Cottonseed oil: what is useful, where it is used, how to take it for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Cottonseed oil - useful properties and contraindications, how to take

Almost all vegetable oils are beneficial for human health. Some of them have an impressive list of healing properties, such as olive oil. But not all healthy oils are known to a wide range of consumers. So popular in the West, cottonseed oil is unjustifiably forgotten in Russia.

Like any oil, this remedy is very high in calories, so you need to use it in moderation. On the other hand, such oil is preferable to animal fats. The product has a pleasant taste and aroma that distinguishes it from other vegetable oils. The price of cottonseed oil is quite high: the product is 4-6 times more expensive than conventional sunflower oil.

In cooking and traditional medicine, this product is used very actively. Its properties, rules for admission and combination with other means will be discussed in this article. Many consumers refuse to cook with cotton, preferring to use it for cosmetic purposes. The product will definitely not cause harm to the body, but if its appearance differs from the usual vegetable oils, this does not mean that vegetable oil cannot be used to prepare traditional dishes. Plov is prepared on the basis of cottonseed oil in Central Asia. Gourmets are sure that it is difficult to find a more refined dish.

Useful properties and harm

Only refined oil is suitable for use, which contains:

• fatty acids - the oil has a high content of oleic, flaxseed and other oils;
• vitamins - the product is especially rich in vitamins of group B, A and E;
• phytosterols - regulate cholesterol levels;
• polyunsaturated acids - contains linoleic acid, which is not produced by the body.

Oil improves hair growth, relieves them of brittleness, stimulates blood circulation. It is taken for the preparation of therapeutic masks to restore especially damaged hair after chemistry or dyeing. The product has antibacterial properties. Improves skin condition, relieves lips from peeling, protects against chapping and frostbite. It is often used for massage, and the oil can be used to treat baby skin as a prevention of diaper rash.

A feature of cotton extraction is that it effectively copes with high cholesterol. Oil prevents the absorption of harmful substances by the intestinal walls, resulting in a reduced risk of atherosclerosis.

Refined oil looks like sunflower and olive oil. Unrefined has a reddish color. In cooking, only refined oil is used, from which a harmful substance, gossypol, has been removed. In large quantities, it poisons the body and disrupts reproductive functions. Do not add unrefined oil to food. Moreover, it is not even used for cosmetic purposes, although a good soap with useful properties is obtained from the raw oil.

Refined oil is practically harmless. It can not be used only by those who suffer from individual intolerance. Many people do not like the taste of cotton. It is quite possible to replace it with peanut or corn.

How to use

This product can be called exotic, so few people know how to take it for medicinal purposes and what can be prepared from it. Consumer opinions differ regarding the taste of butter. Some call it noble, others compare it with "cheap perfumery". It is known that cotton fat is often used in the preparation of confectionery. It is suitable for making waffles, cakes, biscuits, pastries.

Cotton is considered to be a traditional component of the national pilaf. True, the oil itself, as well as the dishes prepared from it, turn out to be heavy and are not recommended for a daily diet. Oil is considered one of the best salad dressings. It gives the dish a subtle nutty flavor and makes it richer.

In cosmetology, oil is used to prepare nourishing and rejuvenating masks. It is not recommended to take it in its pure form: it can cause greasiness of the glands and lead to the appearance of comedones. The same can be said about hair masks. It is advisable to dilute the cottonseed with other fats, and the proportion of oil should not exceed 5% of the total mass.

Cotton has been proven to have a calming effect. To normalize sleep and improve the emotional state, it is recommended to take 1 tsp shortly before sleep. cotton. To improve digestion and prevent cancer, it is recommended to take 30 g up to three times a day. For insect bites, just apply a few drops to the affected area and rub in lightly.

Cottonseed oil is a type of vegetable oil that is produced by processing the seeds of the cotton plant, which is a member of the Malvaceae family. We will talk about the beneficial properties and contraindications of cottonseed oil in this article.

Benefits of cottonseed oil

The chemical composition of cottonseed oil is very rich. This product is distinguished by the content of tocopherols, phytosterols, as well as palmitic, oleic, stearic, arachidonic and linoleic acids. All this allows you to use this product for medicinal purposes.

Cottonseed oil has the ability to prevent deposits on the walls of blood vessels. The benefit of cottonseed oil lies in the fact that with its regular use, immunity increases. This product is actively used in the fight against high blood sugar, allergic and dermatological rashes. Cottonseed oil is very useful in the treatment of skin burns. Gossypol, which is part of the oil, does not allow viruses to spread in the blood.

Cottonseed oil is a great alternative to walnut oil. This is especially important for those who have allergic reactions to nut butter. The fatty acids in cottonseed oil make this product indispensable for people suffering from stomach ulcers.

Cottonseed oil is known in cooking and cosmetology. It helps in the fight against dryness and age-related changes in the skin, and also makes the hair shiny and silky. In addition, very often cottonseed oil is added in the manufacture of soap.

