My Third Blog “I bet you didn’t know you feed on Cottonseed”

My Third Blog “I bet you didn’t know you feed on Cottonseed” – Cottonseed oil, since when do we eat cotton?  – this blog will explain how I learned my kids were allergic to cottonseed and when I asked the allergist, what it was, she indicated not to worry about it, it wasn’t in foods.  After doing a little research of my own I realized just how WRONG she was.  What I learned will shock you!!

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Both my children have food allergies, many food allergies!  One of their food allergies is “Cottonseed!”  When I asked the allergist what this was she indicated I wouldn’t have to worry about it, it wasn’t in foods.  I was relieved!  I came home and did a little research on the internet to learn more about it and I was astonished at I learned and realized just how much the allergist didn’t know about it.

More than 80% of cotton grown is genetically modified. Genetically modified crops contain (Bt) Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a toxin in a soil bacterium that has been used as a pesticide spray for many years.  Cotton crops are not regulated as a food crop since it is not considered a food (we wear it we don’t eat it), therefore, more toxic chemicals and pesticides can be used to increase farmers yield.  When cotton is reaped, the cotton and the cottonseed are separated.  Many many moons ago the cottonseed was considered waste and had no value.  Until one day when someone got the bright idea to extract the oil from the cottonseed.   Cottonseed oil was born!

Cottonseed oil was found to extend the shelf life of food, decreasing spoilage!  It was cheap to manufacturer and widely available.  Food manufacturers found a way to extend the life of their product and make it cheaper – which increased profits!  Why not, right?  Wrong!  Little did they realize cottonseed oil has been linked to various health concerns, including allergies, immune system impairment, bleeding and inflammation.

Cottonseed has a very similar protein structure as a peanut!  Oddly enough my kids are allergic to peanuts as well, so that all made sense!  The FDA currently does not require allergy labeling for Cottonseed oil used in foods, which can be a serious health concern to many.  Including my kids! As I have to read every word on the label to ensure it doesn’t contain this oil.

Here is a list of products that I have found contain cottonseed oil:

Peanut butter (combined with cottonseed oil is a double whammy for kids with Peanut allergies), Boxed Cereals, Breakfast pastries, Snack cakes, Crackers, Chips, Cookies, Packaged Breads, Salad, Oils, Mayonnaise, Dressings, Marinades, Margarine, Frozen French fries, Other fake fats like shortening and artificial butter products,  Many other processed foods,     

 Cottonseed oil contains over 50% Omega-6 fatty acids; could this be a cause of the United States obesity problem?  If you wonder why you are seeing more and more organic and non-GMO foods hitting the shelf – because we are getting smart and asking questions and demanding better foods.  We wear cotton – we don’t eat it!  Look out America, if you are counting on your government to protect you from FOOD poison, you will be counting a while!  It’s time we take our health into our own hands!  Read the label before you buy any food product – you may now think twice before purchasing food with Cottonseed oil in it!  If you need more information to convince you, google it!

“In order to be as healthy as you can be, educating yourself is the key”