Sunflower oil, which was 80% produced by Ukraine and Russia, was subject to global shortages that have forced chip and crisp companies to change their recipes.
It is well-known for its high smoke point, which is what makes it so ideal for frying.
This got Proactive thinking…
What other lesser-known uses does sunflower oil have?
Fertiliser
Crushed seeds are left behind after sunflower oil is extracted, which is often called a seed meal.
It is rich in protein and dietary fibre, which makes it perfect as animal feed or fertiliser for crops.
Health reasons
Sunflower oil can be used to treat constipation and to reduce “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, according to eMedicineHealth.
Much research revealed that incorporating sunflower oil into the diet lowers total cholesterol as well as LDL.
Although palm oil and flaxseed oil may be more effective at decreasing cholesterol, it added.
Skincare
Sunflower oil can also be used in cosmetics such as lip balms and skin creams, Sun Impex said, to heal wounds, skin injuries, psoriasis and arthritis.
This is because it is rich in Vitamin E, so it helps regenerate cells at a quicker rate, improves skin health and provides a natural glow in the skin, eMedicineHealth added.
It is also often used as a massage oil.
Diesel
With soaring fuel prices due to the increased cost of wholesale gas and oil, sunflower oil would have been one of the alternatives to run diesel engines and alleviate the price pressures.
Why have oil and gas prices been surging over the last two years?
When sunflower oil is mixed with diesel in the tank, it could be used to fuel a diesel car.
However, this was clearly not possible due to the shortages amid Russia’s invasion of its neighbour.
Others
Unrefined sunflower oil is also a traditional salad dressing in Eastern Europe.
It is also an ingredient in sunflower butter.
“Sunflower seeds also include an abundance of oleic and linoleic acid, which are crucial to… help boost cognition, brain function, memory, promote healthy skin, hair, and nails, and even amplify the immune system to fight off invaders and diseases from the body,” Outstanding Foods said.