Sunflower oil is the main culinary vegetable oil in the CIS countries, and in the world it occupies the 4th position in terms of production volumes. In addition to the food industry, this product can be used in medicinal and cosmetic purposes. For maximum useful application should know how to choose the best sunflower oil benefits and harms, how it is obtained, cleaning methods and how best to preserve its properties.
From this article you will learn:
How sunflower oil is obtained
Sunflower is most actively grown today in Russia and Ukraine, respectively, and in terms of sunflower oil production, these countries are among the leaders. Probably the reason for this is the fact that in Russian Empire sunflower has developed as an oilseed crop. The invention of the technology for obtaining oil from the seeds of this plant in 1829 is the merit of the fortress town of Aleksevka, Belgorod Region, Daniil Bokarev. Five years later, the peasant managed to open his own oil mill, and by 1860 there were already 160 factories of this kind operating in the city.
Seed processing
For the production of oil, sunflowers of oilseed varieties are used. The seeds of these plants have the maximum fat content - this indicator is called oil content. The grain arriving for processing will be checked in the laboratory for moisture content, oil content, weediness, and ripeness. Processing includes cleaning, drying, peeling, sorting, grain grinding and oil extraction. by-product sunflower oil production is a meal - it is a valuable feed product enriched with protein. It is used to improve the diet of fish, birds, livestock. Raw proteins in the meal can take up to 41% of the composition.
Spin
Pressing is one of two ways to extract vegetable oil from sunflower seeds. Compared to extraction, it is considered more environmentally friendly, but has a lower oil yield. This figure rarely exceeds 30%.
The mint obtained after grinding the kernels is usually heated in braziers to 100-110˚C, after which it is sent to screw presses. Depending on the thickness of the mint layer, the density and viscosity of the oil, the pressure in the press, a different volume of oil can be squeezed out of the grains relative to its actual share in the composition. Due to the heating, the oil obtained in this way is recognizable by its pronounced aroma. roasted sunflower seeds. It also contains decomposition and oxidation products, due to which the smell and color are more pronounced.
Without heating the mint, cold-pressed oil is produced. Unlike the product described above, useful substances are better preserved in it: antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, organic and fatty acids. minerals, sunflower oil salts. The disadvantage of this type of oil is that it has a short shelf life, which makes it bitter and cloudy quickly.
Sunflower oil pressed in this way is called raw. Subsequently, it is subjected to settling and filtering. This treatment makes the liquid the most delicious and healthy. The cake remaining after pressing can be processed into a feed animal product, or it can be sent for the extraction of the remaining oils.
Extraction
Obtaining sunflower oil by extraction is carried out by immersion in an organic solvent in the extractor. As a result of this treatment, two products are obtained: a solid defatted meal and a solution of solvent and oil, called miscella. Passing through screw evaporators and distillers, the oil is separated, settled, filtered and further technological steps.
Most often, extraction gasolines are used as solvents. With their help, it is possible to extract up to 99% of the oils contained in the seeds. Such a high efficiency is beneficial for manufacturers, so a sufficiently large amount of oil is extracted by extraction.
Refining
Oil refining is the general name for a set of technological stages during which substances are removed from the oil that give it a smell, color, taste and other physical and chemical characteristics. In fact, there are no mineral and vitamin supplements in refined oil, so sometimes you can hear the definition of “impersonal”. Sunflower oil refining consists of six stages:
- Removal of mechanical impurities. It is always carried out. Oil that has passed only this stage of refining is sold as unrefined. Its purification includes only settling, filtering and running through a centrifuge.
- Hydration and separation of phosphatides. It is a treatment with water heated to 70˚C. Thanks to it, swelling and precipitation of mucous and protein substances occur, which contribute to the speedy deterioration of the oil.
- Neutralization removes free fatty acids from the product, which smoke during frying, turn into carcinogens, and generally shorten the shelf life. This step is also necessary for the removal of pesticides and heavy metals. An oil that has passed this stage can be sold as non-deodorized refined.
- Whitening with organic adsorbents, most often with clays. They draw out dye components, which also cause oxidation, and the liquid brightens. After this stage, the oil does not contain pigments and has a light straw color.
- Deodorization is a vacuum treatment with dry hot steam (up to 230˚C), which removes odorous substances that also oxidize the product during storage.
- Freezing to remove the waxes that get into the oil from the seeds. They are especially noticeable in cloudy oil standing in the cold. After freezing, the product becomes even lighter.
Refined oil is sold not only as food product, but widely used in production cooking oils, margarines, sauces, mayonnaise and other products. In this case, the absence of a strong smell or taste is a plus, as it does not affect the quality of the final product.
The use of sunflower oil is not limited to the food industry. It serves auxiliary raw materials in the production of canned meat and fish. It can also be used in soap making, although it does not have the best soap characteristics, as well as in the production of paint and varnish products.
Unrefined vs Refined - What's the difference?
Most of the sunflower oils sold today in supermarkets and shops are refined. Advertising, basically, frightens with the presence of cholesterol in unrefined oil, as well as the release of carcinogens during frying. However refined oil some consumers call useless. Say, if there are no vitamins or minerals, why is it needed.
