Cottonseed oil: benefits and harm. How to use cottonseed oil at home? Beneficial and harmful properties of food raw materials

For many of us it is exotic, although there are places - for example, Central Asia - in which this product is as popular and indispensable as our sunflower oil. But the largest consumer and producer of cottonseed oil are the States, where this product has long been loved along with peanut oil.

Cottonseed oil is used in the food, chemical and cosmetic industries. Drying oil is made from unrefined oil. It is also used as lighting in places where there is lamp oil lighting. Vegetable stearin is also produced from it.

Cotton seed oil is extracted and is known as Gossypium barbadense And Gossypium hirsutum L. Cotton, first of all, is known to everyone as the main raw material for the production of cotton and cotton fabric. This plant belongs to the family Malvaceae, it was once exported from South America.

Cold pressing is usually used to extract oil. The product yield is 18% of the total mass of raw materials, this is a small percentage and under other circumstances could increase the cost of the oil. But obtaining cottonseed oil is profitable, since the seeds are still considered a waste product during cotton processing.

Raw cottonseed oil has a very strong odor due to its very high content of non-glyceride components, which give it a characteristic darkish red-brown hue. But after refining, the product becomes light and loses its aroma. It is refined oil that can be eaten.

How to choose

When choosing cottonseed oil, experts advise focusing on color, aroma and taste (it should not be bitter). The product should not be too thick, as this indicates improper storage. There should be no sediment on the oil, as this indicates that the product has been stored for too long.

How to store

Refined cottonseed oil can be stored for quite a long time. If, during long-term storage, a sediment in the form of white flakes appears in a bottle of oil, do not be alarmed. This is normal, because 30% of the composition of this plant product is solid fats, which settle over time in the form of flakes. If you don’t want to allow sediment to form, you can store this type of oil at zero temperature - in this case, the product will harden into a homogeneous mass.

In cooking

The healing properties and noble taste of cottonseed oil are best demonstrated in cooking. If you are not a confectioner and don’t dream of getting the perfect confectionery fat for cakes, pastries and waffles, then you can simply find refined salad oil in the store - it has a wide variety of uses.

The honorable role of cottonseed oil in world cooking is its use for pilaf. Classic lamb, Fergana, wedding and other various options - all this is prepared with cottonseed oil. Many say that the unusual cotton flavor can make the pilaf a true Asian dish, but there are also those who argue that it is too heavy.

Another interesting find is cottonseed oil instead of sunflower oil in pies, buns and flatbreads. With it, the dough receives a subtle nutty aroma and becomes very fluffy. Some homemade preparations work well with cotton fats, for example, eggplant caviar and lecho. You can also season vegetable salads with this oil - the combination with radish is especially interesting. You can also season sauerkraut, vinaigrettes, and pickled vegetables.

The most popular salad with cottonseed oil is a dish made from apple, cucumber and radish. They need to be grated, salt and pepper, add a little apple cider vinegar and season with cottonseed oil.

Calorie content

Of course, the caloric content of oil is very high - 884 kcal. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Beneficial properties of cottonseed oil

Composition and presence of nutrients

The chemical composition of cottonseed oil includes vitamins B, E and PP, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which are the main supplier of omega-3 to the body.

It should also be noted that the oil is particularly rich in tocopherols, of which more than 70% belongs to tocopherol A. Naturally, the composition of cottonseed oil depends on the raw material - the plant variety and place of growth. However, in any case, this oil contains large quantities of saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fatty acids. Thanks to this composition, cottonseed oil is considered a particularly healthy oil. Arachidonic and linoleic acids, which are polyunsaturated, are synthesized very little by the body, and cottonseed oil can compensate for their deficiency.

Useful and healing properties

Cottonseed oil is considered an excellent antioxidant, prevents aging, affects the elasticity of blood vessels and heart function.

Fatty acids in cottonseed oil have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties and have a positive effect on the immune system.

