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Sunflower Oil: Health, Application and Effect

You probably know sunflower oil primarily as a cheap and versatile cooking oil. But what is it doing in cosmetics? And is it even healthy?

Sunflower oil is one of the most popular cooking oils worldwide. You can buy the oil obtained from the kernels of sunflowers in the virgin or refined variety.

Virgin sunflower oil is cold-pressed and is not processed further after pressing. It is light yellow and tastes nutty. Refined sunflower oil, on the other hand, is cleaned of coloring and bitter substances after it has been extracted. Because of this, it tastes more neutral and has a paler color. Sunflower oil is best preserved when it is cold-pressed and left untreated. You can find out exactly which ingredients are involved in the next section.

The ingredients of sunflower oil and their effects

Sunflower oil mainly consists of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The most important of these are the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and the monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid. How much of these two fatty acids the sunflower oil contains depends on whether it is “normal” or “high oleic”, i.e. sunflower oil rich in oleic acid. The latter is made from a special variety of sunflowers, the seeds of which contain a particularly large amount of oleic acid.

Here is an overview of the most important ingredients:
Linoleic acid: Sunflower oil contains about 48 to 74 percent of this omega-6 fatty acid (high oleic: two to 17 percent). Linoleic acid is one of the essential fatty acids that our body cannot produce itself. Among other things, it needs them to produce other fatty acids and for healthy skin. However, you should not consume too much of this fatty acid, since omega-6 fatty acids inhibit the function of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. A good omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is between five to one and two to one, according to a 2008 study. Unfortunately, sunflower oil hardly contains any omega-3 fatty acids. You get these from rapeseed and linseed oil, walnuts and fatty sea fish.
Oleic acid: Sunflower oil contains between 14 and 39 percent of this monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid – with high oleic sunflower oil the proportion is logically higher: up to 92 percent can be achieved. According to a study, oleic acid reduces insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Another study concluded that oleic acid boosts the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Vitamin E: This is where sunflower oil can score: With around 40 to 70 milligrams per hundred grams, it contains significantly more vitamin E than, for example, rapeseed or olive oil. Vitamin E is one of the antioxidants that protect our cells from the harmful attacks of so-called free radicals. In addition, our body needs vitamin E for fat metabolism and healthy skin.

How to use sunflower oil in the kitchen

Depending on the variety, you can use sunflower oil in different ways in the kitchen:
You can use cold-pressed, virgin sunflower oil for dressings or dips that go well with the nutty taste. On the other hand, you should not heat it up – unless it is high oleic sunflower oil. This is very good for frying.
Refined sunflower oil can also be heated to high temperatures, although the frying properties of olive and rapeseed oil are better. Since refined sunflower oil tastes neutral, it goes well with most dishes. According to Stiftung Warentest, however, refined sunflower oils can contain unhealthy trans fats.

Away from the kitchen: This is how you can still use sunflower oil

Since sunflower oil contains a lot of linoleic acid and vitamin E, it has a positive effect on the skin. According to a study, for example, it helps with wound healing, has an antibacterial effect and helps the skin to regenerate.

Because of these beneficial properties, you can find sunflower oil in many skin care products – but you can also simply use virgin sunflower oil to rub into your skin. This saves you money and packaging and you know exactly which substances are getting on your skin. Sunflower oil can have similar positive effects on your hair if you use it as a hair treatment. Such an oil treatment also helps against a dry scalp.

Because of its mild taste, you can also use sunflower oil for oil pulling.

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Oil Pulling for Teeth and Health

Oil pulling and its beneficial effects on dental and oral health. What is it and how does it work? We have all the important facts about the oil pulling effect and possible areas of application.

Drawing with oil originally comes from Ayurvedic teachings and is firmly anchored in a healthy daily routine. It is said to have a positive effect on dental health and detoxify the body. Consequently, it is said to alleviate many health ailments.

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is a traditional form of detoxification from Ayurveda. Oil pulling has been used here for thousands of years. And is considered an important part of holistic healing treatment. In addition, this oil cure is firmly anchored in the recommended and healthy daily routine of Indian medicine. Consequently, after getting up, two to three glasses of warm water are drunk and meditated. This is followed by brushing your teeth and pulling with the oil. Also, note our tips on deacidifying the body.

The positive effects of oil pulling

Oil pulling has a positive effect on dental and oral health. Because the application has a caring and antimicrobial effect. Consequently, bad bacteria in the mouth should be fought and ensure healthy teeth. It is also said to help the body with detoxification. And as a result, other health complaints and diseases, such as migraines or heart problems, are also alleviated. However, the spirits also differ here. While many see the positive effects on dental health and other diseases as proven, others lack the scientific evidence.

