Black sunflower is too different from other types of sunflowers in terms of seeds and oil content. (1)

Some sunflower plants have black flowers but they are usually used for their breathtaking colors only.

Since this blog is all about food, we will be focusing on black sunflower seeds and black sunflower oil content.

In this article, we gathered all of the information you need to learn about black sunflower oil including its benefits, uses, and different types.

In addition, the second part is focusing on the origin of black sunflower seeds, the different uses, their benefits, and the difference between striped and black sunflower seeds.

Finally, we finish up with tips on how to buy and store sunflower seeds and oil alongside the possible side effects someone may get from consuming black sunflower seeds or oil.

Black sunflower oil:

What is black sunflower oil?

After harvesting sunflower seeds in September, they can be purified then cold-pressed to obtain the oil.

There are two types of black sunflower oil and they have very different nutritional compositions:

• Linoleic sunflower oil (organic): contains more omega-6 than omega-9. (2)
• Oleic sunflower oil (refined and suitable for cooking): contains more omega-9 than omega-6. (3)

Nonetheless, these two types of oil do have similarities in some of the nutrients including:

• Vitamin K.
• Vitamin E.
• Stearic acid.
• Palmitic acid.

Organic vs Refined black sunflower oil:

Also called bio sunflower oil, the producer follows specific harvesting and transformation processes to make organic sunflower oil.

Therefore, the seeds do not undergo any chemical treatments and were just purified and cold-pressed with no additives.

Consequently, organic sunflower oil offers more benefits than non-organic products. (4)

Since it is not exposed to heat during the extraction process, it is still rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.

In addition, the taste of bio sunflower oil is not very different from the edible seeds since no additives are involved.

On the other hand, refined sunflower oil is more resistant to heat since its composition changes during the extraction process.

In fact, we can even cook with refined sunflower oil as long as the temperature doesn’t exceed 450°F (230°C). (5)

Black sunflower oil benefits:

For a starter, it is the richest vegetable oil in vitamin E compared to olive, soybean, coconut, corn, and canola oils.

Benefits of linoleic black sunflower oil:

A lot of skin benefits:

Thanks to the linoleic acid content in sunflower oil, it maintains good moisture of the skin and prevents its dryness.

Also, it provides good protection against external damages from UV radiation and pollution exposure.

By ensuring the hydration of the skin, sunflower oil preserves skin flexibility and enhances its smoothness.

Linoleic black sunflower oil is present in many cosmetic products as it also contains vitamin E.

Thus, the combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids makes sunflower oil a great nurturing treatment for the skin.

To sum up, linoleic black sunflower oil may: (6)

• Protects from UV radiation.
• Retains moisture and preserves hydration.
• Helps fight acne by regenerating skin cells.
• Postpone aging signs (wrinkles, stretch marks…).
• Suitable for sensitive skin as well.
• Reduce skin inflammation.

Good for the hair:

Thanks to the rich composition of black sunflower oil, it is perfect for the hair.

By using this oil for a hair mask overnight or rehydration after a shower it will: (7)

• Increase the hair flexibility and makes it less vulnerable to breakage.
• Maintain good hydration for the scalp and a natural shyness of the hair.
• Prevent the formation of dandruff.

Benefits of oleic black sunflower oil:

Among the many benefits of the commonly known as “sunflower vegetable oil” it helps: (8)

• Improve cognitive functions.
• Normalize the gastrointestinal tract function.
• Improve cardiovascular health.
• Fight free radicals.
• Lowers bad cholesterol levels.
• Maintain a healthy urinary system.
• Prevent premature aging thanks to its vitamin E content.

Consuming black sunflower oil:

Black sunflower oil is one of the main ingredients of most kitchen and many cosmetic products as well.

Black sunflower oil for cooking:

In fact, it is the main ingredient of mayonnaise or homemade dressing for several salad recipes.

This is because black sunflower oil has a neutral taste which doesn’t ruin the flavor of the other ingredients.

Many people use this oil for frying in the same way we use other vegetable oils such as corn or olive oils.

It is by far the best vegetable oil to make French fries as it is heat resistant however, you should renew it after each use. (9)

Black sunflower oil in cosmetics:

Skin remedy:

Linoleic black sunflower oil is rich in omega 6 and can penetrate the skin without making it greasy.

AS it contains also vitamin E and other antioxidants, this oil nourishes the skin and hydrates it well.

For a healthier skin, you can mix 2 tbsp of sunflower oil with 3 tbsp of avocado oil and use it to hydrate your body after a shower.