The answer to the question of which sunflower oil is best for frying is refined. It can also burn and create smoke, but its smoke point is much higher: +232˚C versus +107˚C. That is, unrefined oil will smoke almost always, and when frying on a refined product, this can be avoided.
However, scientists say that frying with refined oil is also unsafe. It produces trans fats that are not perceived by the body and damage cell membranes. As a result, this leads to the development of coronary disease, atherosclerosis, hormonal instability and oncological formations. In addition, such oil is useless in cosmetology, because it contains much less of one of the most valuable components in this regard - tocopherol. This antioxidant helps keep you young and prevent cancer.
Unrefined oil is healthier in composition, but requires special handling. It really is better to use it in frying to a minimum. But for salad dressing, cooking homemade mayonnaise and other uses without high temperature, it is excellent. Here the oil will show its best properties. The main thing is not to store it for future use because of the short shelf life, but to keep it cool without access to light in an airtight metal or glass container. After opening, it is best to keep the liquid in the refrigerator.
Useful properties of sunflower oil The chemical composition of sunflower oil is as simple as most other vegetable fats. It is 99.9% fats and fatty acids, and the remaining 0.1% includes some water, vitamin E and phosphorus. Calorie content also corresponds to pure vegetable oils - 899 kcal per 100 g.
According to the content of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) in the diet, there are practically no products that interrupt sunflower oil. The benefit of this substance lies in the strongest antioxidant properties. Tocopherol prevents the destructive activity of free radicals, which increases the risk of developing cancer, and also accelerates the aging process in cells and tissues. According to the content of this substance, sunflower seed oil is ahead of olive oil.
About 60% of the oil is linoleic polyunsaturated fatty acid, about 24% - oleic monounsaturated, and another 11% saturated acids: palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic.
The presence of linolenic and linoleic acids is useful because human body does not synthesize them on its own. Sometimes they are also called vitamin F, the deficiency of which is most common. Unsaturated fatty acids are essential for strengthening cell membranes and nerve fibers. In addition, they help to eliminate cholesterol and stabilize the circulatory system.
Medicinal properties
Unrefined sunflower oil has the best medicinal properties. premium easily recognizable by its pleasant aroma and characteristic aftertaste. The presence of sediment in the product does not always signal poor quality. If it is formed by phosphatides, then it is useful for the production of phosphoric acid by the body and the growth of cell membranes.
Both folk and traditional medicine recognizes sunflower oil as useful, offering it for the prevention of diseases of the liver and kidneys, digestion, thrombophlebitis, ailments of women's health, heart and blood vessels, encephalitis and problems of the musculoskeletal system.
It is believed that the oil stimulates the intestines and to treat constipation, you need to take 2 tablespoons of liquid on an empty stomach daily in the morning. Rubbing and massage with oil are advised by traditional healers to relieve rheumatism. To enhance the healing effect, it is recommended to add garden wallflower flowers, rosemary herb or pepper tincture to vodka. Sick joints are advised to rub with a mixture of equal parts of oil and propolis, mixed in a water bath.
A burning remedy for the treatment of articular rheumatism is prepared from red pepper. It is crushed, poured with oil and kept warm for about 9 days. After shaking, the mixture can be rubbed into the joints, but one must be prepared for the fact that the skin will burn and redden.
With osteochondrosis, a remedy made from salt, sunflower oil, which are mixed in proportions of 1: 2, helps. After mixing thoroughly, they must be left to dissolve for several days, so that the liquid becomes whitish-cloudy. To speed up, you can use slightly warmed oil. This simple drug should be smeared into the diseased area of \u200b\u200bthe spine in the first days for 2-3 minutes. Further, every day the duration of the procedure should be increased by 1-2 minutes, until it reaches a third of an hour. Thanks to the salt treatment of osteochondrosis, metabolic processes are stimulated, blood flow and the removal of harmful substances are accelerated, which helps to reduce inflammation and relieve swelling.
With an old cough, it is recommended to mix a tablespoon of honey, flour, oil, mustard powder and half a spoonful of vodka. The product is heated and mixed for a couple, turning into a sticky dough. It needs to be kneaded and spread in a small layer on the chest through gauze folded four times, covered with a scarf or film on top and left overnight. You can warm up in this way a couple of times a week.
Traditional medicine recommends instilling sore ears with a mixture of sunflower and geranium oil in a ratio of 3: 1. For those suffering from sore throats, it is advised to lubricate the throat with a solution of sunflower and aloe oils. To restore the skin from cracks and diaper rash, you can make a sunflower compress applied to the problem area during sleep. Rubbing pressure sores with this oil also has a positive effect.
In spite of high calorie content, sunflower oil is not dangerous for those who are on a diet. In addition, stable functioning of the body is impossible without fats. It still won’t work in large quantities, and a tablespoon of liquid will not only make a salad with germinated wheat tastier, but also contribute to an efficient metabolism.
Harm and contraindications
The main danger of sunflower oil is carcinogens that appear during thermal processing. For this reason, it is better for him to choose a good alternative for frying in the form of an olive type refined or pomace. In salads, soups, pastries, dressings and sauces, sunflower oil remains harmless.
