What is "vegetable oil"?

Vegetable oil is a liquid fat derived from various plant sources, such as seeds, nuts, or fruits. Common types of vegetable oils include soybean oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil, among others. These oils are extracted through processes like pressing or solvent extraction and are widely used in cooking, frying, baking, and salad dressings due to their neutral flavor and high smoke points. Vegetable oils are composed mainly of triglycerides, with varying proportions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids depending on the source. They are considered healthier alternatives to animal fats like butter or lard due to their lower levels of saturated fats and higher levels of unsaturated fats, particularly when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.