Composition and Nutritional Value of Cottonseed Oil

A large percentage of the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in cottonseed oil is linoleic acid. When it is compared to other oils and fats that are commonly used, the saturated fatty acid that it contains is midlevel; it is this that makes it more stable than other oils that are used in cooking.

Although it is very well-saturated, it still does not equal some of the hard fats that are available. To make them stable, a number of vegetable oils are required to be hydrogenated and while they are going through the process, trans fats develop. Due to its natural stability, cottonseed oil does not contain trans fats.

The contents of cottonseed oil are as follows:

• Linoleic acid: 49 per cent to 58 per cent.
• Oleic acid: 15 per cent to 20 per cent.
• Palmitic acid: 22 per cent to 26 per cent.
• Behenic acid and lignoceric acid/Arachidic acid: 10 per cent.

Cottonseed oil is rich in tocopherols which are an excellent source of Vitamin E and are natural antioxidants, making them beneficial for our health. As mentioned earlier, they help us in fighting free-radicals. With three times the amount of unsaturated fatty acids as saturated ones, many health experts all over the world claim that this oil is a healthy one. It suits the diets we follow in this modern age.

Cottonseed Oil Nutrition Chart:

There is still a lot of debate about whether cottonseed oil is as healthy as many people claim. The use of chemicals in cotton plantations has raised many concerns about the safety of using cottonseed oil. However, in today’s market, organic cottonseed is also available, making it easy for people who prefer it over other oils to use in their kitchens. So what are you waiting for? Go, get a can of cotton seed oil and use it in your cooking. You are sure to love the flavour it imparts to your dishes!