Refined sunflower oil can only be used for frying at low temperatures, up to +200˚C. At the same time, washing dishes after it must be treated very responsibly. Residual oil when reheated will contaminate harmful substances and fresh product.
Due to the choleretic effect, the use of oil can adversely affect the condition of people with diseases of the biliary system and gallbladder.
Is it possible to treat burns with sunflower oil
Sunflower oil, the benefits and harms of which are wider than it seems, is mistakenly used to lubricate fresh burns. This is categorically false. The fact is that heated, burned cells need heat to escape. The oil creates an impenetrable film that prevents the tissues from cooling, in fact, clogging the cause of pain inside.
For severe burns, it is much more beneficial to wash the skin. cold water, quickly pulling out excess heat. But for the rapid healing of blisters and wounds left from burns, sunflower oil is suitable. It is necessary to mix it with wax from a ratio of 2: 1, warm it up until it is evenly mixed and apply it warmly to the wound through a napkin.
What sunflower oil is useful in cosmetics
In cosmetology, sunflower oil is rarely used. Perhaps the reason is that its availability and widespread culinary demand do not create the impression of an extremely valuable and rare oil, saturated with a huge amount of useful substances. In composition, it really loses to many vegetable oils, but this does not make it useless for personal care. Can be used quite effectively sunflower oil for hair, face and nails.
Thanks to fatty acids and tocopherol, the application of this liquid in a thin layer helps to nourish, moisturize, restore cells and enhance the immune properties of the skin. You should not be afraid of oily sheen, because sunflower oil is close in structure and composition to natural sebum. Thanks to this, by the way, it is well absorbed and accepted by the epidermis.
In general, this product can be used along with other vegetable oils in masks, hair wraps, creams and ointments. Cosmetologists note that this affordable basis for restorative and moisturizing preparations for hair.
Sunflower oil is suitable for removing make-up, as it perfectly dissolves cosmetics. Even persistent cosmetics, once in the country without special tools, can be removed with a cotton pad soaked in oil. The nourishing and moisturizing effect is an added bonus.
Sunflower oil benefits and harms For massage
AT pure form sunflower oil is very rarely used as a massage base, as it tends to form a film on the surface of the skin. More often it is mixed in different proportions with other base and essential oils when creating complex mixtures.
However, in the absence of alternatives, you can take this oil. The main thing is that it will provide sliding of the hands, preventing damage to the skin. For massage of the back, feet, arms, shoulder and elbow joints, a mixture of 50 ml of sunflower, 4 tbsp. coconut, and 5-10 drops essential oil lavender.
Some ways to use oil in everyday life
- A mixture of equal parts alcohol and sunflower oil helps to remove stains from lacquered furniture, giving a second life to solid chests of drawers, tables, chairs and other interior items.
- Sunflower oil can be used to remove fresh spots from paint on clothes. Here it serves as a solvent - you need to apply the oil for 5-10 minutes, and then wash it with dishwashing detergent.
- Rubbing with sunflower oil will help remove bad smell in the refrigerator or remove the onion flavor from cutting board or a knife.
- Dachas and private houses are sometimes attacked by ants who want something to eat. Oil helps to scare them away - they need to coat the edges of containers with cereals or packages with products of interest to insects. This is useful to know when preparing for a picnic.
- By mixing 30 g of oil with 90 g of melted rosin and 1 tsp. syrup or honey, you can get a mixture for homemade duct tape against insects. It is necessary to anoint thick paper with it, and Velcro for the same ants is ready.
- Sunflower oil can temporarily lubricate the hinges of doors and furniture. But you need to lubricate them with a more suitable agent as soon as possible. Oil, by the way, helps from jamming locks on clothes and bags.
- Oil can restore the shine of kitchen utensils and cutlery.
- For situations with a power outage in the country or just to create a special atmosphere, oil lamps are used. And yes, in a critical situation, you can replace the special oil mixture with ordinary sunflower oil.
How to choose the best sunflower oil
About how to choose an oil based on the purpose of its use, it was said above. Summarizing, we can say that unrefined is for cold use, and refined is for not too hot frying and dishes in which the aroma and taste of oil should not be felt.
Sunflower oil benefits and harms How to choose quality oil from sunflower seeds of one type or another on the store shelf. You need to be guided by the following signs:
- The liquid should be clear, but not necessarily colorless. A dark yellow color is acceptable, especially for an unrefined product. It may also have a weak sediment. But refined oil with sediment is a fake or a spoiled product.
- The unrefined liquid has a clear sunflower aroma and taste. In refined oil, they are either less pronounced or completely absent (in deodorized oil). Any type of product should not taste bitter.
- On the label good product there is information about the name, nature of cleaning, composition, available additives, GOST, place and date of production, as well as the shelf life of the product. In the Russian Federation, since July 1, 2014, the national standard GOST 1129-2013 “Sunflower oil. Specifications".
- Naturally, the “younger” the oil by the date of production, the more willingly it should be taken.
