A daily dose of safflower oil, a common cooking oil, for 16 weeks can improve such health measures as good cholesterol, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity and inflammation in obese postmenopausal women who have Type 2 diabetes. This combination of health measures that are improved by the safflower oil is associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that can increase risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These findings have led Martha A. Belury, from Ohio State University (Ohio, USA) and colleagues to suggest that a daily dose of safflower oil in the diet – about 1 2/3 teaspoons – is a safe way to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Safflower Oil May Help Ward Off Heart Disease
Michelle L. Asp, Angela L. Collene, Leigh E. Norris, Rachel M. Cole, Michael B. Stout, Szu-Yu Tang, Jason C. Hsu, Martha A. Belury. “Time-dependent effects of safflower oil to improve glycemia, inflammation and blood lipids in obese, post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-masked, crossover study.” Clinical Nutrition, 3 February 2011.
RELATED ARTICLES