Vitamin E acts as a very powerful antioxidant: it protects against early aging, strengthens the immune system and ensures a positive attitude and strong nerves.

Fatty acids can help quickly heal wounds and resolve inflammation, fight diabetes, dermatitis, allergies, and heal burns perfectly.

Phytosterols, which cottonseed oil is very rich in, help reduce cholesterol, dissolve cholesterol plaques, and prevent the possibility of developing myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. They also have the ability to reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the intestine, which reduces its deposition on the walls of blood vessels.

The unsaturated fatty acids contained in the product belong to fat-soluble vitamin-like substances, which are collectively called vitamin F. They have a pronounced antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect, restore immunity, and also exhibit wound healing properties. Together with vitamin D, they help improve the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which is necessary for normal bone tissue formation. Indications for the use of vitamin F are diabetes, autoimmune and allergic inflammatory diseases, dermatoses and eczema.

The oil is perfect for the skin of children and adults, restoring full cellular metabolism, healing any bites, abrasions and cuts, excellently nourishing, removing pimples.

However, you should be careful about the uncontrolled use of cottonseed oil in its pure form, since its excess is also unsafe. It is worth noting that for people who are allergic to nut butter, a cotton product can be an excellent substitute.

Use in cosmetology

In home and industrial cosmetology, cotton oil has long occupied a small but stable niche: it perfectly moisturizes and nourishes the skin, relieves irritation, eliminates flaking, and is instantly absorbed.

The unsaturated fatty acids in cottonseed oil are involved in the production of ceramides. This product is used both as a base for homemade balms, creams and masks, and in its pure form, as it can cope with many skin problems and dryness, improving its structure and making it more elastic. The oil can be added either to ready-made mixtures or to create your own, including in combination with essential oils. Together with olive and other base oils, the cotton product smooths out wrinkles, heals cracks, removes dryness and nourishes the skin well with healthy vitamins.

One thing, if you want to wipe your face with this oil or apply masks, keep in mind that it often provokes comedones on the face. Therefore, to prevent the oil from clogging your pores, dilute it with other oils, various useful ingredients, use facial scrubs and steam baths.

Cotton oil also increases the protective functions of the skin, strengthening it and improving its structure. It helps great when the skin becomes rough from frost and wind, showing its softening and regenerating properties and promoting the production of ceramides.

Cottonseed oil is the best transporter for other beneficial substances, such as essential oils. Due to its rapid absorption, all active substances penetrate into the deep layers of the skin faster.

One of the legends about cotton claims that the pickers of this plant quickly grew old under the sun, but their hands remained tender and young because of the healing fatty seeds. It’s not easy to believe - after all, fluffy boxes were collected, not oil, but if you buy a bottle of a cosmetic product, you can definitely feel the healing power for your hands.

You don't have to make difficult masks: you can simply rub your skin with cottonseed oil and wear gloves when you plan to wash the dishes. Half an hour - and your hands will look like they came from a spa.

Thanks to its healing and nutritional properties and ability to restore cellular metabolism, cotton oil has long been recognized as an excellent hair product. It awakens dormant hair follicles, activating hair growth, and also softens and makes hair manageable, heals split ends well, removes excess oil and restores shine, relieves dryness and inflammation of the scalp.

But remember that cottonseed oil cannot be consumed in its pure form. To get luxurious curls, it is recommended to use two methods. So, you can add cotton emulsion to store-bought ready-made products: balms, shampoos, serums and masks. The main thing is that the amount of oil does not exceed 5% of the total volume of the selected product. Or you can mix cottonseed oil with base oil in a ratio of 1:10 - peach, olive or coconut. You can add 2-3 drops of any essential oil - mint, geranium, grapefruit, etc. Rub this fragrant mixture into your head, distributing it over the entire length, and wrap it in a towel for an hour. Then you need to rinse thoroughly with shampoo - maybe in two passes. The effect will please you - the curls will be much more manageable, softer and will be able to remain clean and fresh for longer.

