For pure use, take 1 tablespoon of product in the morning on an empty stomach.

For constipation

Sunflower oil helps in the treatment of constipation, it softens the waste products in the intestines and ensures their release. For these purposes, use unrefined sunflower oil, take it in the morning, 1 tablespoon.

Also, for the treatment of constipation, oil can be added to cereals and salads.

Sunflower oil sucking

Sucking oil helps to normalize metabolism, improves immunity, and prevents the development of heart, stomach, and colds. When oil is sucked, beneficial substances are absorbed into the blood vessels of the oral cavity and enter the bloodstream.

For the procedure, take 1 tablespoon of oil, dissolve for 15-20 minutes, then spit out the product.

Rinse your mouth with sunflower oil

Sunflower oil mouthwash is used to treat gum disease and the respiratory system. How to take the oil - take 1 tablespoon of the product in your mouth and rinse for 10 minutes, then spit it out. Repeat the procedure every morning.

How to make sunflower oil at home

To prepare sunflower oil at home, peel the seeds from the husk. Grind the cleaned raw materials to a state of mint in a blender, coffee grinder or pass through a meat grinder. Douse with hot water, the temperature should not exceed 120 degrees.

After that, a soft substance is formed - the pulp. Oil will start to come out of the pulp. Collect oil. For cleaning, it can be filtered and frozen at a temperature of minus 15 degrees.

How to store sunflower oil at home

The shelf life of sunflower oil is 1 year in a closed container from the date of production. Opened oil should be stored for 2 months if it is refined, and for 1 month if it is unrefined.

Store the product at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees in a dry and protected from sunlight place. Do not use oil after the expiration date.

Vodka with sunflower oil according to the Shevchenko method

Method N.V. Shevchenko suggests using sunflower oil with vodka to treat many diseases, including cancer, stroke, allergies, and others.

Recipe according to the Shevchenko method

Ingredients:

Sunflower oil - 30 ml.
Vodka - 30 ml.

How to cook: Mix liquids in glass jar close the lid and then shake well.

How to use: Take a deep breath and drink the remedy in one gulp. Take the medicine 3 times a day 10-15 minutes before meals. The duration of the course is 10 days. After therapy, take a break for 5 days, after which you can repeat the treatment.

Note! There is no information about the scientific confirmation of the effectiveness of this method. Before taking folk remedy be sure to consult a doctor.

Which oil is healthier - olive or sunflower

It is impossible to determine which oil is more useful, since monounsaturated fatty acids predominate in olive oil, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in sunflower oil. Both of them are indispensable for the human body.

There is a high-oleic sunflower oil that is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid, which is why it is called an inexpensive analogue of olive oil.

Contraindications

The main contraindication to the use of the product is an allergic reaction to oil and sunflower seeds.

The oil should be used with caution under the following conditions:

diseases of the heart and blood vessels in a chronic form;
dysfunction of the biliary tract;
dysfunction of the gallbladder;
stones in the gallbladder;
obesity;
diabetes.

Once upon a time, sunflowers were planted only so that a beautiful little sun appeared in the garden. But in 1829, an ordinary peasant from the Voronezh province figured out how to get oil from sunflower seeds, which the church then called a "lean product."

Oil extraction process

Sunflower oil is produced according to the following technology: sunflower seeds are first cleaned in the hull-and-roll section, where the kernels are separated from the husks. After that, the kernels pass through the vyaltsy, where they are crushed, and the resulting mint, having undergone heat treatment in braziers, enters the press department. There, pressing oil is squeezed out of it, the remaining mass is sent to the extraction shop, since it still contains about 22% of the oil. After the separation process, the mint usually goes to the extractor, where the oil is distilled off through organic solvents, which is subsequently purified and refined by the following methods: centrifugation, settling, hydration, filtration, bleaching, deodorization and freezing. To understand how this or that refining method affects the quality of the initial product, let's try to understand its types.

Video on how sunflower oil is produced:

The most useful is raw sunflower oil filtered only. It completely preserves phosphatides, sterols, tocopherols and other useful components. Is different pleasant taste and smell, however, with long storage, it becomes bitter and cloudy.
hydrated sunflower oil is heated to 60 degrees and hot water is passed through it in a sprayed state. In this case, mucous and protein substances precipitate. Compared to unrefined, it has a less pronounced taste and smell. Doesn't get cloudy.
refined sunflower is less useful, since after refining it contains fewer tocopherols and does not contain phosphatides at all. What is refining? It is designed to clean products from various contaminants. During this process, the product is treated with alkali, phospholipids and fatty acids are removed from it, then, as a result of stratification, the oil is separated from the sediment and rises. In the future, it goes through the bleaching stage.
If speak about refined deodorized oil, then it practically does not contain all the aromatic substances that could cause premature spoilage of the product. It's all about the production technology: it is obtained by exposure to water vapor under vacuum. Used in the production of dietary and baby food.
The characteristic turbidity is due to the presence of wax (natural wax-like substances). If these substances are removed, then frozen sunflower oil: after that it is filtered, as a result it becomes transparent and does not become cloudy when cooled.

