The numerous advantages of using sunflower seed oil include culinary uses, cosmetic use, and aroma therapy. Great for mommy and baby, because it is so safe to use – all natural!

The Benefits of Using Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is made by pressing the seeds of the sunflower, resulting in a non-volatile oil with the results used in either medicines, cosmetics or cooking. One of the first crops grown in America, it was through Peter The Great, Czar of Russia, who separated the cultivation of the seed for oil production and consumption, that we learned of the health benefits when the sunflower made a comeback in 1830.  Today's sunflower helps with healthy skin, hair and eyes through oils for cooking, seeds for snacking or lotions and cosmetics.

Sunflower Seed Oil and Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings the over-all health of you and your child to the front of your mind, seeking healthy food and snack choices to insure that all goes well. Sunflower seed oil is a popular, nourishing product that is readily absorbed, and contains fatty acids, vitamins B-1 & B-2, and vitamin E. This affects your cardiovascular system, nervous system, and muscle functions. It is also rich in magnesium, which affects both mother and child's metabolism. Then there is the unmentionable aspect of pregnancy (constipation!), and in that regard a little sunflower seed oil is mother's little helper.

Culinary Uses

Cooking with sunflower seed oil is especially helpful in the prevention of heart disease. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat provides energy and reduces the chance of cardiovascular disease. Being rich in vitamin E, an anti-oxidant, it helps prevent asthma and colon cancer. Another big concern to pregnancy is leg cramps! The magnesium content in the oil is a big deterrent to this problem.  Eating healthy will be greatly enhanced with the proteins, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, and omega-6 fatty acids contained in sunflower seed oil.

Baby Skin Care

Skin care is another essential role in pregnancy and afterwards, with the new arrival! It is not recommended to use any oils during the first trimester and always consult with your doctor on what oils he recommends. When it comes to your baby's skin, you want to use an oil that is high in linoleic acid.  Since the oleic or linoleic content is not usually listed on the label of certain products, you want only the best and the safest massage oil products for your baby. Sunflower seed oil is high in linoleic acid which, in effect, means it is a fatty acid and it protects the barrier element of the skin – perfect for your little bundle of joy!

Sunflower seed oils have been shown to be especially useful in protecting the skin of premature infants, as well. Baby massage lotions that contain sunflower seed oil is perfect for baby, as these products provide the delicate balance baby needs. All you have left to do is sit back, relax, grab a small amount of oil and a cuddly baby, and enjoy each other’s company.