All of the above qualities have made cottonseed oil a popular base for various cosmetic emulsions, creams, balms, and products that protect the skin from sun rays.

Dangerous properties of cottonseed oil

There are no products in nature that have no contraindications at all, due to possible allergic reactions to some of the components. Let us apply this fact to cottonseed oil. You should be careful when choosing oil: you can only use refined oil for medicinal and household purposes, which, in addition to the labels, can be identified by its light color.

Unrefined cottonseed oil is not recommended for consumption due to the presence of gossypola– a pigment that gives raw oil a specific brown color. It is capable of suppressing spermatogenesis and often leads to reproductive dysfunction, and also blocks the activity of enzymes involved in metabolism. And although gossypol has now been found to have an antitumor effect, the study of this substance has not yet been completed. Perhaps in the future, cotton gossypol will become a panacea for incurable diseases, but today it should be treated with caution, since accidentally exceeding the permissible dose can lead to severe poisoning, even death. During the oil refining process, gossypol is removed, so in its purified form this product is harmless.

A contraindication to its use is exclusively individual intolerance. As for the allergenicity of this oil, experts agreed that it does not cause allergies even in people prone to such manifestations.

From this video you will learn how to cook real Uzbek pilaf with chickpeas and cottonseed oil.

We are accustomed to using vegetable oils in cooking - usually sunflower or, some dishes require the use. However, few people know about the existence of cottonseed oil. This unique product is obtained from the seeds of the cotton plant, which is better known to us as cotton, and it has many amazing properties. In this article we have collected information for you about the benefits and harms of cottonseed oil - perhaps after reading this you will add this wonderful product to your diet!

Description and application of cottonseed oil

In our area, cottonseed oil is still considered a curiosity and is not in great demand. However, let’s say, in Central Asia it is as popular as sunflower in our country. In addition, the product is produced and actively used in North America - and the USA is the largest producer of cottonseed oil in the world.

Today there are two types of oil on sale - refined and unrefined. The first, due to thorough cleaning, has a light yellowish tint, almost no smell and has a faint nutty taste - thanks to these qualities it is used in cooking and cosmetology. Unrefined unrefined is a strong-smelling liquid of a reddish color. It contains many impurities and harmful substances, however, it also has its uses.

Refined used in:

• Cooking. A great many dishes require the use of cottonseed oil. The product is most often used in the preparation of excellent salad dressings, caviar, pilaf, and some types of dough.
• Food Industry. Cottonseed oil is one of the main ingredients of margarine, which is widely known to us. It is also used in the manufacture of canned vegetables and meat.
• Cosmetology. Cottonseed oil is a “favorite” base for most cosmetic products - balms, emulsions, creams, including sunscreens. This is mainly due to the presence of unsaturated organic acids in it.

Unrefined has found application in the chemical industry. Lamp oil, lubricants and drying oil are prepared from it. Attention! You should not use unrefined cottonseed oil for other purposes - for example, cosmetic, and especially food! The unrefined product contains gossypol, a toxic substance. It is thanks to the gossypol pigments that the crude oil has a bright hue.

In addition to all these applications, there are Another - medicinal. It contains many substances beneficial to the body.

Composition of cottonseed oil (refined)

Speaking about the composition of the oil, it is necessary to mention its nutritional qualities. The product, of course, consists entirely of fats, and 100 grams of it contain 899 kcal. As for useful substances, cottonseed oil contains:

• Vitamin E. And in huge quantities - 99 mg per 100 grams of product.
• Plant sterols.
• Valuable unsaturated fatty acids – stearic, palmitic, linoleic, oleic, myristic.

Thanks to these substances, cottonseed oil has many therapeutic effects.

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

The benefits of plant products 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 strengthened their body and warded off evil spirits.

Benefits and properties of oil

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

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 microelements and vitamins.