- Sunflower oil stored in the light oxidizes, so it is better to take bottles from the depths of the shelves, where the lighting is poor.
- "Sunflower oil" - pure product from sunflower seeds. A trade item called "vegetable oil" may include admixtures of other oils.
- Manufacturers that emphasize the presence of vitamin E often add it as a vitamin supplement. Although, there is nothing frankly bad in this, of course.
In 2014, the publication Roskontrol conducted an examination of 22 copies of refined sunflower oil sold in retail chains in the Russian Federation. The most consistent with the declared characteristics was shown by the popular Oleina brand and oil from the economy segment Every Day. With weaker performance, but compliance with the standards, the tests were also carried out by the brands "Anninskoe", "Zlato", IDEAL. The oil "Every Day" had the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids - 64.2%, and in terms of the amount of vitamin E IDEAL and "Anninskoye" became the leaders - 45.65 mg and 45.52 mg per 100 g.
Storage
Contrary to the opinion of many consumers, sunflower oil does not have a very long shelf life. This is especially true for an unrefined product, which already oxidizes under the influence of light, and after opening the package, the spoilage process is accelerated several times. Therefore, with rare use, it is better to buy small amounts of oil that will not have time to deteriorate while standing on the kitchen shelf.
Before plastic bottle with oil will be opened, it should be stored in a cool and cool place (from + 5˚C to + 20˚C). The expiration date, which is indicated on the bottle, is relevant only under these conditions and until it is opened.
After depressurization, unrefined oil packed in plastic containers can be stored for no longer than 2 months. After pouring into a glass bottle (preferably tinted glass) and placing in a dark place, this period may increase to 3-4 months, but it is still better to consume the product within 60 days. Popularly used to extend the shelf life to the bottom glass jar put a spoonful of salt or a few dry beans.
For long-term storage freezing can be considered. In fact, the liquid does not freeze, but retains beneficial features much longer. After one freeze-thaw cycle, the nutritional and medicinal value of the product does not change.
How to clean oil at home
Sunflower oil can be obtained not only industrially, but also at home. To do this, the grain is moved, crushed, separated from the husk with water. After that, you can squeeze out the oil. In everyday life, for this, you can use a special nozzle to separate the juice from the cake. Some home-grown butter makers equip presses for this purpose. grape juice. One way or another, after obtaining coarse oil, it becomes necessary to clean it.
First you need to drive the resulting liquid through a funnel-shaped filter made of paper or non-woven fabric. As an alternative, a fabric that allows oil to pass through is suitable, because at this stage the main thing is the mechanical cleaning of oil from cake, pieces of husk, etc. You can take repeatedly folded gauze. Paper oil filters are rare, but are found in specialized stores. The product should be filtered immediately after squeezing, as the oxidation of the components begins immediately after squeezing.
Instead of straining, you can try to defend the oil. To do this, it is poured into an opaque container made of mild steel, glass or plastic, closed with a lid and left alone for about a day. This is enough to move light inclusions to the surface, and heavy inclusions to the bottom. For better cleaning the liquid can be filtered after this stage, after which unrefined home-made sunflower oil will be obtained.
At home, the possibilities of oil purification end there. Yes, alkaline neutralization and hot steam deodorization are possible at home, but this, firstly, costs time and money, and secondly, requires a good understanding of the process from a chemical point of view. In general, homemade unrefined oil is more than suitable and healthy for eating. It is not inferior to the purchased one in its characteristics and is kept in excellent condition provided suitable storage conditions are provided.
A bottle of sunflower oil in the kitchen is like a "little black dress" in a woman's wardrobe: a win-win in almost any situation. You can’t fry eggs without oil, a salad without a familiar dressing will most likely lose its taste, and in the case of canning vegetables, sunflower oil is one of the fundamental components. Today, store shelves are overflowing with bottles of different labels: “without preservatives and dyes”, “first pressing”, “frozen”. What do these words mean and how to distinguish marketing tools from really important information?
Temperature Matters
The first rule for any cuisine - from haute to "bachelor" - always has two types of sunflower oil on hand: refined and unrefined. They differ from each other in different degrees of purification of the product. Refined oil is ideal for frying and cooking at high temperatures. It has been purified with various technological processes and has a neutral taste and odor. Refined oil does not emit harmful carcinogens, and also will not bring unpleasant surprises: it will not smoke and foam when frying. Unrefined oil, unlike a more refined product, undergoes only mechanical filtration. This allows you to keep the smell of seeds and the recognizable "sunny" taste of oil, so unrefined oil is well suited for salads, giving them a special taste and aroma.
Such different labels
The variety of formulations on the label of sunflower oil can confuse even the most sophisticated consumer. It is important to distinguish between marketing tools and really important product information. So:
Do NOT pay attention to:
- "Oil without preservatives and dyes." It is almost impossible to add an artificial color or preservative to the composition of the oil, since these components do not mix with the oil. Moreover, the oil absolutely does not need preservatives: microbes do not start in it due to the lack of water in the composition.
- "First spin". The unrefined product is always extracted from seeds using the first pressing, there is nothing special about this. And refined oil is obtained by extraction, that is, the extraction of vegetable oil using chemical methods.
