The adage "Food is the God of the people" underscores the profound interconnectedness between agriculture and the food industry. Agriculture forms the backbone of the food industry, while evolving consumer preferences continuously shape its progress. The balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (SFAs and UFAs) in vegetable oils is critical to human health. As health awareness grows, UFAs have gained significant market traction, prompting extensive research into their biosynthesis, regulation, and improvement. This review focuses on oilseed crops, offering a comprehensive analysis of: fatty acid composition, biosynthesis pathways, gene regulation, and breeding strategies to enhance quality. By integrating theoretical and practical insights, our work aims to provide guidance for promoting sustainable agriculture and advancing the food industry.