Harm of cottonseed oil

It is contraindicated to use cottonseed oil if there is an individual intolerance to any component in its composition. In addition, with its excessive use in medical treatment, a violation of the reproductive system can be provoked. Only knowing about the benefits and harms of cottonseed oil, as well as after consulting with a specialist, can it be included in the diet.

Cottonseed oil is a healthy and nutritious plant product. It is made from the seeds of plants belonging to the Malvaceae family. The output is a viscous liquid of light or dark brown color.

The benefits of a plant product have been known to mankind since ancient times. It was used in cooking, folk medicine and cosmetology. For example, the peoples of Central Asia used it to prepare national dishes, believing that the properties of this oil strengthen their bodies and ward off evil spirits.

The benefits and properties of the oil

Cottonseed oil is considered a strong antioxidant, so its regular intake reduces the rate of skin aging, improves heart function and increases vascular elasticity.

Fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect on the human body, which has a positive effect on strengthening the immune system. Cottonseed oil contains a record amount of vitamin E. Tocopherol acetate improves mood and calms the nervous system.

The unique properties of fatty acids (arachidonic, linoleic, palmitic) contribute to the rapid healing of wounds and the elimination of inflammatory processes. They reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes and allergic reactions. Also, the unique properties of the oil are ideal for healing burns and deep scars.

Properties of trace elements and vitamins.

• Phytosterols are involved in the dissolution of cholesterol plaques, which reduces the likelihood of a heart attack. The benefits of phytosterols are obvious - the amount of "unnecessary" cholesterol is reduced by 15%.
• Vitamin F accelerates wound healing and regenerative processes in cells.
• Vitamin D is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus (the properties of these trace elements strengthen bone tissue).
• The properties of unsaturated fatty acids make cottonseed oil suitable for use in cosmetics. It provokes the production of ceramides - bioactive substances, a high concentration of which improves the condition of the epidermis - elasticity returns to the skin with a gradual normalization of the activity of the sebaceous glands.

Harm and contraindications

Most herbal preparations cause various harms to the body if used incorrectly. Cottonseed oil is no exception. Therefore, in order not to cause serious harm to the body, it is necessary to use only a refined product for treatment (among others, it has a lighter color).

The unrefined oil contains the pigment gossypol, a plant inhibitor of spermatogenesis. A high concentration of gossypol in the blood leads to impaired reproductive function. In especially severe cases, blocking of active enzymes involved in metabolism at the cellular level occurs. As a result, pathogenic processes develop on almost all organs.

The refining process removes harmful enzymes from the composition, and leaves useful vitamins, trace elements. Therefore, refined cottonseed oil will not harm your body, provided that you use it correctly:

• dressing for salads. Enough 1 tbsp. l. exotic oil on a medium-sized plate, so that the salad is saturated with a subtle nutty flavor and vitamins. The benefits of such a salad are obvious;
• Hair Mask. If it is used as a basis, then its share should not exceed 5% of the total mass;
• depressant. If you suffer from insomnia or a mental disorder, then before going to bed you can take 1 tsp. cottonseed oil;
• for the prevention of oncological diseases and the restoration of intestinal health, it is recommended to take 30 grams of oil 3 times a day;
• herbal preparation is suitable for relieving irritation and alleviating pain after insect bites. Apply a few drops of oil to the damaged area and slowly rub it over the area - after 10-15 minutes, pain, irritation and itching will pass.

Application

Useful properties of a plant product can be used in different ways.

To cleanse the vessels and raise the mood, you need to drink a decoction. Recipe:

• pour a cup of boiling water over the cotton plant (the plant will not lose its beneficial properties from hot water);
• cook for about 30 minutes;
• strain the broth after cooling.

The benefits of the decoction will be observed only if it is drunk 3 times a day, 50 ml each. Caution: Increasing the dose may harm the intestines and stomach.

Recipe to eliminate roughness and dryness of the skin on the hands. Rub oil on your hands and put on gloves. Do not remove gloves for 30 minutes. The benefits of such a recipe will be traced instantly - in the upper layers of the epidermis, the water-lipid balance will be restored, the former elasticity will return to the skin.

Mask for comedones (a type of acne). To combat skin disease, scrubs are prepared and steam baths based on cottonseed oil are taken. Contraindications for use: do not use harsh abrasive substances for the preparation of scrubs, as they can damage the comedone, and lead to infection of the upper layers of the epidermis or blood.

Video: The effects of cottonseed oil on the body

Cottonseed oil is produced from the cotton plant by seed pressing or extraction. The fat content in the seeds is small, it rarely exceeds 25%. With the help of pressing, only 16-18% of the product can be squeezed out. Such a low yield is compensated by the fact that cotton seeds are a waste of cotton production, they are very cheap.

Cottonseed oil comes in several varieties, but only the first grade is suitable for consumption. It has a golden yellow color. According to chemical analyses, all origins have similar properties. They contain a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids. The cotton product consists of them by 70-80%. Compared to other vegetable oils, this level is low.

They play a very important role in the metabolic process. The human body produces them in extremely small quantities, so the lack is replenished with food. Fatty acid deficiency can slow down the development of the developing organism and adversely affect the health of adults. It also leads to a violation of cholesterol metabolism, which threatens atherosclerosis.