- "Contains vitamin E." Sunflower oil always contains this important vitamin for maintaining beauty, as well as A, D and F and beneficial trace elements.
It is worth paying attention to:
- "Cold pressed". The inscription indicates a low temperature when the oil is released. It is believed that with the cold method, the oil retains all the useful substances, vitamins and trace elements, while it has a slight smell, which for many consumers is the determining factor when choosing.
- "Frozen". This marking refers to unrefined sunflower oil and indicates the method of preparation of the product. The essence of the method is to slowly cool the oil with very little stirring. It practically does not affect the taste, it only slightly decreases. characteristic odor oils and "greasy" taste. At the same time, all vitamins and nutrients remain intact, the oil becomes more transparent, and its shelf life increases.
Even without looking at the label, the consumer can draw a conclusion about the properties of refined and unrefined sunflower oil by several indirect signs at once. Any buyer will increase their chances of choosing a really high-quality product by following 5 simple rules.
- Look for oil in dark places. When choosing sunflower oil in a store, you need to pay attention to where it is stored: under the influence of any light, the composition of the oil quickly deteriorates and it loses its beneficial properties. The darker the showcase on which the oil is in the store, the better. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a product from the back row, looking into the depth of the shelf: this way there are more chances to get a “non-exposed” product.
- Look carefully at the expiration date. You should always pay attention to the expiration date of products, and in the case of sunflower oil, the date of manufacture should be given special attention. The closer the oil is to the expiration date, the higher its peroxide value, which affects the oxidizability of the product. Failure to comply with storage conditions (high temperature in the warehouse or prolonged exposure to light, including under artificial lighting) reduces the shelf life of refined oil in relation to the period declared by the manufacturer. An oil with a high peroxide value quickly loses its freshness and acquires a rancid taste.
- Pay attention to the degree of purity of the product. Turbid oil is a sign of spoilage of a refined product; it is better to refuse such a purchase. At the same time, you should not be afraid of a small sediment in unrefined oil - these are phospholipids useful for the body, which are found in all cells and rejuvenate them. They are not produced by the body and must be ingested with food.
- Rate the color of the product. A good refined oil will most likely have a light color. One of the quality parameters of a product is determined by its color number. It indicates the degree of purification of the oil from coloring natural substances. It is believed that the lighter the refined oil, the more refined it is. It is important to note that unrefined sunflower oil has more dark color, and in this case it becomes difficult to determine the quality of the product by eye.
- Store the oil properly. At home, store the bottle of oil in a dark, cool place (such as the refrigerator). Optimum temperature storage of sunflower oil - from +5 to +20 °С. Do not forget to look at the shelf life of the product. Unrefined oil has a shelf life of only a few months, and an opened bottle is best consumed within 4-5 weeks. Refined oil is stored the longest - up to 18 months.
What is vegetable oil? The answer to this question lies in the name - this is an oil made from vegetable raw materials.
All vegetable oils are divided into types depending on the degree of purification, purification method and consistency. Of course, great importance has the original plant from which the oil is made. The most common types of vegetable oils: olive, sunflower, corn, sesame, walnut, palm.
It is wrong to think that all vegetable oils are liquid. Solids include cocoa, palm, palm kernel and coconut butter. Read what the experts think about palm oil on the Community blog.
In terms of health effects, it is best to choose unrefined oil, that is, one that has undergone exclusively mechanical purification. With this method, it is possible to preserve as much as possible all the useful substances. In addition, unrefined oils have the most pronounced taste and smell.
But for frying, refined is best, because it has the highest “smoking” temperature. What is it and why does heating make oil dangerous,
Many vegetable oils contain beneficial vitamins, including A - retinol, E - tocopherols, Beta-carotene. However, we must not forget that the oil consists exclusively of fats, which means it is a high-calorie product, therefore, despite the benefits, it should be consumed in limited quantities.
Roskontrol has repeatedly conducted an examination of vegetable oil. What is the best, what became the leader of the rating and what brands are recommended for purchase - read in our Catalog.
When we are told about the benefits of vegetable oil, for some reason it is sunflower oil that is most often used in the economy. Well, in a pinch, olive oil or corn. However, these three types of oils are just the beginning of a huge list of vegetable oils used in the food industry, cosmetology and medicine.
What is the benefit of each type of vegetable oil?
The benefits and harms of vegetable oil
As for eating foods fried in unrefined vegetable oil, you should not use this species for cooking. It is better to use deodorized and refined oil. In the process of refining, unnecessary components are eliminated: dyes, mucus and sediment. Deodorizing removes unwanted odors and residues. You can fry in this oil without any worries.
So, let's look at what types of vegetable oils are commercially available and how they differ from each other.
Psunflower oil
We use two types of sunflower oil for food: unrefined and refined. Of course, unrefined oil is better absorbed, so it is healthier. vegetable oil is very nutritional product. It contains vitamins (vitamins of groups A, D, E and F) and trace elements. Sunflower oil cannot contain cholesterol as it does not contain animal fats. In addition, vegetable oil helps to remove cholesterol from the body, which protects the walls. blood vessels from thrombus formation and atherosclerosis.
