Cottonseed Oil

Definition

A commonly used vegetable oil that’s derived from the seeds of cotton plants

Also Known As

Cottonseed

Health Impact

Research published in the Scientific World Journal indicates that consuming high concentrations of gossypol in cottonseed oil can lead to gossypol poisoning, which can cause respiratory distress, weakness, apathy and impaired body weight gain. Abundant in omega 6 fatty acids, throwing off our bodies healthy balance of omega 3 to 6 and leading to chronic inflammation. Vegetable oils contain unsaturated fats that oxidize when exposed to heat, triggering inflammation in the body. Cotton is not classified as a food crop, and is therefore often grown with high levels of pesticides. Conventional (non-organic) cottonseed oils should be avoided for this reason. Cottonseed oil that is not labeled as organic or non-GMO is likely sourced from GMO or bioengineered soybeans. Check for the warning "Contains a bioengineered ingredient" in the ingredients list to confirm.

Sources

• Gossypol Toxicity from Cottonseed Products

  The Scientific World Journal

• An Increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Increases the Risk for Obesity

  Pub Med

• Healthy intakes of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids: estimations considering worldwide diversity

  Pub Med

• Health implications of high dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated Fatty acids

  Pub Med