Most Indians have heard of groundnut oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil. But safflower oil benefits are something most kitchens are still missing. Indians have cultivated cold pressed safflower oil, known as Kusum tel in Hindi, for over 4,000 years. and is one of the most powerful natural oils available today.
Safflower oil benefits are remarkable — from heart health and diabetes management to glowing skin and strong hair. Known as Kusum tel in Hindi (derived from the Sanskrit word kusumbha), safflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and has been used in Indian and Ayurvedic traditions for centuries.
At Srikruti Naturals, Hyderabad, we cold press our safflower oil using a traditional wooden ghani — zero chemicals, zero heat processing, zero shortcuts. Here is everything you need to know about this powerful, underrated oil.
What Is Cold Pressed Safflower Oil?
Cold pressed safflower oil is extracted from safflower seeds using a traditional wooden ghani (churner) at low temperature and low speed — with no chemical solvents and no industrial processing.
Safflower oil comes in two varieties: high-linoleic and high-oleic. High-linoleic safflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats (Omega-6), while high-oleic safflower oil contains more monounsaturated fats. Cold pressed safflower oil from Srikruti Naturals preserves both variants’ natural fatty acid profiles completely.
The safflower plant is native to parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa — including India, where it is referred to as kusum. It is found in many parts of India and has been part of traditional cooking and medicine for thousands of years.
Safflower oil has almost 75% linoleic acid — one of the highest concentrations of any edible oil — which makes it particularly valuable for heart and cardiovascular health.
Safflower Oil Benefits: 8 Proven Reasons to Use It Daily
In this guide, we cover all the safflower oil benefits backed by research — from heart health to diabetes management and skin care.
1. Heart Health — Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Safflower oil benefits the heart significantly. Research suggests that safflower oil may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. The linoleic acid in safflower oil prevents hardening of the arteries and reduces inflammation in blood vessels.
Safflower oil is well known for reducing inflammation and preventing thickening of blood vessels, thereby preventing atherosclerosis. For Indians with high cholesterol or family history of heart disease, cold pressed safflower oil is one of the best dietary switches to make Additionally, safflower oil supports heart health. It contains healthy fats that may help maintain cholesterol balance.
Furthermore, you can also try our wood pressed sunflower oil for everyday Indian cooking.
2. Diabetes Management — Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Safflower oil is loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids of plant origin which help in increasing insulin sensitivity. Regular consumption of safflower oil supports stable blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing resistance — meaning more consistent energy throughout the day and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
For the millions of Indians managing pre-diabetes or diabetes, incorporating cold pressed safflower oil as a cooking oil is a practical, food-based support strategy
3. Skin Care — Natural Moisturiser and Anti-Ageing
Packed with Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids, safflower oil acts as a natural moisturiser for skin, easing dryness and reducing wrinkles. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated, red, or inflamed skin and help manage eczema and psoriasis.
Applied topically, cold pressed safflower oil’s Vitamin E content neutralises free radicals, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and restores skin’s natural barrier. It is lightweight and non-comedogenic — meaning it does not clog pores, making it safe for all skin types including oily skin.
4. Hair Care — Stronger, Shinier Hair
Devoid of chemicals, cold pressed safflower oil is a healthier product to use as a hair conditioner to restore shine and lustre to your hair. Its linoleic acid content strengthens hair follicles and prevents breakage, while Vitamin E promotes scalp health and reduces hair fall.
Moreover Regular use as a scalp massage oil increases blood circulation to hair follicles, stimulating growth and improving the overall texture and shine of hair.
5. Weight Management — Targets Belly Fat
The linoleic acid in safflower oil boosts metabolism and helps shed extra weight, especially around the tummy. However, unlike saturated fats that promote fat storage., the polyunsaturated fats in cold pressed safflower oil support the body’s natural fat-burning processes.
Whether sauteing vegetables or drizzling over salads, incorporating cold pressed safflower oil helps stay on track with fitness and weight management goals.
6. Anti-Inflammatory — Joint Pain and Immunity
Safflower oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can offer relief from joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Its linoleic acid content and antioxidant properties help reduce inflammation, easing joint pain and improving mobility — beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.
The health benefits of safflower oil include helping boost the immune system, helping relieve PMS symptoms, and improving blood circulation throughout the body.
