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Edible Oils from Health to Sustainability: Influence of the Production Processes in the Quality, Consumption Benefits and Risks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This systematic review examines the impact of vegetable oil consumption, such as extra virgin olive, olive, soybean, palm olein, corn, and camellia seed oils, on both human and animal health, alongside factors influencing oil quality and safety. A variety of studies were included, such as clinical trials, cohort studies, animal experiments, and reports on production methods and contamination (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals). The literature search was performed in scientific databases indexed up to September 2025, and risk of bias was assessed using specific tools appropriate for each study design. The findings suggest that, among the oils studied, extra virgin olive oil showed the most consistent benefits, including improvements in endothelial function, lipid profiles, weight management, and reduced mortality in humans. Animal studies corroborate hepatoprotective effects and weight regulation benefits. Oil quality is influenced by genetic, environmental, and technological factors, including cultivar selection, pollination, post-harvest handling, and extraction techniques (cold, hot, DIC, MFA, encapsulation) and refining processes, which can affect both nutritional benefits and contaminant levels. Although contaminants such as PAHs and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As) are generally below regulatory thresholds, some contexts may present health risks. High-quality vegetable oils confer cardiovascular, metabolic, and hepatic benefits. However, their contribution to public health relies on strict production practices, continuous monitoring of contaminants, and the implementation of technological innovations to ensure both safety and optimal health outcomes.

Source: Lipidology

DOI: 10.3390/lipidology2040021

Authors: Viviane de Souza Silva, Luna Valentina Angulo Arias, Franciane Colares Souza Usberti, Rafael Augustus de Oliveira, Farayde Matta Fakhouri

Institutions: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)

Language: English

Topic: Edible Oils Quality and Analysis

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207