5 Amazing Health Benefits of Safflower
Safflower oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, may lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
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Health Benefits of Safflower: Safflower, a plant known for its vibrant yellow and red flowers, has been used in traditional Chinese and Iranian medicine for centuries. The seeds of the plant are pressed to produce safflower oil, a popular cooking oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids. But beyond its culinary uses, safflower boasts a range of purported health benefits, particularly for heart health.
According to studies, safflower oil's high linoleic acid content, nearly 75 percent, may contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels and improve overall heart and circulatory health. The plant's flowers and seeds have also been traditionally used to improve blood flow.
Safflower, scientifically classified as Carthamus tinctorius, belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Originally cultivated for its flowers, which were used to create dyes, safflower is now primarily grown for its oil. The plant also provides meals and birdseed.
Health Benefits of Safflower
Following are some of the impressive health benefits of safflower.
1. Lowers Cholesterol: High oleic safflower oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which can aid in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, particularly when replacing saturated fats in the diet. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries, ultimately increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Consuming high oleic safflower oil, instead of oils high in saturated fat like palm oil, can positively impact cholesterol levels and potentially reduce the risk of associated cardiovascular complications.
2. Improves Heart Health: Safflower, a plant known for its vibrant yellow flowers, may offer benefits for heart health, including improving cholesterol levels and potentially aiding in recovery after a heart attack. A study found safflower has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of a flavonoid - Safflower Yellow. This study found that safflower yellow A may help prevent further health complications following a heart attack caused by elevated angiotensin II, a hormone known to constrict blood vessels. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to establish safflower as a reliable treatment for improving cardiovascular health.
3. Manages Blood Flow: Safflower, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, may have potential as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke, according to studies investigating its effect on blood circulation. Traditional Chinese medicine uses safflower to improve blood flow, and some research supports this claim. Studies have shown that safflower can help lower hypertension, improve blood flow, and dilate arteries. One study examined the effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A, an active compound in safflower, on neurological functioning after acute ischemic stroke, a condition caused by decreased blood flow to the brain and resulting in brain cell damage. The study compared hydroxysafflor yellow A to ginkgo leaf and dipyridamole, two common treatments. The results suggest that hydroxysafflor yellow A may improve neurological functioning more effectively than these other treatments. While these findings are promising, larger and more recent randomized-control trials on humans are needed to confirm the benefits of safflower and determine its viability as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke.
4. Improves Blood Sugar: Safflower, a plant known for its vibrant yellow flowers, may offer potential benefits for managing blood sugar levels, according to some studies. A research review suggests that safflower injections could be a potential treatment for diabetes due to their effect on blood vessels.The active components in safflower, carthamin and hydroxysafflor yellow A, appear to play a role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors linked to diabetes. This suggests that safflower could potentially aid in improving blood sugar control in individuals with the condition.
5. Improves Digestive Health: According to studies, Safflower has some laxative effects. Therefore, it helps to get rid of constipation and improves the overall digestive health.
(Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated by AI and published after the content was editorially modified and verified by a human based on their own judgement and expertise. The Quint does not publish AI-generated content without direct human involvement and oversight).