7. Improves Blood Circulation
Safflower oil helps improve blood circulation and acts as a natural vasodilator — relaxing and widening blood vessels to allow better blood flow. This supports not just heart health but also brain function, skin health, and overall organ performance.
8. Hormone and Reproductive Health
Fats in the diet, such as those found in safflower oil, are essential for hormone regulation and memory. Adequate healthy fat intake from cold pressed safflower oil supports the body’s hormone production , — particularly important for women’s reproductive health and men’s testosterone levels.
How to Use Cold Pressed Safflower Oil Daily
In the Kitchen
- Sauteing and stir frying vegetables at medium heat
- Tadka for dal, rasam, and rice dishes
- Salad dressings and marinades — use raw for maximum Vitamin E
- Baking — substitute butter with safflower oil in cakes and bread
- Deep frying at moderate temperatures (high smoke point)
For Skin
- Apply 2-3 drops on face as a night serum before bed
- Mix with aloe vera for a lightweight daily moisturiser
- Apply on dry patches, elbows, and heels twice daily
- Use as a gentle makeup remover — safe for sensitive skin
For Hair
- Mix with coconut oil and massage into scalp before washing
- Apply on hair ends to reduce split ends and frizz
- Use as a hot oil treatment — warm slightly and leave overnight
Daily cooking amount: 2-3 tablespoons per meal for a family of four. As always, follow ICMR recommended limits of 20ml per adult per day.
Cold Pressed vs Refined Safflower Oil
| Feature | Cold Pressed Safflower Oil | Refined Safflower Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Traditional wooden ghani | Chemical solvent + high heat |
| Linoleic acid | Fully preserved (75%+) | Partially destroyed |
| Vitamin E | Naturally present | Destroyed in processing |
| Omega-6 | Rich, fully intact | Reduced |
| Colour | Light golden / pale yellow | Colourless / clear |
| Aroma | Mild, nutty | Odourless |
| Chemicals | Zero | Hexane, bleach, caustic soda |
| Best use | Cooking, skin, hair | Industrial frying |
According to ICMR nutritional guidelines, Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for heart health and hormone regulation in adults.
Why Srikruti Naturals Cold Pressed Safflower Oil?
- Traditional wooden ghani extraction — zero heat, zero chemicals
- 100% pure cold pressed safflower oil — maximum linoleic acid preserved
- MSME Government of India approved producer
- Gravity filtered only — no bleaching, no deodorisation
- Made fresh to order — not pre-stocked or aged
- Available in multiple sizes — 100ml to 5 Litres
Order Cold Pressed Safflower Oil — Hyderabad Delivery
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 9912770600
🛒 Order online: srikrutinaturals.com/store
Starting from ₹70 — 100ml · 250ml · 500ml · 1 Litre · 5 Litre
Frequently Asked Questions On Safflower Oil Benefits:
What is safflower oil called in Hindi and Telugu?
Safflower oil is called Kusum tel in Hindi (from Sanskrit kusumbha). In Telugu it is known as Kusuma nune. The safflower plant has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years and is part of traditional Indian cooking and medicine.
Is cold pressed safflower oil good for daily cooking?
Yes. Cold pressed safflower oil has a high smoke point and a mild, neutral flavour that works well for everyday Indian cooking — tadka, stir frying, sauteing, and even deep frying at moderate temperatures. Its Omega-6 and Vitamin E content makes it one of the healthiest cooking oils available.
Can diabetic patients use safflower oil?
Yes. Safflower oil is particularly beneficial for diabetics as it improves insulin sensitivity and helps stabilise blood sugar levels. Use cold pressed safflower oil as your daily cooking oil within recommended quantities (20ml per adult per day as per ICMR guidelines).
Is safflower oil better than sunflower oil?
Both are rich in Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E. Safflower oil has a slightly higher linoleic acid content (75%+) compared to sunflower oil, giving it a stronger heart health benefit. Both are excellent when cold pressed. Safflower oil also has a higher smoke point, making it more versatile for high-heat cooking.
How long does cold pressed safflower oil last?
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Shelf life is 8-12 months unopened. Refrigerate after opening and use within 3-4 months for best freshness and nutrient preservation.
