Abstract

This article focuses and reviews on the main types of oilseeds, their role in human health and diseases, and highlights of new developments that may provide even more benefits in the future. Oilseed crops are grown primarily for the oil contained in their seeds. They have been cultivated throughout much of the world for at least four thousand years ago, at that time their primary use was as a lamp oil, but, later on the oils have been used in soaps and for other purposes. Oilseeds are rich in protein, and in addition they contain a high level of fat. Hence, they are not only good sources of protein, but, also concentrated source of energy. The proteins in oilseeds can be fed either as part of the oil-intact seed, or as a meal from which the oil has been removed. Oilseeds and their derivatives vegetable oil and meal are in demand globally, and there is a need to identify and quantify the key issues for their production for different stakeholders to develop and support actions that will ensure a viable future of such crops.

Key words: Oilseeds, bio-diesel, human, health, Pakistan.