Compound

As you can see, the content of phospholipids, fatty acids, vitamins and other substances largely depends on the various methods of pressing and processing. All of it beneficial features due to the content of palmitic, arachidic, stearic, linoleic, linolenic, myristic, oleic acid, phosphorus-containing, volatile, waxy substances, vitamins A, D, E, as well as a certain amount of non-fat impurities.

100 g is 899 kcal:

Proteins - 0.0 g
Fat - 99.9 g
Carbohydrates - 0.0 g

Thanks to linoleic acid, it increases the body's immune defenses.
Reduces the level of bad cholesterol.
Prevents the development of cancer.
It has a rejuvenating effect, as it contains a lot of vitamin E (tocopherol). As you know, tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant that is directed against free radicals, thereby slowing down cell aging.
The next benefit is to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, chronic diseases of the liver, stomach, lungs, and intestines.
Participates in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, improves memory, has a positive effect on the function of the sex, endocrine glands.
It is used in aromatherapy, preparation and bath tinctures, soap making, paint and varnish industry, poultry farms and livestock enterprises. It is an ingredient in various ointments in folk medicine. Mayonnaise, cooking oils, margarine are made from it, used in the manufacture of canned food, and so on.

What is the difference between sunflower oil and olive oil?

Another comparison can be made on the balance of essential fats of the omega-3 and omega-6 groups. So, in olive their ratio is the most optimal, so it is useful to use it in diet food, for refueling vegetable salads and fish dishes(not for frying).

Harm

There are practically no contraindications. The main thing is to use it in small quantities, and all because of the high calorie content. Harm can be brought after the expiration date, so it is better to always look at the date of production, otherwise the resulting oxides will disrupt the metabolism in the body. Pay attention to whether there is sediment at the bottom of the bottle - if so, then this indicates oxidation and the benefits will decrease. Such oil will foam and taste bitter.

Store the product at a temperature of +5 to +20 degrees in a dark place (light destroys useful substances). It is better to store unrefined in glassware and always in the cold. Keep in mind that if it was obtained by cold pressing, then it can be stored for no more than 4 months, if by hot pressing - no more than 10 months. It is advisable to use an open bottle within 30 days.

Video about the benefits of vegetable sunflower oil?

Almost every home has sunflower oil in the kitchen. It is used for frying meat, vegetables, pies, salads. At the same time, no one even thinks that sunflower oil, whose composition is rich in useful substances, can be used not only in the cooking process, but also in the treatment of various ailments, the elimination of some appearance flaws.

A bit of history

Sunflower oil is a product that is obtained from sunflower seeds. This plant was brought from America to Europe. It appeared in our country thanks to Peter I. The Tsar noticed this beautiful plant in Holland and ordered the seeds to be brought. The sunflower has long been considered an ornamental flower. At the end of the 18th century, Academician V. M. Severgin wrote in his writings that oil could be obtained from seeds. However, this information did not arouse wide interest.

Until about the 30s of the 19th century, the sunflower was a garden plant. Then the peasant D. Bokarev decided to squeeze oil from the grains. The experiment was a success. The resulting product turned out to be tasty and served as an alternative to other vegetable oils. Gradually sunflower became the most cultivated in the country.

Composition of sunflower oil

The product in question includes useful substances:

which are easier to digest by the human body compared to animals;
vitamin E, which is a protector against aging and cancer;
fatty acids necessary for the body to build cells and tissues, for the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems.

From the table below, you can find out what sunflower oil includes. The composition is indicated per 100 g of the product.

Sunflower oil: composition, fats

Chemical composition and nutritional value
Water	0,10%
Fats	99,90%
Saturated fatty acids	12,5% (8,7%—16,3%)
polyunsaturated fatty acids	65,0% (55,0%—75,0%)
Phosphorus	2 mg%
Vitamin E	44 mg%
The energy value	899 kcal
Fatty acid composition: fatty acids (%, to the amount of fatty acids)
Myristic	up to 0.02
palmitic	5,0—7,6
Lignoceric	up to 0.5
Palmitoleic	up to 0.3
Arachinoic	up to 0.5
Oleic	14,0—39,4
Linoleic	48,3—77,0
Linolenic	up to 0.3
Stearic	2,7—6.5
Begenovaya	0,3—1,5
Gondoin	up to 0.3

Classification of sunflower oil

Vegetable oil made from sunflower seeds is divided into unrefined and refined. The initial product, after being obtained from raw materials, is settled, filtered and sent for hydration and neutralization. The composition of unrefined sunflower oil during these procedures is deprived of phospholipids - substances due to which the oil becomes cloudy during long-term storage.

The second product from the classification is obtained after passing the full technological scheme cleaning. Sunflower oil is settled, filtered, centrifuged, hydrated. The next process after all this is refining. Sunflower oil is clarified with special adsorbents. The product is then processed under vacuum with steam. Due to this, the oil loses its original smell, i.e., deodorizes. Processing also eliminates substances that, when exposed to high temperatures, turn into carcinogens and enter the body.

