![<img src='https://images.vital.ly/monographs/tr:w-800,c-at_max,dpr-2,q-100/sunflower oil_vital_ly.png' /> Sunflower oil](https://images.vital.ly/monographs/tr:w-800,c-at_max,dpr-2,q-100/sunflower%20oil_vital_ly.png)
Sunflower oil
Scientific names: Helianthus annuus
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae
Alternate names: Aceite de Girasol, Adityabhakta, Corona Solis, Fleurs de Soleil, Grand Soleil, Hélianthe, Hélianthe Annuel, Helianthi Annui Oleum, High Oleic Acid Sunflower Oil, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Huile de Graines de Tournesol, Huile de Tournesol, Marigold of Peru, Sunflower, Sunflower Oils, Sunflower Seed Oil
Actions: Antiallergy, Antiatherosclerotic, Anticoagulant and antiplatelet, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antihypertensive, Antilipemic, Antioxidant, Body composition, Dermatologic, Gastrointestinal function, Immune
Background
Sunflower oil is pressed from the seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus). It contains high amounts of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid.
Some sunflowers are grown to contain high amounts of oleic acid. Sunflower oil that comes from these plants is called high-oleic acid sunflower oil. It's used as a source of polyunsaturated fat in the diet.
People use sunflower oil for high cholesterol and preventing heart disease. It is also used for high blood pressure, eczema, dry mouth, dry skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Some sunflowers are grown to contain high amounts of oleic acid. Sunflower oil that comes from these plants is called high-oleic acid sunflower oil. It's used as a source of polyunsaturated fat in the diet.
People use sunflower oil for high cholesterol and preventing heart disease. It is also used for high blood pressure, eczema, dry mouth, dry skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Sunflower oil is commonly consumed in foods.
When used as a mouth rinse: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sunflower oil is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Sunflower oil is likely safe when used for up to 6 weeks.
Children: Sunflower oil is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to take by mouth in larger amounts as medicine. Sunflower oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin for up to 2 months.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Sunflower oil may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
Diabetes: A diet that is high in sunflower oil seems to increase fasting insulin and blood sugar levels. It also seems to increase after-meal blood fats. This might increase the chance of developing "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis) in people with type 2 diabetes.
When used as a mouth rinse: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sunflower oil is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Sunflower oil is likely safe when used for up to 6 weeks.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sunflower oil is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if sunflower oil is safe to use in amounts greater than those found in food when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.Children: Sunflower oil is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to take by mouth in larger amounts as medicine. Sunflower oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin for up to 2 months.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Sunflower oil may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
Diabetes: A diet that is high in sunflower oil seems to increase fasting insulin and blood sugar levels. It also seems to increase after-meal blood fats. This might increase the chance of developing "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis) in people with type 2 diabetes.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Heart disease. Using high-oleic acid sunflower oil instead of other dietary fats and oils higher in saturated fat might reduce the risk for heart disease. The US FDA allows high-oleic acid sunflower oil products to make this claim on their product labels.
- High cholesterol. Consuming sunflower oil in the diet might reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels in some people.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- High blood pressure. Taking sunflower oil by mouth doesn't seem to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Dosing & administration
Sunflower oil is commonly consumed in foods. When it's used as a substitute for other dietary oils, it's recommended that adults consume 1.5 tablespoons of high-oleic acid sunflower oil daily.
As medicine, sunflower oil has been taken by mouth in varying doses. It's also been applied to the skin and used as a mouth rinse. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
As medicine, sunflower oil has been taken by mouth in varying doses. It's also been applied to the skin and used as a mouth rinse. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Sunflower oil might increase blood sugar levels. Taking sunflower oil along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
View all productsPer bar:
- Sunflower oil
- Soy protein isolate
- Whey protein concentrate
- Calcium caseinate
- Maltitol
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa solids)