Natural tanning remedy:

We are all students of nature, we always learn from its endless laws and virtues.

This plant has a strong link to the sun as the flowers look like a sun and the leaves follow the sun.

Not only that, but the oil extracted from these plants offers a great natural tanning remedy.

All you need is to apply sunflower oil on your skin as sunscreen while sunbathing.

Since this oil offers great protection against UV radiation, it will ensure your skin is tanned while protecting it.

A massage oil:

Linoleic sunflower oil is rich in fatty acids and can easily penetrate and nourish the skin.

Thus, it is a great natural oil to use as a basic oil in your homemade massage lotion.

To do that, just mix 3 tbsp of linoleic sunflower oil with 3 tbsp of coconut oil or any other plant oil for fragrance.

Mix the oils together and use them to massage your body to refresh it and get rid of muscle pain.

Black sunflower seeds:

History of black sunflower seeds:

The first cultivations of sunflower plants were in America as the Andeans used to plant sunflowers. (10)

Later in the 16^th century, Spanish explorers brought the plant back to Europe where it spread from West to East.

A few decades after, Russians developed sunflower plants and managed to yield 50% more oil per plant. (11)

Nowadays, sunflower plants are planted almost everywhere with the biggest producers being Argentina, Russia, Ukraine and China. (12)

Black sunflower seeds vs striped sunflower seeds:

Striped sunflower seeds tend to have a larger shell that is harder because they have thicker walls.

Because of that, black sunflower seeds are more suitable for birds as they have thinner shells easy for the bird to peel off. (13)

The black version of these seeds comes usually with thicker meat and a higher fat content than striped ones.

Striped sunflower seeds are the ancestors of the black ones which have only been developed during the past century.

In fact, it was during the 20^th century and under Stalin’s rule when Russia developed black sunflower seeds.

The purpose was to create seeds that are capable of generating up to 50% more oil than striped seeds.

Benefits of black sunflower seeds:

Thanks to their rich nutritional content, black sunflower seeds have many health benefits including:

A good source of proteins:

Just a serving of 1 oz (28g or a handful) of black sunflower seeds offers up to 4.88g of proteins up to 12% of the daily need. (14)

Proteins are among the most essential nutrients our bodies need to maintain muscle mass and produce energy.

Consuming black sunflower seeds as a snack in between meals helps ensure that we reached the daily recommendations.

Protects against oxidative stress:

Black sunflower seeds are a great source of antioxidants which can really help against cell aging and stress.

By containing a lot of vitamin E (up to 37% of the daily need in a handful, 1oz, 28g), sunflower seeds can fight symptoms of oxidative stress such as: (15)

• Memory loss.
• Fatigue.
• Headaches.
• Joint pain.
• Gray hair.

Boosts energy:

These seeds are also a great source of B vitamins as it contains B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9.

Vitamins from the B group are essential for the production of energy and enhancing mood.

In fact, these vitamins are responsible for many body functions including: (16)

• Converting food into energy.
• Maintains cells’ health.
• Production of red blood cells.
• Good eyesight.
• Neuro-transmission.

Other benefits of black sunflower seeds:

Since, black sunflower seeds are rich in many minerals, vitamins, antioxidants …

There are plenty of health benefits we can get from just eating 1oz (28g) of black sunflower seeds, here is a few of them: (17)

• Regulates blood pressure.
• Smoothens digestion.
• Lowers bad cholesterol.
• Strengthens the bones.
• Regulates digestion.
• Reduces muscle contractions.
• Sooth the skin.

Consuming black sunflower seeds:

The best thing about sunflower seeds is that it offers much variety of ways to use them.

Many people enjoy hanging out while peeling sunflower seeds to get to the nutty delicious kernels.

However, you can literally include sunflower seeds almost everywhere, here are a few examples:

• In a fruit salad.
• Sprinkled on a meat dish.
• With cooked vegetables.
• In a smoothie before or after blending.
• On top of bread, muffin, or bagels.
• With omelets.

Also, sunflower seeds combine well with both savory and sweet dishes.

Nonetheless, you should also know that it is better to consume these seeds raw and avoid getting the roasted ones.

This is because extreme heat exposure may reduce the nutritional value of sunflower seeds. (18)

In fact, fatty acids and a few other vitamins are not cooking resistant and may get lost.

Because of that, you should add raw sunflower seeds to your dishes at the end of preparation.

Sunflower side effects (seeds or oil):

Like everything else, despite the many health benefits of black sunflower it still has some side effects.

The first thing is the high-calorie intake which can be tricking since just 1 tbsp contain about 50 calories.

