What the heck is cottonseed oil? Most of us have at least a vague idea of the history that cotton has played in the history of mankind. While cotton is no longer lauded as “King Cotton,” it is still found in almost all aspects of our lives. But most of the time when you think of cotton, you probably picture your favorite T-shirt of perhaps those little fluffy white things in your medicine cabinet. Likely you don’t think of the cotton that’s in your food—but it’s there!

Here’s what’s in that itty-bitty seed

As far back as 3500 B.C., people were making use of cotton. Mostly it was used to make cloth. As the centuries unfolded, more and more uses for cotton and its seeds were found. One of the uses found for cottonseed was cooking; the oil extracted from the seed was found to have several health benefits.

Cottonseed oil is considered a member of the vegetable oil category and is used in kitchens all over the world. It is a popular cooking oil used for multiple dishes, from dressing for salads to deep-frying food items. The many benefits of using cottonseed oil are well documented and can easily be found with a simple Internet search. We’re listing some of the benefits here:

1. Antioxidants: Cottonseed oil contains high amounts of antioxidants, which are naturally occurring substances that may help prevent or delay various types of cell damage. Antioxidants are considered essential for overall good health.

2. Vitamin E: Cottonseed oil is rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from damage and helps keep the immune system strong. It is important in the formation of red blood cells.

3. Low in cholesterol: Because it is low in cholesterol, cottonseed oil is a great choice if you’re trying to lower your cholesterol levels.

4. Enhances flavor: Using cottonseed oil for deep-frying has been shown to bring out the flavor of fresh foods instead of suppressing them like other oils may do.

5. Better for baking: Cottonseed oil is considered an excellent oil for use in baking because it is not as heavy as some other oils. So if you’re cooking light, this could be the oil for you.

6. Confectioneries: Cottonseed oil is processed for a vast range of applications. It is used in the manufacture of foods. It is used frequently as a substitute for cocoa butter in sweets.

7. Oil Rotation: As part of a healthy diet, cottonseed oil can be used in rotation with other healthy oils such as canola oil or groundnut oil.

8. Cosmetic use: Cottonseed oil has a light texture which makes it a great base and additive for cosmetics. It is a commonly used ingredient in creams and lotions.

9. Neutral taste: Some people do not like the taste of oils, especially oils with an overwhelming or strong flavor. Cottonseed oil is a light, neutral tasting substitute for heavier oils.

10. Potato chips: Nothing beats a fresh bag of potato chips. It is a huge industry worldwide. Cottonseed oil is the favored oil for producing potato chips because it produces full-flavored chips whose potato taste is not hidden by oily residue.

This is only a tip of the iceberg when it comes to the uses for cottonseed oil. It is used to make spreads such as margarine, mayonnaise, various sauces, salad dressings and marinades. Cottonseed oil is consistently ranked as one of the healthier oils on the market, beating out popular oils such as corn, sunflower and soybean oil.