Although cottonseed oil is less well-known in this country than other cooking oils such as olive oil or sunflower oil, consumption can have many health benefits. The oil also lowers cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In a recent systematic review, experts from Penn State University (USA) examined the effects of cottonseed oil on markers of lipid metabolism. The effect of intake on lipid and lipoprotein was also assessed. The results can be read in the journal “Nutrition Reviews”.
What is Cottonseed Oil?
Cottonseed oil is an edible oil obtained as a byproduct of cotton production. The oil is particularly popular in the USA and is one of the most commonly used cooking oils there.
Cottonseed oil is also considered to be extremely healthy, which is due to the ingredients. According to the researchers, this cooking oil contains, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) – and even in higher quantities than in many other vegetable oils.
To evaluate the effects on fat metabolism, the researchers focused on existing randomized controlled studies on the consumption of cottonseed oil.
Effects on lipid/lipoprotein metabolism
The team reports that the studies show that cottonseed oil has stronger positive effects on lipid/lipoprotein metabolism compared to olive oil. The positive effects are far stronger than expected based on the fatty acid profile of cottonseed oil.
Lowers cholesterol
In one of the evaluated studies, which lasted a total of 56 days, cottonseed oil, for example, significantly reduced total cholesterol and also LDL cholesterol, which is often described as unhealthy.
Although the significance of the available studies remains limited, the high-quality research results indicate that cottonseed oil significantly improves lipid/lipoprotein levels compared to olive oil, the researchers report.
Cottonseed oil protects the heart
Another independent study has already found that the polyunsaturated fats in cottonseed oil produce significant improvements in blood lipid levels and blood sugar levels in adults suffering from lipid metabolism disorders.
Cottonseed oil and the polyunsaturated fats it contains can help reduce high levels of unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the researchers report.
Taken together, the results make it clear that cottonseed oil as part of a healthy diet can help improve cholesterol levels and protect the cardiovascular system. (as)
