Difference between Cooking Oil and Sunflower Oil

Key difference: Oils and their respective types have been traditionally used for cooking purposes, which are separately termed as Cooking oils. While, the Sunflower oil obtained from sunflower seeds is one among these cooking oils. Both these types of oils are known for their different uses and applications in several sectors.  

Cooking with oils is a daily routine, which is generally performed in almost all kitchens, but cooking with a defined or specific type of oil has become a necessity today. Each of these cooking oil and its types, has a blend of distinct qualities that separates it from other oils. There are essential types of cooking oils available in the markets, which are known for their specific purposes. So, selecting appropriate oil amongst these several types of oil and regularly consuming them via food results into the respective health benefits.

Cooking oils is a huge section which comprises of oils obtained from various plants, animals and synthetic fat sources. These oils are used in cooking purposes like frying, deep frying, roasting and stirring purposes. Cooking oils are also used for flavoring, baking, salad dressings and bread dips purposes, which does not include much amount of oil as such. Physically, these are liquid in state, but some oils like coconut, palm and palm kernel oil contains saturated fat, due to which these remain solid at room temperature.

Sunflower oil obtained from sunflower seeds is one among the above mentioned cooking oils. Commonly, the oil is used for high heat cooking purposes like frying and deep frying. Also, it is best used in the cosmetic formulations as an emollient. Today, the world's largest sunflower oil producers are Ukraine, Russia and Argentina. Industrially, the oil is greatly used in the fast food industries for frying purposes. As of the oil is good for health, and is beneficial in many aspects; some among which are cardiovascular benefits, prevents arthritis, asthma and colon cancer.

Nowadays, cooking with different varieties of oils has become a trend. Cooking oils are basically categorized according to their smoke points, and hence are used for high-heat, moderate-heat and low-heat cooking purposes. While, sunflower oil falls under higher smoke points of 160 °C (320 °F), hence makes fit for high-heat cooking like frying and deep frying. Cooking oils are of various kinds and are used as per their needs, while sunflower oil is suitable for the heart patients, as it contains less cholesterol and thus prevent the heart attacks. Sunflower oil is considered to be one among the nutritious oils, and hence is more consumed in some parts of world. Cooking oils and their fat compositions may also give rise to some kind f issues; like over consumption of palm oil in day to day routine may cause obesity. While, coconut oil, which is also one among the cooking oils is regarded to be the world’s best oil in all aspects.

So, the oils and their usages and effects keep on changing according to their compositions. So it’s always up to the consumer to opt for best cooking oil and be loyal to it. 

Comparison between Cooking Oil and Sunflower Oil:

 

Cooking Oil

Sunflower Oil

Obtained from

plants, animals and synthetic fat sources

sunflower seeds

Types of fats

monounsaturated polyunsaturated and saturated fats

saturated-9%       

monounsaturated-82%

polyunsaturated-9%

Cooking

High-heat, moderate-heat and low-heat cooking

Generally, high-heat cooking

Types

The most opted and renowned form of cooking oils is:

  • Sunflower oil
  • Groundnut or peanut oil
  • Mustard oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Grape seed oil
  • Rice bran oil
  • Animal-based oils

Etc.

Sunflower oil is available in the following categories according to its oleic acid concentration:

  • High Linoleic
  • NuSun or Mid-Oleic
  • High Oleic
  • High Stearic/High Oleic

 

Image Courtesy: palmoilhealth.org, stefibozhilova.com

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