Cottonseed oil has significant benefits. It contains a large amount of vitamin E, which stimulates and is necessary for the normal functioning of the gonads. Another advantage of this product is a substance that strengthens blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

Nutritionists recommend consuming small amounts of cottonseed oil daily. Buying it is not so easy. It is rarely found on store shelves. This product is more in use in the countries of Central Asia. Other fatty oils are much easier to buy. Most cottonseed oil is produced in the USA.

The unrefined product contains such a toxic component as gossypol. The level of its concentration is determined by color. Unrefined oil is a liquid of a red-brown hue, sometimes up to black, bitter in taste and with a specific smell.

The properties and composition of cottonseed oil largely depend on the variety of plant from which it is produced, as well as on the conditions of production and the area of ​​cultivation. In the chemical industry, cottonseed oil is used to produce drying oil. The crude product is used in folk medicine to treat skin diseases and burns.

Not so long ago, scientists have proven that the substance gossypol can become one of the main components of drugs for the treatment of HIV. Studies have shown that gossypol inhibits the development of the virus in the blood.

The production process of the product is quite simple. Seeds, separated from fluff, are crushed on special rollers, and then heated to 220 ° C in braziers. Heated raw materials are placed in wool bags, shifted with horsehair material and squeezed under. Sometimes double pressing is used, first cold and then hot.

Science has long learned to process medicinal plants to please the human body. Some herbs practically do not need to be processed, since they contain a whole group of minerals and valuable elements. In this case, we are talking about cotton - an agricultural crop, which in the Soviet years was looked after by all conscious people.

The whole world has heard about the herbaceous plant, it is grown in the southern regions and used in many industries: cooking, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetology. From the seeds of this valuable crop, cottonseed oil is obtained, which has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. In addition, the product has a high nutritional value, therapeutic power and pleasant taste. The material provides information about the main advantages of plant materials.

Biochemical complex

It is worth noting that only refined cottonseed oil is suitable for food, from which the toxic substance, gissypol, is removed, which gives the liquid a dark brown tint. The composition of the natural product contains more than 60% phytosterols - antioxidants with regenerative properties. One of the main advantages of vegetable raw materials is the presence of unsaturated fatty compounds. These are linoleic, arachidic, palmitoleic, oleic, myristic acids.

Deficiency of the listed biological elements provokes an allergic reaction, inflammatory processes, dehydration from the epithelial tissue. The product also contains a high concentration of tocopherols (vitamin E). Their role for the body is invaluable. Substances are involved in tissue regeneration, the production of melanin and collagen. Vitamin E must be added to sunscreens, anti-aging emulsions.

A valuable product for preserving youth, beauty and longevity

Cottonseed oil is a pantry of useful substances with cosmetic and medicinal value. Conducted studies have revealed anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, bactericidal and wound healing properties in the product. It is established that the raw material helps in the restoration of the immune system.

The refined product helps to cleanse the blood vessels from cholesterol deposits. This reduces the risk of heart attacks, atherosclerosis and cancer. Raw materials can be used in the treatment of dermatological pathologies and burns. It is also a high-quality herbal remedy for prolonging the youthfulness of the skin.

The liquid is actively used in the cosmetology industry: it is added to various creams, lotions, balms for skin and hair care. The oil is quickly absorbed, tones, nourishes, smoothes wrinkles, relieves inflammation and activates blood flow. It also protects the upper layer of the epidermis from the negative effects of the environment: ultraviolet, frost, wind.

A balanced set of useful elements and the absence of a specific aroma make raw materials an indispensable product in cooking. It is especially revered in the East: it is added to salads, cooked flour products, pilaf, used for pickling vegetables. It goes well with meat dishes, fish, potatoes.

The flip side of the coin: harmful properties

We all understand that there are no completely safe products in this world. It all depends on the physiological characteristics of the body and dosage. Only refined cottonseed oil is used for food and treatment. The harm and benefits of plant raw materials have always worried science.

After repeated clinical studies, it turned out that the purified product (from which the substance gossypol was removed) does not cause negative effects. When purchasing oil, look at the color of the substance. Unscrupulous manufacturers often sell cheap, unrefined raw materials of a dark brown or red hue, which are highly toxic and not suitable for food. It is easy to identify a natural product: it has no smell, the liquid is clear and light.

Refined cottonseed oil: product price

A couple of decades ago, it was difficult to find raw materials in ordinary stores, since there was no demand for it. Times are changing, and today the natural substance from cotton is sold in almost any supermarket. True, the cost of the goods is a bit overpriced - you will have to pay about 200 rubles per liter of liquid.

Cottonseed oil: customer reviews

According to the numerous exclamations of satisfied women, it is clear that raw materials are in high demand. People have noted the positive effects of substance-based skin and hair masks. After the procedure, there is an improvement in the epidermis, redness disappears, and freshness appears. Hair becomes smoother, their growth intensifies. Cottonseed oil, according to cosmetologists, has a beneficial effect on the whole body.