Nutrients

Safflower Seed and Oil can Help You Lose Weight

Have you ever tried to lose weight? It is one of the hardest things to do. Many of us just don’t have the time and money to follow expensive diets. We give up because all the diets contain food that we don’t normally eat. Instead we take weight reduction pills and try a bit of exercise and then give up altogether. It is possible to eat fat and lose weight by using Safflower seed and oil.

Your body needs fat to operate since fat keeps it warm, and helps the body to absorb nutrients while it also protects the organs. The secret is to use good fat. Safflower seed and oil form part of the good fats. There is a distinction between good and bad fats. The four types of fat are:

Monounsaturated fats

These are good fats that help to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and prevent insulin resistance. It is found in peanuts, canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil, hazelnuts, pine nuts and chicken fat.

Polyunsaturated fats

These are also good fats that reduce triglycerides, prevent tumors, aid against infections, build the immune system and prevent heart disease and strokes. You get two categories polyunsaturated fats. Omega 3 fats are found in tuna, trout, canola oil, flax seed, walnuts, salmon and hempseed. Omega 6 fats are found in Safflower seed and oil, nuts, beans, soft margarine, sunflower oil, and sesame oil and seed.

Saturated fats

These fats are bad for you because they raise your cholesterol level and increase the risk for strokes and heart attacks. They are found in meat, dairy products and coconut oil. You should limit the intake of saturated fats.

Trans fats

They are bad fats because they raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They are found in vegetable oil that has been damaged by heat in the cooking process, cookies and crackers.

Safflower seed and oil is one of the richest natural sources of Omega 6. It breaks down hard fats such as animal fats that you consume by releasing polyunsaturated fatty acids. It provides the fat that your body needs but at the same time helps to get rid of hard fats. Your body needs fat to work and you shouldn’t avoid all fat, just the bad fat.

Seeds and nuts make healthy snacks

They contain fiber, vitamins and minerals that increase your metabolism and fill your appetite at the same time. They are rich in Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant as well as Vitamin A. They are best eaten raw and not roasted. Seeds are essential in a vegetarian diet. Safflower seed has a deep nutty flavor. It provides carbohydrates, essential fat, and protein. It is normally found in bird food.

Storage of Safflower seed and oil

Fatty acids go rancid quickly. Store the oil in a tight container, in a dark and cool place. Don’t use it after you have already cooked with it. The heat and light damage it. The seeds should be stored in the same way. If possible store it in a refrigerator.

How much should you use?

All oils contain some fat. Your daily consumption should be 25-30% of calories.

Side effects

Safflower seed and oil is rich in Omega 6. An excess intake of Omega 6 can result in increased water retention and high blood pressure. Use it as part of a balanced diet to prevent side effects.

Tips on choosing oil

In order to gain the benefits from cooking oil you need to purchase the correct oil. Read the label to understand how it was processed. Check whether it is refined or unrefined. Buy products in dark green bottles or in light resistant plastic bottles. Unrefined oil has its full flavor and contains the most nutrition.

Tips on using

Safflower oil is sensitive to heat. It is not recommended for high heat since it loses its benefits. Use it in salads, sauces, and dips or to add flavor.

Nutritional information

Safflower oil (14mg) contains 120 calories and 13.6g fat and is rich in Vitamin E5.

Light oils can be used in cooking, but where possible you should rather bake or grill and only use safflower oil in dressings and salads. Use Safflower seed as a snack. Safflower seed and oil should form part of your balanced diet together with fish oil and olive oil.

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