- Milk solids powder
- Soy lecithin
- Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E-476)
- Natural vanilla flavour
- Polydextrose
- Glycerol
- Sorbitol
- Natural flavours
- Retinyl palmitate
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Cholecalciferol
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Calcium hydrogen phosphate
- Ferrous fumarate
- Zinc bisglycinate (Zinc amino acid chelate)
- Chromium nicotinate
- Copper gluconate
- Manganese amino acid chelate
- Potassium iodide
- Biotin
- Tocopherols concentrate - mixed (Vitamin E)
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A)
- Acacia sp. (fibre)
- Stevia rebaubiana
Discontinued by Metagenics
Practitioner product
Per bar:
- Sunflower oil
- Soy protein isolate
- Whey protein concentrate
- Calcium caseinate
- Maltitol
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa solids)
- Milk solids powder
- Soy lecithin
- Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E-476)
- Natural vanilla flavour
- Polydextrose
- Glycerol
- Sorbitol
- Natural flavours
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Cholecalciferol
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Calcium hydrogen phosphate
- Ferrous fumarate
- Zinc bisglycinate (Zinc amino acid chelate)
- Chromium nicotinate
- Copper gluconate
- Manganese amino acid chelate
- Potassium iodide
- Biotin
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa powder)
- Tocopherols concentrate - mixed (Vitamin E)
- Acacia sp. (fibre)
- Stevia rebaubiana
Practitioner product
Per bar:
- Sunflower oil
- Soy protein isolate
- Calcium caseinate
- Maltitol
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa solids)
- Milk solids powder
- Soy lecithin
- Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E-476)
- Natural vanilla flavour
- Polydextrose
- Glycerol
- Sorbitol
- Natural flavours
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Cholecalciferol
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
- D-calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Ferrous fumarate
- Zinc bisglycinate (Zinc amino acid chelate)
- Chromium nicotinate
- Copper gluconate
- Manganese amino acid chelate
- Potassium iodide
- Biotin
- Tocopherols concentrate - mixed (Vitamin E)
- Acacia sp. (fibre)
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Whey protein concentrate
- Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate
Discontinued by Metagenics
Practitioner product
Per 30 g (Vanilla):
- Sunflower seed
- Golden pea protein (sprout) bio-fermented
- Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha Inchi protein)
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)
- Spinacia oleracea (Spinach)
- Sweet potato powder
- Cucurbita pepo (seed)
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) (Flaxseed)
- Millet
- Quinoa powder
- Chia (seed)
- Molasses (Cane juice)
- Ananas comosus (Bromelain)
- Acacia sp. (gum)
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Natural flavours
- Medicago sativa
- Pouteria lucuma (fruit) powder
RRP: $75.94$53.16Save: 30%
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RRP: $73.21$60.39Save: 18%
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Per 9 g:
- Sunflower seed extract
- Sunflower seed
- Chlorella pyrenoidosa powder
- Brassica oleracea var. acephala (leaf) powder (Kale)
- Inulin (Dietary fibre)
- Medicago sativa
- Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli)
- Spinacia oleracea (Spinach)
- Green banana
- Bacillus coagulans (GBI-30)
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)
- Laminaria digitara (Kelp)
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Vaccinium corymbosum
- Malpighia glabra
- Beta vulgaris
- Punica granatum juice dry
- Lycium chinese
- Golden pea protein (sprout) bio-fermented
- Apple pectin
- Rubus idaeus (berry)
- Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry)
- Hippophae rhamnoides
- Lycopersicon esculentum
- Arctic sea algae
- Sea salt
- Ananas comosus (Pineapple)
- Citrus limon (Lemon)
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) (Flaxseed)
- Malus (Apple)
- Lepidium meyenii
- Natural flavours
- Silybum marianum
- Equisetum arvense
- Centella asiatica
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (root)
- Althaea officinalis (root)
- Melissa officinalis
- Taraxacum officinale (leaf)
- Zingiber officinale (root)
- Withania somnifera
- Aloe barbadensis (leaf)
- Panax ginseng
- Pumpkin powder
- Sweet potato powder
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Grifola frondosa (mushroom)
- Lentinula edodes (mushroom)
- Myrciaria dubia (fruit) powder (Camu Camu)
- Protease
- Amylase enzyme
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
- Mesquite (pod) powder
- Thaumatin
- Prunus salicina (Queen Garnet plum)
- Chlorella pyrenoidosa powder
RRP: $134.95$112.00Save: 17%
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Per serve (Blueberry Wildflower):
- Hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides
- Bovine collagen peptides 3 g
- Citrus aurantiifolia (Lime)
- Beta vulgaris (root) powder (Beetroot)
- Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)
- Viola odorata
- Matcha butterfly pea blend flower
- Sambucus nigra
- Vaccinium corymbosum (fruit) powder
- Rubus idaeus
- Natural flavours
- Hippophae rhamnoides juice
- Bambusa breviflora (stem) ext. dry
- Psidium guajava (leaf) ext.
