Nutrients, Calories, Benefits of Cottonseed Oil

The oil obtained from cotton seeds probably sounds exotic, but in Central Asia the product is as popular as sunflower oil in our latitudes. The largest consumer and producer of fat is the United States, where it is after people's favorites, along with peanut butter.

The product is used in the food and chemical industries, in cosmetics. Cold pressing is usually used to obtain it. In the raw state it has a strong odor, which is due to the high content of non-glyceride ingredients, giving it a characteristic dark red-brown hue. After refining, the oil lightens and loses its odor. It is refined that is used in cooking. It is used to season fruit and vegetable salads, pastries, pilaf with various types of meat and other dishes.

Useful properties

The chemical composition of cottonseed oil includes vitamins B, E and PP, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which are a major source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 for the body. The product is also rich in tocopherols.

It is an excellent antioxidant, prevents aging, has a beneficial effect on the elasticity of blood vessels and heart function. The fatty acids in the composition are characterized by anti-inflammatory and antihysatminic properties, strengthen immunity. In addition, they help to quickly heal wounds and eliminate inflammation, fight diabetes, dermatitis, allergies, perfectly cope with burns.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, protects against premature aging, strengthens the body's defenses, provides a positive mood and healthy nerves.

Phytosterols, which are very rich in oil, help lower cholesterol, dissolve cholesterol plaques, reduce the risk of developing myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. They have the ability to reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the intestines, so less deposits accumulate on the walls of blood vessels.

The unsaturated fatty acids contained in cottonseed oil refer to fat-soluble vitamin-like substances, which are called vitamin F. They have pronounced antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects, restore immunity, and show wound healing properties. Together with vitamin D, they help to better absorb calcium and phosphorus, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the skeletal system. Vitamin F is indicated in diabetes, autoimmune and allergic inflammatory diseases, dermatoses and eczema.

Cottonseed oil is suitable for all skin, including children's skin, restores full cellular metabolism, helping to heal all kinds of bites, abrasions, cuts, perfectly nourishes, removes pimples.

Uncontrolled intake of pure oil is not safe because an overdose could lead to health problems.

Use in cosmetics

Cottonseed oil:

• wonderfully moisturizes and nourishes the skin, removes irritation, flaking, while absorbing immediately;
• used as a basis for homemade balms, creams and masks;
• in its pure form it is applied to many skin problems, dry skin, improves its structure, gives more elasticity;
• in combination with olive oil and other base oils, the product smoothes wrinkles, helps to heal cracks, removes dryness and nourishes the skin with useful vitamins;
• increases skin protection, strengthens it; helps when it is roughened by wind and cold;
• copes well with the transport of other useful substances, such as essential oils;
• it is quickly absorbed by the skin, so all the active ingredients quickly fall into its deep layers;
• nourishes, softens and strengthens the hair, affects the well-torn ends of the hair, removes excess oil and restores shine, removes dryness and inflammation of the scalp;

Cottonseed oil is not used in its pure form, but is added to ready-made shampoos, conditioners, masks, the amount of which should not be more than 5% of the total volume of the selected product. It can also be mixed with other base oils (peach, olive or coconut) in a ratio of 1:10.

Harm and contraindications

• Use refined cottonseed oil, with careful use.
• Do not use in case of individual intolerance to the product. Does not cause allergies.
• Unrefined fat is not recommended for addition to food due to the presence of gossypol in the composition - a pigment that is due to the specific brown color of crude oil. The substance is able to inhibit spermatogenesis and often leads to reproductive disorders. It also blocks the activity of enzymes involved in metabolism.