Sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower seed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of Helianthus annuus, a plant native to North America that is now cultivated worldwide. It is typically obtained through cold pressing or refining, depending on its intended use. The oil is notable for its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 that the body cannot synthesise on its own. Linoleic acid contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels and plays a role in the proper functioning of cell membranes. Sunflower seed oil also provides vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. In the context of supplementation, sunflower seed oil is frequently used as an excipient or lipid carrier for fat-soluble active ingredients, facilitating their intestinal absorption. It is therefore a common base in soft-capsule dietary supplement formulations.