In a research done by Dr. Martha Belury, 55 obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes were studied. These women were on antidiabetic, high blood pressure and cholesterol lowering drugs. They were advised not to change their diet and exercise patterns while taking safflower oil. Though, they didn’t lose overall body fat but considerable amount of belly fat, i.e. an average of 6.3%. It also increased lean muscle mass by an average of 1.4 pounds and 3 pounds. And further, it reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 11 and 19 points.
Safflower Oil is extracted from the seeds of Carthamus tinctoria, rich in linoleic acid or Omega 6 which is a polyunsaturated fat. Safflower Oil is a promising new tool against obesity and type 2 diabetes, and also discovered as a belly fat reducing agent.
It is believed that it originated in Afghanistan, the Nile Valley or Ethiopia from where it spread throughout the Mediterranean region and was carried to the New World by the Spaniards. Later it was also brought to China and now, it is commercially grown in California and Southern Australia.
Nutritional Content of Safflower Oil Per Teaspoon
- Calories: 80
- Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Linoleic Acid: 7 grams or Omega-6 : 7 grams (76%)
- Monounsaturated Fatty Acid: 1 gram (14%)
- Saturated Fatty Acid: 1 gram (10%)