Features, varieties and uses of oils
If earlier people knew only a few varieties of oils created in a certain area, today you can buy your favorite product at any time, made from various ingredients. Some of the oils are made in our country, and some only abroad. It all depends on the basis from which the final product is made. We will talk about the variety of vegetable oils in our article.
What it is?
The word "oil" refers to a number of chemicals that cannot be dissolved in water. In practice, this product can be divided into 3 categories.
- Essential oils that bring many benefits to any person and are used more in cosmetology. They can be made from fruits or herbs infused with vegetable oils. But some of them are made either from the fruits themselves, or from the seeds, or squeezed directly from the seeds. The result should be a fragrant oil.
- Mineral oils, which are considered to be recycled petroleum material. They are used in the automotive industry. Almost all such oils will be much lighter than water, which means they have the properties to be on the surface of the water. Therefore, very often they are the culprits of various environmental pollution. However, these products are also impossible to do without.
- Oils, which are considered fats and are used most often in cooking. They are also obtained by pressing seeds or fruits.
Most of them are liquid, however, among them there are several types of oils "in a hard shell". For example, butter or coconut.
Kinds
If we talk about food vegetable or essential oils, then there are a large number of them. Today, such a substance can be obtained from almost any culture. It can be cold pressed or hot pressed. A variety of species allows you to significantly expand the horizons for many culinary specialists, as well as some species to use in the cosmetic industry. It is worth taking a closer look at these oils in order to know what each of them is intended for.
vegetable
This product is the most popular among consumers around the world. After all, it contains a large number of useful substances that are necessary for the human body. Even in the old days, sunflower oil was eaten every day. However, it has become even more common due to the fact that the church recognized it as a product that is suitable for food on fasting days. Approve the product and all nutritionists.
This is due to the fact that it contains a lot of fatty acids, which are able to regulate many important processes in the restoration of the body. For example, they help in the fight against vascular diseases, and are also very useful in the fight against atherosclerosis. In addition, vegetable oil can be used in different ways. Various fats are made from it, including margarine. It is also used for soap making and medicines are made from it.
From corn
This product is made from corn germ. Its composition is very similar to sunflower.It is light gold and has no smell. On the shelves of modern supermarkets, already refined oil is most often found, which contains 48 percent linoleic acid. It also contains vitamin E. Thanks to these substances, this product helps the body resist various infections, and also helps to eliminate cholesterol. This oil is often used to make mayonnaise or to dress salads.
You can also fry different foods in corn oil. Very often such a product is used to stew meat, fish and various vegetables.
olive
It is obtained by pressing the soft part of the olives. The substance has an expressive color: yellow with a green tint. It also has a rich aroma. It contains many acids, as well as vitamin E. Olive oil is common in many European countries, where almost everyone is trying to replace animal fats with vegetable ones. The oil that is obtained as a result of cold pressing is in great demand. Many use it to prepare dietary salads.
However, you need to know that you need to cook in such oil, without exceeding a temperature of 175 degrees.
sea buckthorn
In the manufacture of this oil, non-traditional technologies are used, so it contains a lot of carotenoids. This allows you to protect the body from various infections. It has a bright orange color and an unusual smell. Some people use this substance for diseases of the stomach, as well as the duodenum.
Walnut
This product belongs to aromatic oils. However, it is often used in cooking, only in small quantities. For example, nut butter would be a great addition to sauces or salads.Such oils are not suitable for frying, they are added to already cooked dishes. In addition to the fact that the liquids have a pleasant taste, they are quite useful for human health. They contain a lot of fats, which help to remove cholesterol. It is worth considering in a little more detail all the varieties of oils made from nuts.
- Almond oil most often used for cold gas stations. After all, at high temperatures, its aroma is lost.
- The product that is obtained as a result of pressing a peanut is peanut butter. It can be either refined or unrefined. The first will have a yellow color, and the second - a reddish brown tint. Very often the product is used for making salads or for stewing. They can be seasoned with fish or simply added to ice cream.