Sunflower oil is indicated for use in diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as in violation of cerebral circulation. However, that's not all of it. healing properties. Traditional medicine uses sunflower oil to treat toothache, bowel, stomach, thrombophlebitis, lung and liver diseases. Sunflower oil is also used in cosmetology and aromatherapy.
Olive oil
The oil obtained from the olive fruit consists entirely of unsaturated fats that can easily break down animal fats. Olive oil is applicable for the general improvement of the body, as it reduces the level of bad cholesterol, thereby contributing to the prevention of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
There are many vitamins in olive oil, for example, vitamins A, D, E and K, which help strengthen bones, muscles, immune system.
In addition to the above properties, olive oil has a good choleretic property. Scientists have proven that the fatty acids contained in olive oil dull the feeling of hunger, which is good for those who are fond of diets.
Olive oil is often used in dermatology as it promotes rapid healing of wounds. The regenerative properties of this oil are due to the content natural substance oleocanthal. This substance is also used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
The natural antioxidants found in olive oil have anti-cancer effects and also prevent the aging process. When frying in olive oil, carcinogens are not formed, so the oil retains its purity.
Corn oil
Corn oil differs from its counterparts in that it contains, in addition to unsaturated fatty acids, phosphatides. Linolenic and arachidonic acids contained in corn oil are involved in many metabolic processes. These acids are substances that help remove bad cholesterol from the human body.
Corn oil is rich in biologically active substances that are part of cell membranes. Phosphatides are of particular benefit to brain tissues. Corn oil contains vitamins F, B1, PP, provitamin A, and a special substance - tocopherol.
The use of natural, unrefined corn oil helps with diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. If you use corn oil for the treatment of the gallbladder, then the secretion of bile is normalized 1-2 after taking the oil inside.
Also, corn oil is used to stew vegetables and meat over low heat, so you can save valuable vitamins and substances in it. You can also season healthy vegetable salads with corn oil.
Sea buckthorn oil
The composition of sea buckthorn oil obtained from berries includes carotene and carotenoid (due to which it has a bright orange color), as well as tocopherols and glycerides of linoleic, stearic, oleic and palmitic acids.
Sea buckthorn seed oil contains linolenic acid, which has anti-sclerotic properties. It does not contain carotenoids, so it is colorless.
Sea buckthorn oil is used externally in the treatment of burns, radiation damage to the skin, bedsores, boils, ulcers, abscesses, and is successfully used in gynecology. It is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as chronic inflammatory processes in the larynx and throat. The oil quickly cures pharyngitis, rhinitis and other diseases of the nasopharynx.
Sea buckthorn oil also has antimicrobial properties, so it is prescribed in the treatment of tonsillitis, tonsillitis, etc.
Please note, accept sea buckthorn oil inside is contraindicated in people suffering from pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and other diseases of the pancreas. It is not recommended to take it for those who are prone to indigestion, as well as diarrhea.
Linseed oil
According to the biological value of flaxseed oil, it rightfully occupies the first place. Flax seed contains 46% of vitamin F, as well as a large amount of vitamins A and E. It is rich in valuable biologically active substances, unsaturated acids and other elements beneficial to humans.
Flaxseed oil is widely used in traditional medicine. It prevents the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and reduces the risk of stroke. Flaxseed oil is used to treat ulcers, heartburn, constipation, and body cleansing. Eating linseed oil not only normalizes metabolism, but also removes excess cholesterol.
In addition, flax seed oil has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, as well as a diuretic and laxative effect.
Please note that linseed oil must be protected from direct sunlight and high temperatures. It also dries quickly in the presence of atmospheric oxygen.
Castor oil
Castor oil (also known as "castor oil" or castor bean oil) has been undeservedly forgotten these days. It is mainly used as a laxative, although castor oil is widely used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. For example, it is included in the well-known Vishnevsky ointment, which is used to treat burns, wounds and ulcers.
The composition of castor oil includes fatty acids useful for the skin: linolenic, palmitic, stearic and oleic, which is the reason for its use in cosmetology. Castor oil is used both in the form of masks to stimulate hair growth and for skin care.
However, please note that only well-refined oil, which looks almost transparent or has a slightly yellowish color, should be used for body care.
In addition, castor oil is used to remove warts, age spots and small birthmarks.
Please note that castor oil should not be used by children under 1 year old and pregnant women.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has a set of unique features: it is an extremely stable product with a long shelf life, and also does not lose its taste after repeated heating. Moreover, it has practically no contraindications for use.
Coconut oil is rich in natural antioxidants - vitamins A, C, E, as well as hyapuronic acid, which is the most powerful moisturizer.
Another feature of coconut oil is that it is practically not deposited in body fat, therefore it is recommended for use during diets for weight loss.
Coconut oil improves digestion and promotes better absorption of food. Using it as an additive to meals reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, prevents the formation of cancer cells and strengthens the immune system.
Coconut oil is widely used in cosmetology. It has a moisturizing, softening and soothing effect, heals wounds and burns, is excellent tool for tanning, strengthens hair and promotes their growth, and also prevents the formation of stretch marks.
