DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUNFLOWER OIL
There are four types of sunflower oil, all of which are made from sunflower seeds that are bred to produce different fatty acid compositions.
These include high linoleic (68% linoleic acid), mid-oleic (NuSun, 65% oleic acid), high oleic (82% oleic acid), and high stearic/high oleic (Nutrisun, 72% oleic acid, 18% stearic acid) (1).
As their names suggest, some sunflower oils are higher in either linoleic or oleic acid.
Linoleic acid, commonly known as omega-6, is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that has two double bonds in its carbon chain. Meanwhile, oleic acid, or omega-9, is a monounsaturated fatty acid with one double bond. These properties make them liquid at room temperature.
Linoleic and oleic acid are both sources of energy for the body and contribute to cell and tissue strength.
However, they react in different ways to heat during cooking and therefore may have varying effects on your health.
High stearic/high oleic sunflower oil (Nutrisun) also contains stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid that’s solid at room temperature and has different culinary applications.
This type of sunflower oil is not meant for home cooking and instead may be used in packaged foods, ice creams, chocolate, and industrial frying.
NUTRITION FACTS FOR DIFFERENT SUNFLOWER OILS
All sunflower oils are 100% fat and contain vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient that protects cells from age-related damage.
Sunflower oils do not contain protein, carbs, cholesterol, or sodium.