Safflower Seed
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a plant that grows throughout the world. Its seed oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, which might help reduce the risk of heart disease. Safflower also contains chemicals that might help prevent blood clots, widen blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and stimulate the heart. People use safflower oil for high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Safflower oil can be used to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking safflower oil for 16 weeks can reduce belly fat in obese women with diabetes.
The recommended dosage of Safflower oil is 6-8 grams per day, taken in divided doses. While Safflower oil is generally considered safe when used in cooking, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. High doses of safflower should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is likely unsafe to take Safflower oil during pregnancy, as it can bring on menstrual periods, make the uterus contract, and cause miscarriages.
Sources:
- https://www.drugs.com/npc/safflower.html
- https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/safflower-oil/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-96/safflower
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/safflower.html
- https://www.rxlist.com/safflower/supplements.htm
- https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-safflower-oil-and-its-side-effects
