When we speak of oil, we refer to a substance that consists mainly of fats and is obtained from the pressing of a specific raw material.. The origin of this word comes from Arabic (az-záyt) and has existed since ancient times. We always think that only edible oils exist, but nowadays, we can affirm that in the market there is a great variety of these fatty liquids that are not edible.
Oils are normally used in the world of gastronomy, both to prepare food and for dressings, but they are also used in the world of cosmetics and to lubricate machinery and mechanical equipment.
Types of oil and their properties
In order to know all the types of oils that exist, here is a list of the different uses of this fatty liquid.
1. Edible oils
As its name indicates, these are the types of oil that are used for gastronomy. are used for gastronomyThey are used in cooking, that is to say, they are kitchen complements such as salads or for frying food.
Corn oil
This is one of the most traditional in the kitchen. It has a very mild flavor, which is why it is widely used in the world of confectionery. very much used in the world of confectionery and, likewise, for and, likewise, for dressings and salads. Because of its high vitamin E content, it helps prevent circulatory and heart diseases, and also prevents the formation of free radicals, which prevents premature aging.
1.2. Sunflower oil
Another of the most commonly used oils, together with corn and olive oil, it is preferred because it does not have a strong flavor and is low in saturated fat. is low in saturated fatIt is very useful for frying, sautéing, as a dressing and in some desserts. It contains large amounts of choline and phenolic acid which is excellent for protecting the heart. It is a great antioxidant due to the presence of vitamin E.
1.3. Olive oil
It is one of the most used oils in the culinary world thanks to its very strong flavor in case of being extra virgin, although we also find virgin olive oil which is more refined. It is used to enhance the flavor of food, as well as to marinate any type of meat and salads.
Helps keep bad cholesterol at low levels, prevents osteoporosis, prevents bone loss, prevents clogged arteries and regulates pancreatic insulin production.It prevents osteoporosis, avoids the loss of bone mass, avoids the obstruction of arteries and regulates the production of pancreatic insulin.
1.4. Soybean oil
It is widely used for the manufacture of margarinesIt is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, Omega-3 and 6, (not produced by the organism) and is used for frying, baking and salad dressing. Its consumption prevents heart problems, diabetes and some types of cancer.
1.5. Canola oil
It is a very versatile oil because it has a neutral flavor, a very light texture and great resistance to heat, it is excellent for marinating, sautéing, dressing and frying. Because of its high content of unsaturated fats it is ideal for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
1.6. Almond oil
It has a mild aroma of toasted almonds, is used to enhance the flavor of the sauce and as a salad dressing, although it can also be used in some desserts. It is rich in Omega-3, essential fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, which is why it is recommended to maintain cholesterol levels and helps the digestive system to stay healthy.
1.7. Flaxseed oil
Its use is exclusively as a dressing or as a direct addition to salads, it is not suitable for frying. It is ideal for vegans as it is rich in essential oils, Omega-3, oleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid.
1.8. Coconut oil
This type of oil is very very common in Asian gastronomyIt has a sweet taste and a buttery appearance due to the high amounts of saturated fatty acids. It is used for baking, sautéing and as a base for sauces and soups.
1.9. Walnut oil
It has a very mild flavorIt is used in dressings, baking vegetables and cooking meats, it enhances the flavor of desserts. It has a high content of Omega-3, zinc, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin E and C, it also has antioxidants, phytonutrients and antibacterial and antiviral properties.
1.10. Sesame oil
Another of the most popular oils in oriental cooking for sautéing and stir-frying.It is also used for marinating and seasoning rice, noodles and salads. It has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, which prevents the arteries from clogging with fat, favoring blood circulation.
1.11. Peanut oil
It is an oil of moderate flavor used in Asian cuisine for sautéing, stir-frying and frying, as well as for making vinaigrettes and mayonnaise. and frying, as well as for making vinaigrettes and mayonnaise.. It is high in vitamin E, which helps the body to fight free radicals.
1.12. Avocado oil
Also known as avocado oil, due to its unique flavor it is used to season meats, pastas and salads. to season meats, pastas and salads.. It is a great source of vitamin E, Omega 9 and 6, which is an excellent ally to strengthen the heart and prevent heart disease.
