General Health Benefits of Oils

In general, oils contain a high percentage of unsaturated fat, rather than the saturated fat found in animal fats. Some, such as olive oil, contain high levels of monounsaturated fats, which help to decrease the bad cholesterol in the blood (low density lipoproteins) and help to increase the good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).

Other oils (such as grapeseed oil), contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats, which helps to lowers the overall cholesterol level, but also reduces HDL (good cholesterol). However, some of these polyunsaturated oils (for example, soya bean and rapeseed oil) also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are said to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and guard against plaque build-up in the arteries.