- The most expensive product is made from walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans. The oil has a very delicate aroma. Therefore, many use it to add to various salads. It is especially delicious when mixed with an olive variant.
- natural pistachio oil quite thick in texture. It tastes good and also has a wonderful aroma. You can recognize the product by its rich green color. It goes well with various salads, and it is also often used just to eat with fragrant bread.
Nut oils are most often sold in dark bottles that need to be stored in the refrigerator or any cool place. After all, they have the ability to quickly deteriorate.
mustard
This oil is made by pressing mustard seeds. This product has a yellow color, as well as a rather specific taste.This severely limits its application. However, many culinary specialists note its naturalness, which helps to emphasize the taste qualities of the prepared dishes. In addition, such a product can also be used as an antibacterial agent. To some extent, it can also serve as a medicine.
Sesame
This product is obtained from sesame seeds. It is practically odorless and tastes very good. There are almost no vitamins in it, but quite a lot of acids. Most often, sesame oil is used in cooking. However, it is also possible to use this product in the canning industry. For example, light oil can be used to make salads, but dark oil can be used to fry meat or cook rice.
Linen
It is made from flax seeds. It refers to those oils that dry out fairly quickly. Such a product is often used for the production of varnishes, as well as paints. In addition, it can often be found in pharmacies and on the shelves of grocery stores. According to experts, linseed oil ranks first among vegetable oils in terms of its composition. After all, it contains such an acid as omega-3.
However, you need to be aware that such a product deteriorates quickly enough, therefore it is better to store everything in a cold place. Flaxseed oil can be added to various dishes, such as boiled potatoes. It can also be used as an excellent laxative. 1 teaspoon will be enough.
Wheat germ oil
This product is practically solid vitamins. It can be used to prepare vitamin salads, especially in winter, when they are so necessary for an exhausted human body. This salad can be prepared several times a week.However, it is not recommended to give it to children.
Pumpkin
This oil is obtained from pumpkin seeds. It contains a large number of useful substances. It is often added to fish dishes, soups, or pastries.
Propolis
This tool is made on the basis of pure propolis, as well as oil, which can be of both animal and vegetable origin. This product is used for various diseases. He is very good because practically non-addictive. In addition, propolis has no side effects. It is best to store this oil in the refrigerator.
Krill oil
This mollusk looks a bit like a small shrimp and serves as food for large ocean animals. More recently, people have begun to use it. Thanks to new technologies, oil is made from krill, which is very useful for humans. It is rich in omega-3, as well as various vitamins, in addition, the daily norm of iodine is placed in 1 teaspoon of the product. This tool is suitable for the prevention of various diseases. It is especially useful in cardiovascular diseases. It is also used to relieve inflammation in joint pain.
Resin oil
You can cook it on the basis of resin from cedar. This tool is used most often in medicine or in cosmetology. In pharmacies, you can also buy essential oil of resin. Very rarely used in cooking.
Palm
This oil can be obtained from palm fruits. It belongs to the category of solid, has a bright orange color. In many eastern countries, it is used to cook food on it. Margarines and oils are often made from it. Almost the majority of the entire food industry now uses palm oil.
However, it is also used in other areas of production, for example, for the preparation of soap and candles.
Borage seed oil
This oil is made from borage. It is also called borage or borage. This name was given to him because his taste and smell is very similar to cucumber. The plant is often used in folk medicine. Based on it, tinctures and oils are made. The tool is quite effective, because it contains many substances necessary for a person. These are omega-3, and various fatty acids, and many other elements. It is often used in folk medicine. It is a component of many medicines that help many people monitor their health.
Rapeseed
If we talk about the balance of this product, then it contains both fats and acids. But such a product contains a large amount of erucic acid, which makes it necessary to refine it. Many people use rapeseed oil in light industry. When it passes the refining stage, it can be used to make margarines.