1.13. Argan oil
Popular and very commonly used in Berber cooking as a substitute for olive oil as a substitute for olive oil, it is high in oleic acid, vitamin E and antioxidant polyphenols. It can be used for frying and seasoning different dishes.
1.14. Grapeseed oil
It has a slight characteristic flavor of this fruit, which is why it is widely used for frying and dressing different dishes.It is widely used to flavor salads and make vinaigrettes, and can be used for frying as it withstands high temperatures. It has a high content of Omega 3 and 6, which helps to synthesize prostaglandins, which are substances necessary to reduce the aggregation of blood platelets and also reduces any type of inflammation.
2. Essential oils
These types of oils are commonly used in the used in the manufacture of cosmeticsThey are used for skin care and also as a base for make-up removers.
2.1. Tea tree essential oil
It is widely used to combat acne, heal wounds and cure fungal infections.. It is used together with aloe vera gel and placed on the affected skin as a mask, avoid sun exposure after application.
Rosemary essential oil
It is excellent to relieve back painIt is also recommended in case of circulatory problems and scalp discomfort.
Lemon essential oil
If your skin is oily, lemon oil is the one for you, due to its astringent for you, due to its astringent, healing and disinfectant properties. Another use of this oil is that it refreshes the environment thanks to its very pleasant fragrance.
Thyme essential oil
In those cases where the person has an excess of cough, this essential oil is recommended because thyme fights various respiratory problems. Likewise, it helps to improve memory and thus contribute to mental health.
2.5. Cinnamon essential oil
This essential oil has antiseptic properties which is why it is used to treat acne, heal wounds and cleanse the entire skin. It can be used as an exfoliating scrub just by mixing it with sugar, a little olive oil and orange juice, we assure you a smooth and perfect skin.
Lavender essential oil
It is widely used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and analgesic properties. to help in cases of insomnia and stress..
2.7. Sandalwood essential oil
It is an essential oil with relaxing propertiesIt is an essential oil with relaxing properties, so it is widely used by yoga lovers. Among its properties we can point out that it strengthens the hair and helps the skin to maintain its elasticity.
2.8. Eucalyptus essential oil
It is one of the most used in aromatherapy due to its decongestant for its decongestant properties, making it ideal for relieving the symptoms of respiratory problems such as flu, asthma, throat infections and is also used in cases of muscle aches.
2.9. Jasmine oil
It is an essential oil with a pleasant smell and with antibacterial propertiesIt has antibacterial properties, which is ideal for hair care and to help heal wounds.
2.10. Peppermint essential oil
If you have very fragile hairIt has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which helps reduce inflammation caused by the presence of acne on the face and back.
2.11. Chamomile oil
It is an oil widely used to give massages at the level of the belly on the days when menstrual pains appear, as it has a muscle relaxant effect.
2.12. Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense is not only used in churches as an incense burner, but also as an ingredient to elaborate an essential oil with healing, antiseptic and reductive properties. to counteract the effects of acne, reduce stretch marks and cleanse the scalp..
2.13. Clove essential oil
You may think that only cloves are for culinary use, but it is not so, the essential oil of cloves is a great ally to combat fatigue, strengthen the scalp, and to reduce the effects of acne. to combat fatigue, strengthen the hair and scare away annoying mosquitoes.It has healing and antiseptic properties.
2.14. Orange oil
It can be used for massage as it helps to release stress and it is an excellent tool to fight horrible stretch marks.
3. Lubricating oils
This type of oil are used for the maintenance of industrial machinery and tools.. They have a mineral origin since they are extracted from petroleum, but can also come from vegetable and animal origin, which have a higher lubricating power, but oxidize faster, causing damage to the surface where they are applied.
Mineral oils
Mineral oils are those obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum. They are highly polluting but their use is quite common.
3.2. Vegetable and animal oils
They are obtained from cotton, olive and linseed in the case of vegetable oils. Animal oils are obtained from glycerin, ox hooves and bacon. They are very efficient as lubricants..
3.3. Compound oils
These oils are made with petroleum products and elements of either animal or vegetable origin. They mix inorganic and organic origin..
Synthetic oils
These are lubricating oils that are obtained through are obtained through chemical processes and for this reason they are usually very expensive in the market. They are most commonly used for the maintenance of large, high-performance machinery or to guarantee the durability of classic engines.