Palm oil
Palm oil is made from Guinea oil palm growing on the west coast of Africa. This is the only solid oil of vegetable origin, close in composition to animal fat.
Palm oil contains much more than other vegetable oils. large quantity palmitic and other fatty acids. Due to this feature, it is used in the production of margarine and baking powder for dough, as well as other products, and serves to improve their presentation and increase shelf life. Sometimes it is added to instant products (for example, noodles), since it is almost three times cheaper than cream in terms of cost.
The widespread opinion about the dangers of palm oil does not have any good reason, but it practically does not contain useful substances. Palm oil does not have a high nutritional value, because it contains 4-8 times less healthy fats and vitamins than sunflower.
Burr oil
Burdock oil is produced from the roots of burdock, also called burdock. It contains stearic and palmitic acids, flavonoids, natural inulin, mineral salts (copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, chromium, potassium), as well as vitamins of group A, groups B, C, E and other useful substances.
Burdock has been used in folk medicine since ancient times. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases, and rheumatism, polyarthritis and recurrent arthritis. In addition, burdock is known as a diaphoretic and diuretic.
Burdock oil is used to improve the structure and enhance hair growth, eliminates dandruff, normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands and strengthens nails. It also has a bactericidal, anti-allergic and tonic effect, it is used for minor wounds and cracks, as well as sunburn. In addition, burdock oil is used to remove acne and in the treatment of purulent-septic diseases.
In cosmetology, burdock oil in combination with other herbal ingredients It is used to obtain various shampoos, creams and other medical and cosmetic products.
To be continued...
The labels are full of inscriptions “No cholesterol”, “Rich in vitamin E” ... For mercy, what kind of cholesterol can be in a plant product? Yes, and vitamin E is in any oil, however, in different quantities.
And what do the cumbersome terms “frozen out”, “hydrated” mean? What is the use of this oil and will it smoke in the pan? Which is better - sunflower, corn or olive? Let's figure it out together.
Perhaps the most useful in vegetable oil - fatty acids. Almost everyone has all three of their types: saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated. The difference is only in proportions.
Saturated acids we need very much small quantities; their excess is fraught with a violation of fat and cholesterol metabolism and, as a result, an increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. There are many of them in peanut, palm and coconut oils.
unsaturated fatty acids on the contrary, are very useful. They regulate metabolic processes in the body. Especially now they talk a lot about linoleic (omega-6) and alpha-linoleic (omega-3): according to the latest data, they prevent the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels and even destroy those that already exist. The body cannot produce these acids on its own, we get them with food, and vegetable oil is the main source.
We consume these acids, as it turned out, wrong: we are fond of omega-6 (sunflower, sesame, corn oil) and neglect omega-3 (linseed, rapeseed, walnut oil). Doctors believe that such a bias can cause health problems. That is why it is important for us to "eat" different oil.
Big purge
The usefulness of the oil depends not only on the feedstock. Much determines the way of pressing and cleaning. Vitamin E, which manufacturers love to write about, is quite stable, but still heat treatment not very helpful to him. The more it is, the less vitamin remains in the product. Oil, in which biologically preserved properties are preserved to the maximum active substances obtained by cold pressing. On the labels they write - “first spin / cold press”. Such oil is only filtered to get rid of mechanical impurities. Alternative way- extraction. In this case, organic solvents are used. Such oil goes through more than one stage of purification, and most of valuable components, alas, is lost in the process. 
For the sake of increasing the shelf life, unrefined oil can be treated with alkali. This is called neutralization. If the oil has been processed hot water, it says "hydrated" on the label. The taste of this product is not so bright, the color is less saturated, and, of course, some of the useful substances are lost. But with a guarantee, heavy metals and pesticides that could be contained in the feedstock were removed.
Refined oil is impersonal: it is colorless, almost does not smell. If at the same time it was also deodorized, you can be sure that vitamins and other valuable substances there is practically none. But fatty acids, on the contrary, are.
The inscription "frozen" means that waxes have been removed from the product. It is because of them that the oil becomes cloudy in the cold or in the refrigerator and does not look very appetizing. With all its advantages, unrefined oil, unfortunately, is not suitable for frying - it burns and smokes.
But even with refined, not everything is simple: the more polyunsaturated acids it contains (as, for example, in sesame, soy and safflower), the worse it tolerates heating. You can and should fry in rapeseed, mustard, and best of all - in olive oil.
Oil with high concentration polyunsaturated acids cannot stand light and smokes in a frying pan. It is best used for salad dressing.
Data
■ Unrefined oil is better to buy in the store. Counterfeits can be harmful to health.
■ A closed bottle should be stored in a dry, dark, cool place. Open - only in the refrigerator.
■ Salt salads before adding oil: salt does not dissolve in fat.
If you fry meat or vegetables on cottonseed oil, they will be with a delicious crispy crust. real plov cook on it
What options?
