Is Cottonseed Oil Bad For You?
Short answer
Cottonseed oil is one of the worst edible oils you can use. It really is worth it to spend the extra couple bucks and get a better quality oil. As far as nutrition is concerned, cottonseed oil is little better than lard.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Cottonseed oil is cheaply produced for mass production. Unfortunately, like many cheap things produced en masse, cottonseed oil is incredibly bad for your health. First, the nutritional information - fat. That's it. Cottonseed oil is 100% fat, with a good sized portion of its fat content coming from saturated fatty acids. While it does so at lower levels than lard, cottonseed oil can raise cholesterol levels quite a bit.
Furthermore, people with allergies to cotton or hibiscus plants may suffer a negative reaction as a result of cottonseed oil. Due to the fact that cotton is not considered a food and thus is not regulated as heavily, farmers spray a wide array of pesticides on the cotton, making it one of the most heavily contaminated crops in the United States. Cottonseed oil may even contain DDT, a particular pesticide that has been linked to negative liver changes.
Cottonseed oil has also been used as a substitute for olive oil, often being mixed with the real thing to increase volume at a lower cost. When looking for a cooking oil that will not take a toll on your health, steer clear of cottonseed oil.
Possible short-term side effects
- increased cholesterol levels
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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cardiovascular disease
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various forms of cancer
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unwanted liver changes
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Organic Canola Oil
- Expeller-pressed extraction
- Non-GMO canola seeds
- Pesticide and chemical free
- High heat stable
- Neutral flavor profile
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-08-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-08-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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