How Cottonseed Oil Can Lower Cholesterol

In the past, cottonseed oil (CSO) has been shown to lower cholesterol in animal studies, but it is only recently that research into the effects of this widely used oil is showing benefits for people, in particular women, as well. A recent study conducted at the Texas Women’s University found that women who included CSO daily in their diets reduced their LDL cholesterol and their overall total cholesterol levels to a statistically significant degree. Additionally, there was no decrease in their HDL cholesterol.

This study evaluated 38 healthy adults, 12 men and 26 women participants. They were asked to consume a diet rich in CSO for one week. Both a breakfast and a lunch high in CSO were provided to the participants. Dinner and snacks were of their own choosing. Lab test analyses were completed both pre- and post-CSO consumption and showed that women reduced their total cholesterol from 4.39 to 4.16 and their LDL cholesterol from 2.63 to 2.40. The male participants also showed a reduction, but the numbers did not reach the same statistical significance.

At present, researchers don’t have a definitive answer for these findings. They hypothesized that the interaction of CSO with other lipids is more complex than originally thought. The findings were particularly surprising, because the participants actually consumed more fat than usual. Much more study is needed in order to understand these beneficial effects; however, it seems clear that this oil is a valuable part of a healthy diet.

Great news! Women can reduce their LDL cholesterol by consuming healthy cottonseed oil.