Safflower oil, high oleic

Definition

High oleic safflower oil is a neutral-tasting oil high in the monounsaturated oleic fatty acid. It is among the most stable unsaturated oil at high temperatures.

Health considerations

High oleic safflower oil typically contains around 77% oleic acid, 15% linoleic acid, as well as 5% palmitic, 2% stearic, and 1% of other fatty acids. In rats fed a high fat diet, use of high oleic safflower oil rather than high linoleic safflower oil, led to fewer cancerous growths in the colon. Compared to a butter-rich diet, rats with a high oleic safflower oil diet showed reduced fat mass. See: Oleic acid, Monounsaturated fats.

Keep in mind

Refined high oleic safflower oil, though having a higher smoke point which is useful for high heat cooking, has fewer plant sterols, tocopherols, and may contain trans fats as a result of processing.

May be found in

Vegetable oil, breads, baked goods, tortillas, salad dressings, nutritional supplements

References

Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society
Oilseeds International Ltd.
Cancer
The Journal of Nutrition
European Food Research and Technology

Alternative Spellings and Names

Safflowerseed oil, high oleic acid; carthamus oil, high oleic acid; kurdee oil, high oleic acid