225 g Blueberry Wildflower
RRP: $49.50$41.09Save: 17%
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Per 5 g:
- Sunflower seed extract
- Pumpkin powder
- Green banana
- Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli)
- Spinacia oleracea (Spinach)
- Sweet potato powder
- Golden pea protein
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Daucus carota powder (Carrot) 1.2 g
- Malus (Apple)
- Mango (fruit)
- Pouteria lucuma (fruit) powder
- Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato)
- Brassica oleracea var. acephala (leaf) powder (Kale)
- Chlorella pyrenoidosa powder
- Grifola frondosa (fruiting body)
- Lentinula edodes (fruiting body)
- Medicago sativa
- Oryza sativa (Rice fibre)
RRP: $44.95$37.31Save: 17%
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Practitioner product
Per bar:
- Sunflower oil
- Pea protein concentrate
- L-glutamine
- Prebiotic fibre
- Vicia faba (Fava bean protein)
- Prunus dulcis (Almond)
- Phoenix dactylifera (Date)
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa mass)
- Coconut sugar
- Natural vanilla flavour
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Sugar
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa powder) 3 g
- Coconut flesh (dried)
- Prunus serotina (fruit) ext. (Black cherry)
- Oryza sativa (Brown rice malt syrup)
- Grape (dried) (Sultana)
- Coconut oil
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa solids)
- Natural cherry flavour
RRP: $59.40$53.46Save: 10%
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RRP: $36.60$30.20Save: 17%
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Per 30 g (Creamy Vanilla):
- Sunflower seed
- Pea protein isolate
- Vaccinium corymbosum powder
- Rubus idaeus powder
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
- Natural flavours
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) (Flaxseed)
- Plantago ovata (husk) (Psyllium)
- Quinoa powder
- Amaranth powder
- L-leucine
- L-isoleucine
- L-valine
- L-glutamine
- Levocarnitine (L-carnitine)
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Fagopyrum esculentum powder
1 kg Creamy Vanilla
RRP: $79.99$70.39Save: 12%
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Per bar:
- Sunflower oil
- Prebiotic fibre
- Vicia faba (Fava bean protein)
- Arachis hypogaea (Peanuts)
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Sugar
- Wheat flour
- Corn maltodextrin
- Glucose anhydrous
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Natural flavours
- Copernicia prunifera (leaf) wax (Carnauba wax)
- Theobroma cacao powder
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa mass)
- Coconut sugar
- Theobroma cacao (Cacao butter)
- Natural vanilla flavour
- Grape juice concentrate
- Coconut oil
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
- Wheat starch
- Fruit juice concentrate
- Natural colours
- Oryza sativa (Rice juice concentrate)
- Natural marshmallow flavour
- Prunus cerasus (fruit) dry
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Per 5 g:
- Sunflower seed
- Natural banana flavour
- Mango (fruit)
- Malus (Apple)
- Prunus persica (fruit) (Peach)
- Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry)
- Oryza sativa (Rice juice concentrate)
- Pea protein concentrate
- Pouteria lucuma (fruit) powder
- Green banana starch
- Oryza sativa (Rice fibre)
- Bambusa arundinacea (stem)
- Beta vulgaris
- Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli)
- Spinacia oleracea (Spinach)
- Brassica oleracea var. acephala (leaf) powder (Kale)
- Pumpkin powder
- Sweet potato powder
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Chlorella pyrenoidosa powder
- Grifola frondosa
- Lentinula edodes
RRP: $27.95$23.20Save: 17%
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Per 30 g:
- Sunflower seed extract
- Oryza sativa (Brown rice sprout, bio-fermented protein) 23.4 g
- Theobroma cacao 4.2 g
- Natural flavours
- Acacia sp. (gum)
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Magnesium
- Protease
- Amylase enzyme
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
- Thaumatin
- Golden pea protein (sprout) bio-fermented
RRP: $49.95$41.46Save: 17%
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Per 30 g:
- Sunflower seed extract
- Oryza sativa (Brown rice sprout, bio-fermented protein) 24.9 g
- Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla bean) 0.06 g
- Oryza sativa milk powder (Brown rice)
- Natural flavours
- Acacia sp. (gum)
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum)
- Magnesium
- Protease
- Amylase enzyme
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
- Thaumatin
RRP: $49.95$41.46Save: 17%
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Per 11 g:
- Sunflower seed extract
- Golden pea protein (sprout) bio-fermented
- Medicago sativa
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)
- Brassica oleracea var. acephala (leaf) powder (Kale)
- Chlorella vulgaris
- Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Spinacia oleracea
- Laminaria digitara (Kelp)
- Vaccinium corymbosum
- Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry)
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Rubus idaeus
- Punica granatum
- Beta vulgaris
- Lycium barbarum
- Malpighia glabra
- Hippophae rhamnoides
- Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato)
- Natural flavours
- Inulin (Dietary fibre)
- Apple pectin
- Green banana starch
- Bacillus coagulans (GBI-30)
- Arctic sea algae
- Sea salt
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) (Flaxseed)
- Citrus limon (Lemon)
- Ananas comosus (Pineapple)
- Malus (Apple)
- Lepidium meyenii
- Silybum marianum
- Centella asiatica
- Glycyrrhiza spp. (root)
- Althaea officinalis (root)
- Melissa officinalis
- Taraxacum officinale (leaf)
- Zingiber officinale (root)
- Aloe barbadensis (leaf)
- Panax ginseng
- Pumpkin powder
- Sweet potato powder
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Grifola frondosa
- Lentinula edodes
- Myrciaria dubia (fruit) powder (Camu Camu)
- Protease
- Amylase enzyme
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
- Mesquite (pod) powder
- Thaumatin
RRP: $74.95$62.22Save: 17%
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