Contents of Corn Oil

Corn oil contains a high level of healthy fatty acids, in addition to a number of other vitamins and minerals. According to the Soyatech website, the United States was responsible for 42 percent of the world's corn production in 2005. Corn is used in a variety of ways for food and industrial products.

Extraction

Corn is native to Central America. Corn oil is clear to light yellow in color. It is extracted from the germ of the corn through the use of steam and pressure. Lesser-quality corn oils are extracted from the whole corn kernel.

Fatty Acids

Corn oil is predominately made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a healthy dietary fat. Corn oil is made up of approximately 58 percent linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Corn oil also contains about 1.5 percent alpha-linoleic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. Foods that contain a high level of polyunsaturated acids improve blood-cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Corn oil contains palmitic and stearic acids too, which are saturated fats, but the amount is minimal; saturated fats are potentially the more harmful type of dietary fat.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Corn oil is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should ideally have a balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Omega-6 fatty acids help to maintain a normal level of growth, development and brain function. In addition, the reproductive system, bone and skin health all benefit from the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids.

Vitamins and Minerals

Corn oil also contains a high number of vitamins and minerals; these include vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and potassium. Corn oil has a higher level of vitamin E than wheat germ oil.

Uses

Corn oil is widely used as a cooking oil; it is also used in the manufacture of margarine, biscuits, toothpaste and lubricating creams. It is not generally used in aromatherapy and massage practice due to the limited amount of oil -- approximately 6 percent -- that can be extracted from the germ at any one time. Len Price, in "Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage," recommends 1 tbsp. of oil at mealtimes. Corn is also used in the manufacture of other food and industrial products, such as high-fructose corn syrup and ethanol.