Sunflower Oil Cottonseed Oil

Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant. Cottonseed oil is extracted from the seeds of cotton plants. Both are common vegetable oils used in food production.

These oils are used as cooking oils and as ingredients in processed foods. They provide fat and texture, and can help carry flavors. They are commonly found in snacks, baked goods, and salad dressings.

Sunflower oil and cottonseed oil are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are primarily sources of unsaturated fats. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified some processed vegetable oils as potentially containing trans fats, depending on the processing method, but modern refining methods aim to minimize these. Evidence on the health effects of consuming these oils at typical dietary levels is mixed, with some studies suggesting benefits from unsaturated fats and others raising concerns about highly processed oils.