• Phytosterols take part in the dissolution of cholesterol plaques, which reduces the likelihood of developing 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 takes part in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus (the properties of these microelements strengthen bone tissue).
• The properties of unsaturated fatty acids make cottonseed oil suitable for use in cosmetology. It provokes the production of ceramides - bioactive substances, the 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 harm 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).

Unrefined oil contains the pigment gossypol, a plant suppressor of spermatogenesis. A high concentration of gossypol in the blood leads to reproductive dysfunction. In especially severe cases, active enzymes involved in metabolism at the cellular level are blocked. As a result, pathogenic processes develop in almost all organs.

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

• salad dressing. 1 tbsp is enough. l. exotic oil on a medium-sized plate so that the salad is saturated with a subtle nutty taste and vitamins. The benefits of such a salad are obvious;
• Hair Mask. If it is used as a base, then its share should not exceed 5% of the total mass;
• depressant. If you suffer from insomnia or mental disorder, then before going to bed you can take 1 tsp. cottonseed oil;
• to prevent cancer and restore intestinal function, it is recommended to take 30 grams of oil 3 times a day;
• The 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 the pain, irritation and itching will go away.

Application

The beneficial properties of the herbal product can be used in different ways.

To cleanse blood vessels and lift your mood, you need to drink a decoction. Recipe:

• pour a cup of boiling water over the shaggy 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 you drink it 3 times a day, 50 ml. Caution: Increasing the dose may cause harm to the intestines and stomach.

Recipe for eliminating roughness and dry skin on the hands. Rub the oil on your hands and put on gloves. Keep your gloves on for 30 minutes. The benefits of such a recipe will be seen instantly - the water-lipid balance will be restored in the upper layers of the epidermis, and the skin will return to its former elasticity.

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

Video: Effects of cottonseed oil on the body

Vegetable fats are widely used throughout the world, and they are used not only in the food industry and cosmetology, but also in medicine. One of their varieties is cottonseed oil, which perhaps not everyone has heard of, but still, it deserves attention and has high value for human health. This product is especially popular in America, where it is placed on the same level as peanut product. How did it deserve such honor among Americans and why is it worth learning more about it? On this page “Popular about health” we will tell you what kind of cottonseed oil it is, its benefits and harms, and how to take the product.

Composition, beneficial properties of cottonseed oil

In countries where cotton grows, the plants obtain vegetable fat from already processed seeds by double pressing. The chemical composition of this product is of interest. It contains valuable acids, without which the human body is not able to function normally. Which?

1. Oleic acid (Omega-9) - although this acid is produced in the body, that is, it is replaceable, it is still useful to get it from food. It prevents the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, suppresses the proliferation of cancer cells, and helps improve the condition of joints and mucous membranes.

2. Palmitic acid - this component of cottonseed oil has found wide use in the cosmetic industry. It is used in the manufacture of creams and serums for the skin, as it has the ability to stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. In other words, palmitic acid promotes skin regeneration and prevents its aging. By the way, palmitic acid is the main component of human breast milk.

3. Linoleic acid - thanks to it, the body is freed from free radicals, the likelihood of developing cancer tumors is reduced, cerebral circulation improves, and blood pressure is normalized. Linoleic acid plays an important role in the synthesis of related acids, for example, arachidonic acid, which, in turn, guards the health of blood vessels and the heart and helps renew cells of the nervous system.

4. Vitamin E - tocopherol is also found in cottonseed oil. It is considered the vitamin of youth and beauty. This substance is involved in tissue regeneration and prevents rapid skin aging. Vitamin E strengthens the immune system and also plays an important role in women's health and reproduction.

5. Phytosterols are another valuable component of the product. They prevent the deposition of cholesterol on the vascular walls, and also give veins and capillaries greater elasticity and firmness.

Does cottonseed oil have contraindications for use??

Any product can be harmful if a person cannot tolerate one or more of its components. Therefore, contraindications for cottonseed oil include individual intolerance. If after consuming it you find a rash or redness of the mucous membranes, itching on the skin, then this is a sign of an allergic reaction. In this case, cotton seed oil is contraindicated for you.

