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Cottonseed Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More

Rahul Gambhir -
Table of Contents +

What is Cottonseed Oil?

There are a variety of cooking oils, and Cottonseed oil is one of them. It is referred to as anti-inflammatory vegetable oil, and it gets oxidised easily when exposed to light, air and high heat. Prepared from the cotton seeds, it must be refined to eliminate a toxin named Gossypol. This naturally occurring toxin protects the cotton plant from insects, but can be harmful to the human body. High concentrations of Gossypol may result in acute clinical signs of gossypol poisoning, including weakness, apathy, and maybe even death.

Cottonseed Oil Nutrition

  • Calories: 120
  • Saturated fat: 3.5g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 0

Is Cottonseed Oil Good for Health?

Cottonseed oil contains three types of fat: saturated fat (3.5 grams), Polyunsaturated fat (7 grams), and monounsaturated fat. Out of them, polyunsaturated fat helps you fulfil the recommended daily intake of healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. As far as monounsaturated fat is concerned, it is believed to enhance the HDL cholesterol that is also known as Good cholesterol.

Cottonseed oil is considered to be healthy. Refined cottonseed oil is considered suitable for cooking. Refined cottonseed oil also acts as a home remedy for diversified skin conditions such as dry skin, redness, irritated skin and more.

Due to the presence of Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids, it helps moisturise skin and slows down the skin ageing process.

High in Polyunsaturated fat, it helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). Equipped with anti-inflammatory properties, it enhances the permeability of the skin.

Cotton oil is enriched with a vital micronutrient called Vitamin E that possesses antioxidant effects. One tablespoon of this oil contains 5 milligrams of Vitamin E. This important vitamin helps protect against an array of life-threatening diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and much more.

Use of Cotton Seed Oil

Cottonseed oil is mainly used in baked goods, salad dressings, cereals, packaged foods, snack bars, crackers, etc. It adds moisture to baked goods and helps impart a creamy consistency in icings and whipped creams.

Devoid of fragrance, it works as a skin-moisturizing agent. It is found in an array of cosmetic products. They include eye makeup, lipsticks, cleansers and more.

Cottonseed oil is used in non-food products as well. It is used in laundry detergents, insecticides, and cosmetics.

Cottonseed Oil Benefits

  • The presence of an omega-6 fatty acid named linoleic acid makes cottonseed oil beneficial for reducing inflammation while lowering the risk related to heart diseases. Besides this, it also boosts immune function and improves brain function.
  • Oleic Acid found in cottonseed oil reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. It also helps prevent Type 2 diabetes and fights infections.
  • Vitamin E present in cottonseed oil soothes and moisturises the skin. It also helps protect against a range of skin conditions such as dark spots, marks and more.
  • Polyunsaturated fat in cottonseed oil is known to improve heart health while monounsaturated fat enhances HDL cholesterol.
  • The Omega-6 fatty acids present in cottonseed oil helps in reducing the risks related to life-threatening diseases like cancer. It also helps manage the risk related to stroke and all-cause mortality due to the presence of monounsaturated fat in this oil. All-cause mortality is related to diseases or harmful exposures, such as radiation or dangerous chemicals in a statistical context.

Cottonseed Oil Side Effects

  • The presence of a high amount of Omega- 6 in the body can result in inflammation. This is why one should avoid the intake of cottonseed oil with processed junk food.
  • Before consuming cottonseed oil, it is crucial to determine that you are not allergic to it. Allergies due to cottonseed may result in a rash on a body area if used topically.
  • More severe side effects of cottonseed oil consumption include facial swelling, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain, severe asthma, vomiting and nausea.

Other Healthier Alternatives of Cottonseed Oil

There are other healthier alternatives to cottonseed oil. They include:

1) Extra-virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin Olive oil is known to impart heart health benefits. It helps control inflammation while helping reduce the risks related to cardiovascular diseases.

2) Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil helps increase metabolism, supports brain function and boosts energy as it contains MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).

3) Avocado Oil

Enriched with antioxidants, avocado oil imparts an array of health benefits due to the higher amount of monounsaturated fats than cottonseed oil.

Cottonseed Oil Cooking and Preparation Tips

Some people believe that Cottonseed oil is the healthiest oil meant for frying purposes as it has a higher smoking point. It is a cooking temperature at which an oil smokes fumes. As it contains some monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat, it is believed to be the healthiest oil meant for high heat cooking techniques and frying. Cottonseed oil is also used for making sweet treats and baking. Equipped with a neutral taste, it helps bring out the original food flavour.