However, this oil also has a drawback, it spoils too quickly. Therefore, it must be stored in the refrigerator or bought in small quantities.
soybean
This product is made from the beans of this plant. The color of the oil is yellow, but its smell and taste are a bit like beans. Its composition is similar to that of fish oil. It also helps to remove cholesterol from the human body. Apply it in almost the same way as sunflower oil. Some use it to make margarine.
Cotton
This oil is quite popular in the countries of Central Asia. It can be obtained from cotton seeds.It is a liquid that has a reddish color and a very bitter taste. However, if the oil is refined, then its color will be light yellow. In addition, it can be used in the food industry. But the unrefined contains gossypol. Therefore, it is more used in the chemical industry, for example, to create drying oils.
Rice bran oil
Cooks use this oil for various purposes. Many restaurants in Japan prepare dishes with bran oil. It can be french fries, and chicken meat. In addition, many seafood are prepared with this oil. It is quite resistant to high temperatures, as it contains fats and various acids.
truffle
This type of oil is obtained by infusing truffles in one of the vegetable oils. For this, both olive and grape oil are suitable. There are two kinds. One is made from black truffles and the other from white. The first has a stronger flavor. The product can also be used in cooking. However, only a few drops need to be added. It is not worth frying on it, as it is expensive.
It is better after cooking to add a few drops of oil to the finished product.
Cedar
This oil is made from the seeds of the cedar tree. It contains a large number of different useful substances, so it is used most often in medicine. It combines almost all the substances found in many vegetable oils. For example, it contains almost 5 times more vitamin E than olive oil. The product is used to improve the skin, as well as hair. Many use it as a prophylactic in the fight against infectious diseases.
If you use cedar oil daily, you can forever say goodbye to diseases such as cystitis or arthritis.
Caraway
This oil is made by cold pressing the seeds of this plant. After this procedure, it acquires a greenish tint. Its taste is tart. The tool is quite common in eastern countries. It has a very spicy aroma. It contains a large amount of vitamins, as well as fats and various acids, including omega-6. Such a product helps to improve the functioning of the digestive system, and also has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart.
Benefit
Almost every oil listed is used by humans and benefits the body. But you need to clearly know why they are all needed.
vegetable
Some of them contain not only vitamins, but also unsaturated acids, which can regulate all metabolic processes in the human body. For example, the presence of acids such as omega-3 or omega-6 not only prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, but also destroys those that already exist. These substances can only be obtained through food.
Therefore, it is necessary to use not one type of oil, but different ones. After all, this will allow the body to get not only unsaturated fatty acids, but also monounsaturated ones, which help produce good cholesterol. In addition, many use such supplements for constipation. Almost every such product can give the desired effect.
Essential
These oils have many interesting properties and therefore can benefit the entire human body. They help a person cope with viruses and various bacteria.This is especially true in the case of coniferous and citrus aromatic oils.
Harm
Harm can also bring both essential oils and vegetable. But they are also harmful in rare cases.
Harm of vegetable oils
Non-compliance with the norms, as well as an excess of fatty acids sometimes leads to metabolic disorders. As a result, this can lead to diseases such as atherosclerosis or heart disease. Most acids are found in oils such as palm or coconut.
Therefore, you must be especially careful with them and do not apply without testing in advance.
Harm of essential oils
If we talk about essential oils, then in some cases they can even be very dangerous for the human body. For example, failure to comply with the guidelines written on the packaging can lead to skin burns or unexpected allergic reactions. To avoid this, it is necessary to consult a doctor before use.
You can also place a drop of oil on your wrist and wait for a skin reaction. If itching and redness does not appear, feel free to use oil for cosmetic procedures. It is not recommended to use essential oils for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Many of the oils can be harmful to the baby. In addition, do not combine them with alcohol. In some cases, it can even lead to poisoning.
What is the most useful tool?
Of course, it is quite difficult to determine which of the products is best, it depends on the purpose of the application. However, if we analyze different reviews of people, then borage oil is in the first place. First of all, it has many fatty acids. It contains linoleic acid, omega-3, and omega-6. Besides? Another ingredient is oleic acid.
