Cottonseed oil
Cottonseed oil
Cottonseed oil (/ˈkɒtənsiːd ɔɪl/) is a cooking oil extracted from the seeds of cotton plants of various species, mainly Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium herbaceum, that are grown for cotton fiber, animal feed, and oil.
Etymology
The term "cottonseed oil" is derived from its source, the seeds of the cotton plant. The word "cotton" comes from the Arabic qutun or kutun, while "seed" is from the Old English sǣd and "oil" from the Old English olie.
Extraction and refining
Cottonseed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant after the cotton lint has been removed. It must be refined to remove gossypol, a naturally occurring toxin that protects the cotton plant from insect damage. Therefore, unrefined cottonseed oil is sometimes used as a pesticide.
Uses
Cottonseed oil is used for salad oil, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and similar products because of its flavor stability. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for deep frying and baking.
Health effects
While cottonseed oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is also high in saturated fats, which can contribute to heart disease. It is also a source of tocopherols, which have antioxidant properties.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cottonseed oil
- Wikipedia's article - Cottonseed oil
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