Sunflower
We don't love him so much for nothing. It has a lot of unsaturated fatty acids, and a relatively low concentration of saturated ones, which is good. It’s not worth frying on sunflower, but it’s good to season vinaigrettes with it, sauerkraut or herring. Refined oil is suitable for both frying and baking, it is often added to sauces.
olive
The record amount of monounsaturated fatty acids makes it an important ingredient in the famous Mediterranean diet. Scientists claim that this oil helps fight cardiovascular diseases. The most useful variety - Extra Virgin i.e. cold pressed. Meal options with olive oil countless. It gives a special "southern" taste to salads, pasta sauces and chops.
corn
Contains a lot of omega-6 acids and vitamin E. It happens only refined. You can fry on it, but it is better to use it in potato and carrot salads and vegetable stew.
Linen
Champion in the content of omega-3 fats. Deteriorates quickly from heat and light. The taste of the oil is specific, but if you mix it with crushed garlic, you get spicy sauce. They can be seasoned with soups, poured over boiled potatoes, added to cottage cheese with herbs. By the way, a teaspoon of linseed oil at night is an excellent natural laxative.
pumpkin seed oil
A lot of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, vitamins B, PP, C. Does not tolerate high temperatures and light. Its slightly sweet taste is good in meat salads, they are seasoned with fish and vegetable soups and even added to pastry dough.
Grape seed oil
Source of vitamin E ( daily allowance in a tablespoon) and omega-6 fats. The light aroma of grapes does not clog, but enhances other odors. Therefore, cooks fill green and fruit salads added to marinades. Resistant to high temperatures, does not smoke when frying.
What to put in the basket?
Unrefined sunflower:
Light (dark is made from burnt seeds);
almost clear with little sediment. This is not "dregs", but useful phospholipids. The oil "sludge" contains substances that help the body build cell membranes and fight harmful factors from the outside;
no bitter smell. Pleasant aroma- guarantee of oil freshness;
more viscous. The drop should spread very slowly, and the oil should flow silently (for example, from one container to another). It is the easiest way to check this quality in the market.
Refined sunflower:
Oil of large manufacturers: they most likely comply with production standards;
light (dark may contain carotenoids, which are destroyed when heated). The lighter the oil, the more suitable it is for frying;
without sediment: a good refined oil should be absolutely transparent;
without antioxidants in the composition;
in dark glass bottles. Or what is in the far dark corner: in the light, useful substances are quickly destroyed in the oil;
for children, it is better to choose frozen butter, on the label of which there is the letter "P" or "D";
always pay attention to the labeling: oil is premium, premium and first grade. Premium, of course, is the best.
It's believed that best time for the production of sunflower oil - November or December. Read the label
Expert comment
Irina Arkatova, chief expert of Roskontrol
« All contestants, except for Mr. Ricco, have already been checked by Roskontrol. Therefore, we can compare the indicators: for example, "Zlato", "Sloboda" and "Oleina" have never caused any complaints. There were some minor questions about Golden Seed. To the "Good", which was tested in 2016, there were the same claims as now. In the laboratory, among other things, we determine the peroxide, acid and anisidine values of each sample. These are indicators of oxidative deterioration of sunflower oil. During storage, they increase at different rates. What did the examination show? Oil "Blago" in terms of "peroxide number" does not correspond to the declared premium grade. The rest of the samples were amazing. Unless at the “Golden Seed” the “anisidine number” indicator is approaching the maximum allowable already in the first quarter of the shelf life. However, at the time of verification, it met the requirements of GOST.
On a note
Stainless steel faucets will shine like new if you rub them lightly with sunflower oil.
Old dirt can be quickly removed by spraying them with a mixture of sunflower oil and fresh lemon juice in a ratio of 2:1.
After a variety of repair (especially painting) cases, hands will be washed better if they are lubricated with sunflower oil before starting work.
To make leather products - jackets, shoes, gloves - look perfect, grease with sunflower or olive oil. Leave for five minutes and wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
Refined deodorized sunflower oil
1st place
"Sloboda"
JSC "EFKO"
Complies with all safety requirements and characteristics specified in the marking. High-quality sunflower oil of the highest grade, corresponding to GOST.
2nd place 
Mr. Ricco
JSC "Kazan Fat Plant"
Mr. Ricco came to our laboratories for the first time, and for the experts he was a "dark horse". We have not identified any shortcomings. The oil is of high quality, and we can recommend it for purchase without a doubt.
3rd place
"Oleina"
BUNGE CIS LLC
If we had a competition “where is the most essential linoleic acid”, then “Oleina” would definitely win. The other parameters of this participant are also on top, although the manufacturer declared the first grade, and not the highest or premium.
4th place
"Gold"
JSC "MZhK Krasnodar"
Top quality oil. Complies with safety requirements for proven indicators. He's a little taller than the others mass fraction moisture and volatile matter. No other differences with other samples were found.
5th place
"Golden Seed"
Yug Rusi group of companies
One of the indicators is slightly overestimated, but is within the normal range, there are no more complaints.
6th place 
"Good"
LLC "Company Blago"
"Blago" is listed as a premium oil. But some contestants of the first and highest grade are ahead of him in terms of performance. In the lab it turned out that it didn't match the premium variety at all. This led to the last place.
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