Despite the fact that this oil has a rather specific smell, it is still very useful. To kill its unpleasant aroma, you can simply add a few drops of essential oil. Then the problem will be exhausted by itself. However, it absorbs quite well upon application, and also leaves no residue.
Borage oil is considered the most effective in the fight against atherosclerosis. It not only lowers the level of cholesterol in the human body, but also very quickly dissolves the plaques formed. For many, this tool helps in the fight against blood pressure. In addition, the oil helps to boost the immune system. With regular use, people feel much more energetic and cheerful. In addition, it helps to get rid of bouts of depression.
Not to mention its ability to heal wounds. Therefore, it also contributes to the fight against diseases such as stomach ulcers or gastritis. Also, borage oil is also an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, if you believe the reviews, it also helps to cope with eczema, as well as other skin diseases. Many women use it for menstrual disorders, as well as during menopause. Also, borage oil rejuvenates the skin. With regular use, the skin becomes elastic and toned. The same applies to hair. After a certain time, shine and strength return to them.
Applications
If we talk about vegetable oils, they are most often used in cooking. They are used for frying, for dressing salads, as well as for stewing meat, fish, and various vegetables. Some produce margarines or spreads. Also, such additives are used in cosmetology. The use of essential oils is quite diverse. This may include the following:
- aroma oils can be used for taking a bath, it helps not only to relax, but also to rejuvenate;
- it is also possible to do inhalations with some viral diseases;
- people suffering from joint pain can use liquid for compresses;
- essential oils are often used to create creams or lotions for both the face and body;
- to restore hair, you can add a few drops to the shampoo;
- you can also use aroma lamps;
- many use them in the process of body wraps or massages.
How to do at home?
Not every oil can be found in stores or pharmacies, for this reason many people want to make the necessary product at home. However, not everyone knows how to cook it. Therefore, this requires instructions. For example, consider how to make coffee oil. This will not be so difficult to do. To prepare it, you will need the following components:
- 200 g coconut or olive oil;
- 200 g coffee beans.
Cooking method.
- First you need to grind the grains with any coffee grinder.
- In the meantime, you need to prepare the jar, that is, sterilize it and dry it.
- Then you can fill it with coffee and pour everything with the purchased oil.
- After that, tightly close the jar with a lid and shake a little. This is necessary so that everything mixes well.
- Next, you need to put the jar in a dark place and let it brew for 1 month. However, do not forget to shake it from time to time.
- When the required time has passed, it is imperative to strain the oil through several layers of gauze.
This method is called cold. You can prepare coffee oil in another way - hot. The proportions can be left the same. And the cooking process will have some differences.Coffee and butter should be cooked in a water bath for 35 to 45 minutes. Then, when it has cooled, it is necessary to strain through cheesecloth and pour into a jar.
You can also prepare the product at home, using the herbs necessary for the treatment. For this, both dry and fresh blanks are used. If preference is given to fresh herbs, then it is better to collect them in dry weather so that they are without dew. In addition, it is necessary to collect plants in those places where no fertilizers were applied during their cultivation. After all, using plants to make oil, they cannot be washed so that everything does not deteriorate as a result.
After the herbs are collected, they must be crushed and poured into a glass jar. Then you can add any vegetable oil. When dried herbs are used, it must be heated. Fresh herbs can also be poured with a cold composition. It is poured to the very neck, so that there is no room for air at all. Otherwise, the product may be damaged.
After that, the mass must be thoroughly mixed with a wooden spoon and tightly close the jar with a lid. Then it needs to be put in a warm place where there are no temperature drops at all, for 14 days. Shake the bottle every day. After that, you need to put another 1 month. The general infusion process will take 1.5 months. Then you need to strain the finished mixture through several layers of gauze.
After learning a little more about the types of oils, as well as how they can be used, feel free to go shopping or pharmacies. If the product you need is not on sale, you can start cooking it at home. However, in both cases, it will only bring benefits if you correctly approach the choice of the desired product.
For information on the most useful vegetable oils, see the following video.