Healing properties of the product

Sunflower oil is necessary for the human body, because it contains useful substances. In particular, it is rich in vitamin E. In others vegetable oils it is contained in much smaller quantities (if you compare the composition of olive and sunflower oil, you can see that the latter contains 10 times more of this vitamin). It is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle, gonads. With its deficiency, neurological disorders occur, hemolysis of erythrocytes. To prevent such conditions, it is recommended to use an unrefined product with salads (the chemical composition of unrefined sunflower oil contains more useful substances, so it is advised to add it to various dishes and do not use for frying).

Sunflower oil is useful for various ailments. Due to the presence of its own biological composition, it becomes an important ingredient in various ointments, masks, etc. Sunflower oil interacts well with plant components - medicines prepared according to folk recipes, apply:

for the treatment of cold symptoms;
to relieve pain in the joints;
in other pathological conditions.

Sunflower oil and cold treatment

For sore throats, indicating the development of a sore throat, folk healers recommend preparing a lubricant and using it according to the following recipe:

mix aloe juice with the same amount of unrefined sunflower oil;
dip a cotton swab into the resulting mixture;
lubricate the throat.

When coughing in children, sunflower oil can also be used. The composition of the product helps to eliminate this symptom. Compresses are used in traditional medicine to combat coughs:

in a container mix 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry mustard, unrefined oil and vodka;
all ingredients are mixed, flour is added to them until a thick dough is formed;
the mixture is heated on a water bath;
3 cakes are made from the dough, which are wrapped in gauze;
2 cakes are placed on the back, and the rest - on the chest (it should be borne in mind that compresses are not made on the spine and on the place where the heart is located; a small cake is placed on the chest under the dimple).

Sunflower oil in the service of beauty

In some beauty recipes, one of the ingredients is sunflower oil. The composition of the product has a positive effect on the skin and hair. For example, with severe dryness of the skin of the face and peeling, you can help yourself in the following way:

mix 100 g of sunflower oil with the same amount of honey;
add to mix 2 chicken eggs without protein;
mix the ingredients thoroughly and heat;
apply the product on the face in several doses with a 7-minute interval;
wash off the mask from the face with a swab dipped in linden decoction.

Sunflower oil is suitable not only for dry skin, but also for normal skin. Women with this type of skin benefit from this product in the winter, when negative factors such as frost and wind affect the face. To eliminate their influence, it is enough to cleanse the skin with sunflower oil every day. It is first heated and then applied to the face. After 3 minutes, the oil is removed with a swab dipped in water or a decoction based on medicinal herbs.

AT healing properties sunflower oil is included a positive effect on the hair. First of all, the product must be included in the diet. The health and beauty of hair depends on what a person eats. If there are any problems associated with hair, then nutrition alone will not be enough. For example, in case of hair loss, you can carry out a simple procedure once a week - rub a mixture prepared from 1 tbsp into the scalp. spoons of sunflower oil and egg yolk. Rinse hair 40 minutes after application with warm water.

The use of oil in gynecological diseases

The composition of refined sunflower oil has a positive effect on gynecological diseases. The product promotes healing of mucous membranes. To prepare a remedy for female ailments:

1 part of refined sunflower oil is mixed with 1 part of bee honey;
the mixture is boiled in a water bath, cooled and used to wet cotton swabs.

A medicine prepared at home relieves small inflammatory processes. With unpleasant manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, you should just eat salads seasoned with sunflower oil. Contains linoleic acid. It just helps to relieve the tormenting symptoms.

The use of sunflower oil for joint pain

To relieve pain in the joint, you can use a mixture prepared from unrefined sunflower oil and bodyagi powder (the latter component is commercially available in pharmacies):

1 part bodyagi powder is added to 30 parts of oil;
the ingredients are thoroughly mixed;
the resulting ointment is applied to the affected joint from the outside and rubbed in a circular motion;
after the procedure, the limb is wrapped with a warm cloth.

Rinsing and lubricating the mouth

The chemical composition of sunflower oil allows the use of this product for the treatment and improvement of the oral cavity. Daily rinsing can stop the damage to the periodontal tissue, prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth, and prevent the development of a carious process. How to apply sunflower oil? It is recommended to keep half 1 tbsp in your mouth for a quarter of an hour. spoons of this product. After this procedure, you need to spit out the oil and rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water, adding a little salt to it beforehand.

If there are any problems with the mucous membrane in the oral cavity, then a mixture of 1 part of unrefined sunflower oil with 1 part of fir oil is used. She treats the affected areas in the mouth with a cotton swab. After application, the mixture is placed in the refrigerator and stored there.

In conclusion, it should be noted that very useful product is sunflower oil. The composition includes substances that are necessary for a person. From oil it is recommended to prepare medicines according to folk recipes for various diseases, to make medical cosmetics. However, self-medication is still not welcome. Before using any remedy, you need to consult a specialist, because in some diseases, the oil may not have the expected effect or even be harmful.