High oleic sunflower seed oil (Helianthus annuus – family Asteraceae)

Description

High-oleic sunflower seed oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), a plant belonging to the botanical family Asteraceae, selected for a very high oleic acid content. Unlike conventional sunflower oil, this oil is produced from specific high-oleic cultivars developed through traditional plant breeding (non-GMO), which results in a markedly different fatty acid profile.
The oil is clear, light yellow in colour, with a neutral odour and flavour, characteristics that make it suitable for a wide range of food and industrial applications. Its high oxidative stability is one of its most distinctive features. 

Classification

Botanical origin and raw material
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual herbaceous species originally from the Americas and now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide. High-oleic sunflower varieties are characterised by lipid metabolism favouring oleic acid over linoleic acid accumulation in the seed.
Cultivation generally requires:

• high solar exposure,

• temperate to warm climates,

• well-drained soils,

• agronomic practices aimed at preserving seed quality and lipid composition.

Raw material and product characteristics

Indicative average nutritional values per 100 g

Average indicative values referring to high oleic sunflower seed oil. Natural variability may occur depending on cultivar and degree of refining.

Lipid composition and nutritional characteristics
The defining feature of high-oleic sunflower oil is its fatty acid profile, typically characterised by:

• oleic acid (MUFA): approximately 75–90%,

• saturated fatty acids: relatively low proportion,

• linoleic acid (PUFA): markedly lower than in conventional sunflower oil.

This composition provides:

• excellent oxidative stability,

• greater resistance to high temperatures,

• a nutritional profile that, in some respects, is comparable to that of refined olive oil.

From an energy standpoint, the oil supplies about 884 kcal per 100 g, as is typical for vegetable oils. It contains no proteins, carbohydrates or fibre and provides vitamin E (tocopherols) in variable amounts, contributing to its antioxidant capacity.

Technological properties
Thanks to its high oleic acid content, high-oleic sunflower oil shows:

• a high smoke point,

• reduced formation of oxidation products during heating,

• good storage stability,

• favourable behaviour in continuous industrial processing.

These properties make it particularly suitable for deep-frying, high-temperature cooking and applications requiring long oil life.

Food uses
In the food sector, high-oleic sunflower oil is used for:

• domestic and professional frying,

• baked goods and snack production,

• formulation of margarines and structured vegetable fats,

• neutral-tasting dressings,

• industrial food applications where stability and sensory neutrality are required.

It is often chosen as an alternative to other vegetable oils when a reduced intake of oxidation-prone polyunsaturated fats is desired.

Note on nutritional use of the bioactive compounds present

High oleic sunflower seed oil provides large amounts of oleic acid, which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels when replacing saturated fats. The presence of vitamin E supports cellular protection against oxidative stress. Thanks to its thermal stability, this oil is suitable for both raw use and cooking, allowing efficient management of dietary fat intake.

Non-food applications
High-oleic sunflower oil is also used in:

• cosmetics, as an emollient and carrier in creams, lotions and skin oils;

• technical and industrial applications, including biodegradable lubricants, inks, resins and bio-based products;

• formulations requiring renewable, plant-derived and stable raw materials.

Quality assessment and commercial requirements
Key quality parameters include:

• fatty acid profile, with a declared minimum oleic acid content;

• free fatty acid level, indicating correct processing and storage;

• peroxide value, reflecting oxidative status;

• colour, odour and clarity, free from sensory defects;

• absence of chemical contaminants and compliance with regulatory limits.

Optimal storage requires protection from light, heat and oxygen to preserve nutritional and technological properties over time.

Studies

In this study a review of the advancements in the development of sunflower oil varieties containing high stearic (∼18%) and high oleic (∼70%) acids which makes them healthy and sustainable alternatives to palm oil.(1) The results of the present study provide further evidence that sunflower-oil-enriched diets does not protect LDL against oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease (2). The oxidative degradation of oily samples can be limited by using supercritical fluid extract of garlic as it is a safe and an effective natural antioxidant formulation (3).

 High-oleic sunflower oil studies

References____________________

(1) Stearic sunflower oil as a sustainable and healthy alternative to palm oil. Anushree, S., André, M., Guillaume, D. et al. Agron. Sustain. Dev. (2017) 37: 18. 

Abstract. Palm oil is widely used in the food industry because of its lower cost, high oxidative stability index, long shelf-life, and a reasonable replacement of trans fats. However, increased palm oil production reduces biodiversity, damages the ecosystem, and poses health risks to humans. Unsustainable development of palm plantations has caused deforestation and loss of natural habitat, rendering many species (Sumatran orangutans, elephants, and tigers) critically endangered. Similarly, decomposition and burning of carbon-rich soil in vast and deep peatlands is increasing carbon emissions. Furthermore, excessive consumption of palmitic acid (and other saturated fats except stearic acid) increases bad cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we need healthier, stable, and solid/semi-solid oils at room temperature with longer shelf-life and without trans fats. Here, we review the advancements in the development of sunflower oil varieties containing high stearic (∼18%) and high oleic (∼70%) acids which makes them healthy and sustainable alternatives to palm oil. First, the high-stearic-high-oleic sunflower crops can have grain and oil yield as high as 4036 and 1685 kg/ha and oleic and stearic acid yield up to ∼73 and ∼21%. Second, high-stearic-high-oleic oils obtained from mutant and hybrid sunflower cultivars have higher oxidative stability index and therefore have better stability, quality, and functionality than regular sunflower oil. For example, the oxidative stability index of commercially available Nutrisun at 110 °C is six times greater than that of regular sunflower oil. Finally, recent advances have made several mutant and hybrid cultivars with high grain and oil yield and high levels of stearic and oleic acids available. Given this progress, natural healthy high-stearic-high-oleic sunflower oil can now be grown in both the hemispheres in a sustainable manner with the currently available advanced technology and without damaging the ecosystem as is currently happening with palm oil cultivation.

(2) Sunflower oil does not protect against LDL oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease.   Aguilera CM, Mesa MD, Ramirez-Tortosa MC, Nestares MT, Ros E, Gil A.   Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;23(4):673-81.

(3) Antioxidant effects of supercritical fluid garlic extracts in sunflower oil.   Bravi E, Perretti G, Falconi C, Marconi O, Fantozzi P.   J Sci Food Agric. 2017 Jan;97(1):102-107. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.7690. Epub 2016 Apr 1