Which oil can I use?

Oil pulling, but which oil? Lime-pressed sesame oil or sunflower oil is suitable for Ayurvedic use. You can also use virgin coconut oil. Because these were used for most of the studies and showed an antibacterial effect. Anti-inflammatory properties have also been demonstrated in sesame and coconut oil. You should always make sure that the oils are organic. Other oils also show antibacterial effects and could be used for oil treatment.

What does the oil cure help?

As already mentioned, the oil treatment has a positive effect on dental and oral health. In addition, Ayurvedic teachings assume that it can also heal other health problems. In the following, we have collected the most important areas of application against which oil pulling can help. In addition, note our other tips for proper oral hygiene.

1) Oil pulling reduces plaque

Daily oil pulling shows a reduction in dental plaque. Since plaque can damage teeth and cause tartar or periodontal disease, you should remove plaque effectively. An effective home remedy for the plaque is pulling with oil. Therefore, you should incorporate this into your dental care routine.

2) To prevent tooth decay

A 2008 study shows that oil pulling can reduce tooth decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. Thus, the application is a good way to prevent tooth decay. You should also brush your teeth properly and take the time for adequate dental care. Consequently, you can get healthy and white teeth.

3) Oil pulling ensures healthy gums

If you have problems with bleeding gums and bad gums, the oil pulling application may be just what you need. Here, too, a study shows the improvement in gum health through oil pulling. For the application to work, you should draw the oil in your mouth for at least 20 minutes. Also, note our other home remedies for gingivitis for quick relief of the pain.

4) As a home remedy for bad breath

Bad breath is an extremely unpleasant thing. If you suffer from bad breath, pulling oil every day can help you get rid of bad breath effectively. Because removing the coating on the tongue eliminates bad smells. And the antibacterial effect of the oil pulling application also has a positive effect on the oral flora. You can get rid of the bad bacteria that are responsible for bad breath.

5) Oil pulling for mouth sores

There is also a reduction in inflammation in the mouth. You should take advantage of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil in particular. Consequently, you can quickly get rid of the pain in the mouth. And with daily use, you can also prevent sores in the mouth. Also, read our useful home remedies for mouth sores.

6) Get rid of dry mouth with oil pulling

Dry mouth leads to swallowing difficulties and dry mucous membranes. And that can be very uncomfortable. Therefore, suitable remedies against dry mouth are needed. Oil pulling for teeth has also been proven effective for a dry mouth. Consequently, you can counteract a dry mouth by infusing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes.

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Free Preventive Health Check

Preventive health checks are essential for health. Therefore, a free health check makes sense at any age. As a rule, the costs for certain check-ups are paid by the health insurance company. From when and how often you are entitled, you can find out here.

Free health check as a precaution

As a rule, insured persons over the age of 35 are entitled to an extensive health check every three years. If your health is important to you, you should always see a doctor for the prevention or early detection of serious illnesses. At least this free health check. If there are any symptoms, you should of course seek medical advice from time to time.

Health insurance pays for at least one health check between the ages of 18 and 34. A possible risk profile is determined and the body and blood of the person being treated are examined. Here you should find out about individual offers from your health insurance company. If necessary, you can also change your health insurance company.

1) The sooner the better

The earlier you and your medical staff recognize an illness, the better the chances of recovery. Consequently, symptoms can be better classified with a regular comprehensive examination. Because behind symptoms, such as headaches or circulatory problems, there can also be serious problems. In order for the treatment to be successful, the medical staff must first clarify the causes. Seniors in particular save money with regular free health checks.

2) Coverage of costs for the health check

Contact them so that you can be sure which examinations your health insurance will cover. You can also find important information about health care on the Internet. As a rule, the health insurance companies cover the costs of the check-up every three years from the age of 35. However, there are also special examinations that can be carried out more often.

Here, too, the offers can differ from health insurance company to health insurance company. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date. Many cash registers now offer helpful apps for this purpose. This allows you to see which examinations are pending and to arrange a doctor’s appointment. In addition, note which costs for childcare are covered by health insurance and which care in the home environment is subsidized.

3) Health check as a health test

The procedure for a preventive health check is the same for all doctors. The test focuses mainly on determining whether the so-called “common diseases” such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiovascular problems can be identified. This major health check should definitely be done as often as possible.

This is how you can prevent serious illnesses and stay healthy and fit in everyday life. In addition, possible risk factors such as obesity are determined. As a result, you can address these factors. And even if you don’t pay for an annual check, you should consider whether it’s not worth the money. Investing in your own health is probably the best thing to do.

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