The 32 types of oil (and what are their properties)

When we talk about oil, we refer to a substance that is made up mainly of fats and is obtained from the pressing of a specific raw material. The origin of this word comes from the Arabic (az-záyt) and has existed since ancient times. We always think that there are only edible oils, but today, we can say that there is a wide variety of these fatty liquids on the market that are not edible.

Oils are normally used in the world of gastronomy, both to prepare food and to dressings, but they are also used in the world of cosmetics and to lubricate machinery and equipment mechanical.

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Types of oil that exist and their properties

To know all the types of oils that exist, we bring below a list with the various uses that this fatty liquid has.

1. Edible oils

As the name implies, they are the types of oil that they are used for gastronomy, that is, they are kitchen accessories such as salads or for frying food.

1.1. 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 and, in the same way, for dressings and salads. Due to its high content of vitamin E, it helps prevent circulatory and heart diseases, it also prevents the formation of free radicals, which prevents premature aging.

1.2. Sunflower oil

Another of the most used oils, along with corn and olive, is preferred because it does not have a strong flavor and it is low in saturated fat, so it 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.

• We recommend you read: "Is olive oil or sunflower oil healthier?"

1.3. Olive oil

It is one of the most used oils in the culinary world thanks to its very strong flavor if it is extra virgin, although we also find virgin olive oil that 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 loss of bone mass, prevents clogging of arteries and regulates the production of pancreatic insulin.

1.4. Soy oil

It is very employed for the manufacture of margarinesIt is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, Omega-3 and 6, (they are not produced by the body) and is used for frying, baking and dressing salads. 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. For his high in unsaturated fat it is ideal for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

1.6. Almonds oil

It has a mild aroma of toasted almonds, it is used to enhance the flavor of the sauce and as a dressing in salads, although it can also be used in some desserts. It is rich in Omega-3, essential fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, for which it is recommended to maintain cholesterol levels and helps the digestive system stay healthy.

1.7. Linseed oil

Its use is exclusive as a dressing or as a direct addition to salads, it is not suitable for frying. It is ideal to be consumed by 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 usual in Asian gastronomyIt has a sweet taste and a buttery appearance due to the high amounts of saturated fatty acids. It is used to make baked goods, stir-fry and as a base for sauces and soups.

1.9. Walnut oil

It has a very mild flavor, which is why it is used in dressings, bakes vegetables and cooks meats, enhances the flavor of desserts. It is high in 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 cuisine for stir-frying and sautéing, in the same way it is used to marinate and season rice, noodles and salads. It has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids which prevents the arteries from becoming clogged with fat, promoting blood circulation.

1.11. Peanut oil

It is an oil of a moderate flavor used in Asian cuisine for stir-frying, sautéing and frying, as well as to make vinaigrettes and mayonnaise. It is high in vitamin E, which helps the body deal with free radicals.

1.12. Avocado oil

Also known as avocado oil, due to its unique flavor it is used to season meats, pasta and salads. It is a great source of vitamin E, Omega 9 and 6, which is an excellent ally to strengthen the heart and thus avoid heart disease.

1.13. Argan oil

Popular and very commonly used in Berber cuisine As a substitute for olive oil, it is high in oleic, vitamin E and antioxidant polyphenols. It can be used for frying and dressing different dishes.

1.14. Oil Grape

It has a slight characteristic flavor to this fruit, which is why it is widely used to flavor salads and make vinaigrettes, it 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 manufacture of cosmetics, for skin care and also as a make-up remover base.

2.1. Tea tree essential oil

It is widely used to fight acne, heal wounds and heal fungal infections. It is used together with an aloe vera gel and is placed on the affected skin in the form of a mask, avoid exposing yourself to the sun after application.

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2.2. Rosemary essential oil

It's excellent to relieve back painIt is also recommended in case of circulatory problems and scalp discomfort.

2.3. Lemon essential oil

If your skin is oily, lemon oil is the one for you, due to its astringent, healing and disinfecting properties. Another use of this oil is that it refreshes the environment thanks to its very pleasant fragrance.

2.4. Thyme essential oil

In those cases where the person has an excess of cough, this essential oil is recommended since thyme fights various respiratory problems. In the same way, it helps improve memory and thus contribute to mental health.

2.5. Cinnamon essential oil

This essential oil has antiseptic properties for which it is used to treat acne, heal wounds and clean all the skin. It can be used as an exfoliant just by mixing it with sugar, a little olive oil and orange juice, we assure you a smooth and perfect skin.

2.6. Lavender essential oil

It is widely used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and analgesic properties to help with insomnia and stress.

2.7. Sandalwood essential oil

It is an essential oil with relaxing properties, which is why it is widely used by yoga lovers. Among its properties we can point out that it allows the strengthening of the hair and helps the skin to maintain its elasticity.

2.8. Eucalyptus essential oil

It is one of the most used in aromatherapy for its decongestant properties, which is why it is ideal to alleviate the symptoms of problems respiratory diseases such as flu, asthma, throat infections and is also used in cases of pain muscular.

2.9. Jasmine oil

It is an essential oil with a pleasant smell and with antibacterial properties, which is ideal for hair care and helping to heal wounds.

2.10. Peppermint essential oil

If you have very fragile hair, a little peppermint essential oil, will help you strengthen it, has anti-inflammatory properties and antiseptics, which reduces the inflammation caused by the presence of acne on the face and back.

2.11. Chamomile oil

It is a very used oil to massage at belly level On the days that it does, the pains of menstruation appear as it has a muscle relaxant effect.

2.12. Frankincense essential oil

Incense is not only used in churches as incense, but also as an ingredient for elaborate an essential oil with healing, antiseptic and reducing properties, that is why it is very recommendable 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 like that, the essential oil of cloves is a great ally to combat fatigue, strengthen hair and ward off annoying mosquitoesIt has healing and antiseptic properties.

2.14. Orange oil

It can be used to massage as helps to release stress and it is an excellent tool to combat horrible stretch marks.

3. Lubricant oils

This type of oils are used for the maintenance of machinery and industrial tools. They have a mineral origin since they are extracted from oil, but they can also come from a plant and animal origin, which have a greater lubricating power, but oxidize faster, causing damage to the surface where they are apply.

3.1. Mineral oils

They are those that are obtained from 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 linen in the case of vegetable oils. Oils of animal origin come from glycerin, ox hooves and bacon. They are very efficient as lubricants.

3.3. Compound oils

They are those oils that are made with petroleum products and with elements of either animal or vegetable origin. Mix inorganic and organic origin.

3.4. Synthetic oils

They are those lubricating oils that are obtained through chemical processes and precisely for this reason they are usually very expensive in the market. They are more used for the maintenance of large and high-performance machinery or to guarantee the durability of classic engines.