A review of chemical composition and nutritional properties of minor vegetable oils in China

Different types of vegetable oils have their own specific advantages and biological activities, and appropriate vegetable oils can be selected to meet individual needs accordingly. For example, Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil contains 5.52% nervonic acid (C24:1) that can promote the repair and regeneration of nerve cells and tissues damaged, while corn oil and rice bran oil have higher contents of campesterol and total phytosterol and might be therefore better choices for patients with high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. This review could benefit comprehensive understanding nutritional values of minor vegetable oils and future researches on nutrition and product development.