Another harmful component in sunflower is cadmium, a heavy metal that can damage the lungs, kidneys, and bone diseases.

Same as striped sunflower seeds, we can’t digest the kernel of black seeds, and eating too many can cause: (19)

• Intestines clogging.
• Abdominal pain.
• Vomiting.
• Bowel obstruction removal (surgery).

Certain people may have allergic problems when they consume sunflower seeds and have symptoms such as: (20)

• Breathing difficulties.
• Hives.
• Skin rash.
• Anaphylaxis reaction that requires hospitalization.

If you are new to sunflower seeds you can start by trying a few seeds as a starter and if anything happens you’re good to go.

As for black sunflower oil, it has more omega-6 than omega-3  which could lead to many health issues. (21)

This is why specialists recommend consuming black sunflower oil in combination with other oils rich in omega3 such as flaxseed or walnut oil. (22)

Black sunflower oil is probably more suitable for cosmetic uses and its consumption should be very limited.

Buying sunflower seeds or oils:

In the market, you can find a whole range of different sunflower oils that vary in price and quality.

Depending on your use, choose which sunflower oil you want to buy, for example:

• The kitchen uses: you will need to buy oleic black sunflower oil since it is heat resistant. (23)
• Cosmetic uses: you need to look for linoleic black sunflower oils which are usually labeled as “organic” or “cold-pressed”.

As for the seeds, you should avoid the ones that are presented in open air shelf as they most likely taste bitter and can even be rancid. (24)

Look for the seeds that are well stored in glass jars away from humidity or you can even try a seed and see if the husk cracks easily or not.

If the shell is easily cracked, that is a good sign of good storing conditions and you should choose those sunflower seeds.

Storing  sunflower (seeds and oil):

Storing  sunflower seeds:

Generally, any dry seeds need to be away from humidity and light and this applies to sunflower, pumpkin seeds…

To store sunflower seeds you can place them in a glass jar and in the fridge or in the kitchen pantry.

Do not store these seeds in a plastic bag or paper bag as that doesn’t protect them from humidity or light.

Storing  sunflower oil:

As for sunflower oil, the optimal storing conditions are similar to the seeds.

Following that same logic, you can store the oil in a dark glass jar preferably black.

Also, the oil is sensitive to heat so it would be better to keep the oil jar away from heat sources (oven, sun…).

 

 

 

 

References:

(1): Information About Black Oil Sunflower Seeds And Black Seed Sunflower Plants (gardeningknowhow.com)
(2): Linoleic Sunflower Oil (sunflowernsa.com)
(3): High Oleic Sunflower Oil (sunflowernsa.com)
(4): Sunflower Oil: When it’s Healthy, When it’s Not | Healthy Home Economist (thehealthyhomeeconomist.com)
(5): What Is Sunflower Oil? A Guide to Cooking With Sunflower Oil – 2022 – MasterClass
(6): Sunflower Oil: The Ingredient with Serious Skin Benefits (kiehls.com)
(7): Sunflower Oil for Hair Growth: Benefits & Effectiveness | hims (forhims.com)
(8): High Oleic Sunflower Oil: Long Name, Great Benefits (fitjoyfoods.com)
(9): Which Oils Should You Actually Use to Fry With? | Tefal Blog | Food & Cooking
(10): History Of The Sunflower | Nuseed Europe
(11): How The Russians Saved America’s Sunflower : The Salt : NPR
(12): 10 World’s Biggest Sunflower Seed Producers – The Science Agriculture
(13): How to Choose Sunflower Seeds for Birds – Birds and Blooms
(14): FoodData Central (usda.gov)
(15): Sunflower Seeds: Nutrition, Health Benefits and How to Eat Them (healthline.com)
(16): Types of B vitamins: Functions, sources, and deficiencies (medicalnewstoday.com)
(17): 13 Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds You Should Know! – PharmEasy Blog
(18): Effects of roasting on ruminal nutrient degradability of sunflower seed – Sarrazin – 2003 – Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture – Wiley Online Library
(19): Sunflower Seeds: The Downside of This Plant Food You Don’t Know (news18.com)
(20): Half of patients with sunflower seed allergy experience anaphylaxis (healio.com)
(21): Dangers of an Omega-6 to Omega-3 Imbalance – Life Extension
(22): The influence of adding of flaxseed oil to sunflower oil on the content of tocopherols and carotenoids in blended edible oils (fao.org)
(23): Best Sunflower Oil for Cooking – Cully’s Kitchen (cullyskitchen.com)
(24): Do Sunflower Seeds Go Bad? – Does It Go Bad?