The harm of this vegetable fat also lies in the fact that it contains a substance whose properties have not yet been fully studied - we are talking about gossypol. It is this component that gives unrefined cottonseed oil its brownish tint. This substance has a detrimental effect on reproductive function in men and impedes spermatogenesis. But, it is worth noting that gossypol is contained only in cottonseed oil that has not undergone processing and purification, that is, unrefined.

Palmitic acid contained in this product can also harm the body if consumed too much and often. It does not dissolve in the human body and accumulates on the walls of blood vessels. Although, phytosterols somewhat compensate for the negative effects of palmitic acid in the body.

If this product is abused, the intestines may be upset, but this does not mean that cottonseed oil is harmful, because any vegetable fat softens stool and promotes their rapid excretion.

How to use cottonseed oil, how to take it?

Since this vegetable fat has a beneficial effect on the skin, it can be used to lubricate your hands, face, and treat abrasions and irritations. It is also useful to add it to shampoo so that the ends of your hair do not split and look healthy. In many countries, various dishes are prepared with this fat, for example, pilaf is very tasty. It is also added to salads made from fresh vegetables, it turns out very tasty and unusual.

How to take cottonseed oil?

For general tone and improvement of the body, you can take refined cotton seed oil orally, one teaspoon in the morning. The same dosage is recommended for women when planning pregnancy. Daily intake of the product in small doses helps to gently cleanse the intestines and blood vessels, and protects against the occurrence of inflammatory processes.

Although cotton seed oil is not very common in Russia and the CIS countries, it can already be found in some supermarkets. If you use it little by little and do not abuse it, then you will only benefit from this product - you will replenish the supply of substances and acids necessary for the body, you will look fresher and younger.

There are several types of vegetable oil: sunflower, corn, olive, cottonseed and others. Cottonseed oil is made by processing cotton seeds. This plant belongs to the Malvaceae family. Oil made from cottonseed can vary in color. Color varies from dark to light. It depends on how the oil was purified and whether there was additional processing. Unrefined cottonseed oil is used to make drying oil. Refined oil is used for culinary purposes. It is even used to make margarine and added to salads as a dressing. What beneficial properties does cottonseed oil have?

Benefits of cottonseed oil:

The chemical composition of cottonseed oil contains tocopherols, phytosterols, as well as palmitic, oleic, stearic, arachidonic and linoleic acid. But the oil may also contain other components. It all depends on the type of plant from which the oil is made. Due to the content of these substances in it, it is also used for medicinal purposes. Cottonseed oil prevents the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. This happens due to the fact that this product has the ability to reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the intestinal walls. The advantages of oil include the fact that its consumption leads to strengthening and increasing immunity. It also has a wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect. It can also be used as a medicine for the treatment of diabetes, allergic and dermatological diseases. The beneficial substances this product contains are involved in the process of bone tissue formation. It can also be used to eliminate skin burns. Gossypol, which is part of the oil, prevents the spread of viruses in the blood. Cottonseed oil can be a substitute for nut oil. This is a solution for people who have an allergic reaction to nut butter. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system and calms it. A small amount of oil is recommended for those with stomach ulcers. Cottonseed oil is also used in cosmetology. It is a component that is added to masks and face creams. The oil helps relieve dry skin. Products based on it help maintain youthful skin. It also leads to the fact that the protective functions of the skin are enhanced. Cottonseed oil is also good for hair. It gives them a healthy look, shine and silkiness. Soap is made from it. Cottonseed oil is the basis of this soap. It has a positive effect on the condition of the skin of the hands.

Harm from cottonseed oil:

A contraindication to the use of oil is the presence of individual intolerance to any component included in its composition. In addition, you should pay attention to the fact that only refined oil is useful. Its excessive use for medicinal purposes can lead to disruption of the reproductive system.