Many methods of cooking utilize oil. Whether you are baking, stir-frying, sautéing or roasting, chances are your recipe calls for at least a small amount of oil. Oil enhances the flavor in foods, acts as a heat-transferring agent, can prevent foods from sticking to pots and pans and improves the texture and tenderness of foods. Hundreds of oils are available on the market-you'll often find an entire aisle dedicated to different types and brands of cooking oil.