What Is Cottonseed Oil, Where And How Is It Used?

Recently, interest in the benefits and uses of vegetable oils has increased. And the good and bad oils are tried to be deciphered with both the studies and traditional usage recommendations. Cottonseed oil is one of these oils. This oil is made from cotton seeds and is among the commonly used cooking oils. This article contains information about what cottonseed oil is and its health benefits.

What is Cottonseed Oil?

Cottonseed oil is a cooking oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant. Canola oil falls into the same category as soybean oil and safflower oil because it is an inflammatory vegetable oil that is truly processed and easily oxidized when exposed to high heat, light and air. Cottonseed oil is refined to remove gossypol, a naturally occurring toxin in seed oil that works to protect the plant from insects. This natural insecticide can be toxic if consumed, so it is always extracted from seeds used to make cooking oil or flour. Many processed and packaged foods contain hydrogenated cottonseed oil on their ingredient list. These products include salad dressings, bakery products, and cereals.

Cotton Oil Uses

Cottonseed oil has many uses. It is known for its use as cooking oil, such as canola or soybean oils. However, it is also used in fats and packaged foods. Some products that may contain cottonseed oil include:

• Crisps
• Bakery products (such as packaged cookies and cakes)
• Crackers
• Wafer
• Cereals
• Salad dressings
• Mayonnaise
• Margarine
• Pasta Sauce

It is used for frying in foods, to add moisture to bakery products, to provide a creamy consistency in whipped cream and cream. The oil obtained from cotton seeds is also used topically in some cosmetic products. It is used as an oil and emollient that softens the skin. It is odorless and used as a skin moisturizing agent. It is possible to see cottonseed oil in face and body cleansers, eye make-up and lipsticks.

Benefits of Cotton Oil

Cottonseed oil is widely used in foods, but it is claimed to have some health benefits. Some of its ingredients and benefits are as follows:

Contains Linoleic Acid

About 55 percent of refined cottonseed oil consists of polyunsaturated oils such as linoleic acid. This is an omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, improve brain function and boost immune function when consumed in moderation. Linoleic acid is also found in safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, and sesame oil. Such omega-6 fatty acids should be consumed with omega-3 fatty acids.

Provides Oleic Acid

Almost 20 percent of the oil obtained from cotton seeds contains oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid found naturally in vegetable oils. Oleic acid is known for its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, fight infections, and improve brain function. Olive oil, almond oil and avocado oil contain higher amounts of oleic acid suitable for heart health.

Promotes Skin Health

Cottonseed oil benefits the skin due to its moisturizing and soothing properties. Contains unrefined cottonseed oil, vitamin E oil with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Although there is no scientific evidence of this cottonseed oil benefit, it is widely used topically for these reasons. If not using an organic product, the fact that pesticides may be present should not be overlooked.

Maintains Hair Health

Cottonseed oil for hair helps moisturize the hair and scalp while helping to reduce or eliminate dandruff. It can also be used as a hair styler. It reduces the need for hair products that contain chemical additives, helping to soothe and shine the hair. Using a little cottonseed oil before styling helps reduce the possibility of hair breakage.

Side Effects of Cottonseed Oil

As with everything else, cottonseed oil has some harmful side effects and side effects. Some of these negative effects can be listed as follows:

Gossypol Toxicity

The Scientific World Journal of Research shows that receiving high concentrations of gossypol can lead to clinical symptoms of gossipol poisoning, which may include breathing difficulties, weakness, apathy, and impaired body weight gain. In addition to the possibility of health issues related to gossipol poisoning, the compound can also cause male and female reproductive problems and interfere with immune function. Cottonseed oil purchased for cooking goes through an extensive refining process to remove the gosipol content. However, in order to cause gossipol poisoning, it is necessary to consume high concentrations of the compound.

May Contain Pesticides

Because cotton is not classified as a food crop, it is often grown with high levels of pesticides. If purchasing an independent cotton seed crop, organic ones from a trusted source should be preferred. And attention should be paid to packaged foods that contain this ingredient, as they possibly contain conventional cottonseed oil.

It is a source of high Omega-6

Like many vegetable oils, cottonseed oil contains high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. A diet high in these fats and low in omega-3s can cause inflammation. Omega-6s are found in many unhealthy and prepared foods such as chips, pizzas, salad dressings, and processed meats. If you consume cottonseed oil with processed snacks, these are known to be harmful to health. This is why vegetable oils such as cottonseed are foods that should be avoided.

There are healthier sources of omega 6 that can be taken instead of cotton oil. A few of them are as follows:

• Extra virgin olive oil is higher in heart-healthy oleic acid and other monounsaturated fats. It is known to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Best for sprinkling over salads or adding flavor to sauces and prepared dishes.
• Coconut oil contains MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides that help increase metabolism, increase energy and support brain function. It is perfect in smoothies, baked goods and can be used for cooking.
• If avocado oil is looking for a great oil for cooking at high temperatures, then choose avocado oil. It is rich in antioxidants like lutein and much higher in monounsaturated oils than cottonseed and other vegetable oils.

As a result, cottonseed oil is considered a vegetable oil and is often used in processed, packaged foods. Although there are potential health benefits due to its fatty acid content when consumed in small amounts, it is often consumed with unhealthy, inflamed junk food.