Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Sunflower Oil (Expeller-Pressed)
Sunflower Oil (Expeller-Pressed)
Sunflower Oil (Expeller-Pressed)
What is it:
Expeller-pressed sunflower oil is derived by pressing the seeds of the sunflower. This unrefined form of sunflower oil, is widely used in various culinary applications, particularly in the natural food sector. The process of obtaining expeller-pressed sunflower oil involves a series of steps to extract the oil from the sunflower seeds while maintaining its natural properties. Initially, the sunflower seeds are thoroughly cleaned, de-hulled, and ground into a paste. Heat and pressure are then applied to the paste, resulting in the extraction of the oil. Unlike refined sunflower oil, there is no utilization of chemical solvents in this process. The oil undergoes filtration to eliminate any solid particles, ensuring its purity. Finally, the oil is carefully heated at high temperatures to further enhance its purification. Expeller-pressed sunflower oil is commonly available in a high-oleic variety, which contains approximately 80% oleic acid. This composition closely resembles the monounsaturated fat content found in olive oil. The high-oleic form of sunflower oil is preferred for cooking due to its lower polyunsaturated fat content, providing greater stability at higher temperatures.
Rating:
Sunflower oil is a good source of Vitamin E, antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats, yet the use of heat in the processing of it may result in some fat oxidation and cause a loss of vitamin E and antioxidant content. Caution should be used with cooking at very high temperatures as the polyunsaturated fats may oxidize further. Sunflower oil may give off toxic compounds when cooked over 180 degrees F. High oleic sunflower has been associated with improved cholesterol and lipid profiles, however, studies do not always specify whether the sunflower oil was consumed with cooking or in unheated form.
Resources:
- Sunflower emits high levels of toxic aldehyde when exposed to heat
- High-oleic sunflower oil improves cholesterol profile in patients with hyperlipidemia (randomized parallel study)
- A diet rich sunflower oil has favorable effects on lipid profile (randomized controlled crossover trial)
- Chemical and physical changes of sunflower oil during heating
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
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