|  | Diet Nutrition | Healthy Eating

Effects of Cottonseed Oil

Cottonseed oil is processed from the cotton kernel and used in a variety of foods, including mayonnaise, salad dressings and potato chips. Cottonseed oil is the third largest produced food vegetable oil in the United States, behind soybeans and corn. There are both positive and negative effects associated with cottonseed oil consumption.

  1. High Cholesterol

    • Cottonseed oil often is used in foods because it is cheaper than many other forms of vegetable oil, and it does not require hydrogenation. Some nutritionists recommend avoiding the use of cottonseed oil because of its relatively high concentration of saturated fat and low concentration of monounsaturated fat. Consistently consuming too much cottonseed oil as part of the diet will lead to weight gain and unhealthy heart conditions. Some experts recommend consumers use olive oil as a healthier alternative.

    Sperm Inhibition

    • Cottonseeds naturally contain low doses of a toxin called gossypol acetic acid, which is known to inhibit sperm. For this reason, cottonseed oil is being explored as a vaginal contraceptive. At low doses, the gossypol stops sperm motility, preventing it from reaching the egg. At high doses, however, gossypol can be dangerous. Toxins are neutralized during the manufacturing process before cottonseed oil is sold to the consumer.

    Overconsumption Effects

    • Cottonseed oil can lead to minor side effects if swallowed in large enough quantities, particularly digestive problems. The first symptom usually will be nausea, which may be followed by vomiting, loose stools and diarrhea. Someone who consumes too much cottonseed oil also may experience oily regurgitation after meals. The effects of ingesting too much cottonseed oil at once are seldom serious.

    Fatty Acid Benefits

    • Consuming cottonseed oil also has positive effects. The product contains unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial to the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous systems. Fatty acids also are key to the process of manufacturing and repairing cells. Cottonseed oil contains significant quantities of oleic and linoleic fatty acids. It also has high levels of vitamin E, which is good for the skin, and it contains natural antioxidants.

Healthy Eating - Related Articles