Cottonseed

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Cottonseed is the seed of the cotton plant. It is a byproduct of the cotton industry and is used in a variety of products, including cottonseed oil, cottonseed meal, and cottonseed hulls.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Cottonseed is produced by the cotton plant, which is grown primarily for its fiber. The seed is left over after the cotton is harvested and ginned. Despite being a byproduct, cottonseed has many uses. It is a valuable source of oil, which is used in cooking and in the production of many food products. The meal and hulls are used as animal feed, and the seed itself can be planted to grow more cotton.

Cottonseed Oil[edit | edit source]

Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant. It is used in a variety of food products, including salad dressings, mayonnaise, and frying oils. Cottonseed oil is also used in the production of margarine and shortening.

Cottonseed Meal[edit | edit source]

Cottonseed meal is a high-protein animal feed that is made from the leftover material after the oil has been extracted from the cottonseed. It is used primarily as a feed for cattle, but can also be used for other livestock.

Cottonseed Hulls[edit | edit source]

Cottonseed hulls are the outer coverings of the cottonseed. They are a byproduct of the process of extracting the oil from the cottonseed. Cottonseed hulls are used as a roughage source for cattle and are also used in the production of mushroom compost.

Health Concerns[edit | edit source]

There are some health concerns associated with cottonseed. The oil is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease. Additionally, cotton is often treated with pesticides, which can remain in the seed and potentially contaminate the oil.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Cottonseed Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD