Soybean oil is regarded as a heart-healthy oil because it contains a large amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Soybean oil is one of the most extensively used edible vegetable oils in the United States. Although soybeans are native to East Asia, they have become quite widely farmed and used plants the world over.
Using small amounts of soybean oil in cooking is as regarded safe. However, individuals with the following medical issues should avoid this oil:
- Insulin resistance
- Changes in lipid profile
- Heart diseases
- Liver issues
Learn the seven health benefits and uses of soybean oil below.
7 health benefits of consuming soybean oil
- Maintains cholesterol levels
- Soybean oil can significantly reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
- The good fatty acid balance in soybean oil manages cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower harmful cholesterol levels and neutralize unfavorable cholesterol kinds.
- Soybean oil's fatty acid structure and potent plant sterols (beta-sitosterol) can reduce cholesterol absorption from the gut.
- Strengthens immune system
- Maintaining a healthy immune system allows your body to fight illness and immunological-related disorders.
- The omega-3 fats in soybean oil are beneficial to the immune system.
- Improves skin health
- The high vitamin E concentration of soybean oil serves as a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
- Vitamin E can improve the appearance of blemishes, reduce acne scarring, protect the skin against sunburn, and stimulate the renewal of new skin cells to aid healing.
- Its antioxidant activity in the body enhances the immune system and aids in the elimination of free radicals that cause issues, such as cancer, premature aging, cognitive impairments, and heart disease.
- Healthy for bones
- The presence of vitamin K in soybean oil is vital to control bone metabolism and synthesize proteins, such as osteocalcin, which aid in bone mass maintenance.
- Soy oil contains isoflavonoids called phytoestrogen, which have estrogen-like properties.
- Estrogen is necessary for bone health and strength. Soybean oil is beneficial for postmenopausal women because the oil helps replenish estrogen levels.
- Promotes hair growth
- Hair loss is a problem that affects people of all ages and genders.
- Stress, hormone imbalance, and pollution can contribute to hair loss.
- Vitamin E and omega-3 fats in soybean oil can help improve hair health.
- Antioxidant activity
- Antioxidant properties in soybean oil protect against free radical damage.
- Free radicals may lead to skin disorders, including premature aging, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive issues.
- Reduces signs of premature aging
- Soybean oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help rebuild collagen and increase skin suppleness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Isoflavones in soybean oil may help reduce the indications of premature skin aging in postmenopausal women.
- Using it topically may help minimize wrinkles and fine lines.
What is soybean oil?
Soybeans are legumes that grow in a pod. After a thorough cleaning of the soybeans, oil is extracted. Soybean oil is low in saturated fat and high in poly and monounsaturated fats. It is one of the primary sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E in the United States.
Most soybean oil is refined, mixed, and occasionally hydrogenated. Soybean oil is found mostly in margarine and shortenings.
Soybean oil is the primary component of most vegetable oils and is found in various food products, such as:
- Mayonnaise
- Salad dressing
- Frozen meals
- Imitation dairy
- Meat products
As this oil has no overpowering flavor, it complements and enhances the natural flavors of dishes. Its high blending ability makes it a popular choice in the food business.
What are the nutritional values of soybean oil?
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total lipid | 13.6 grams |
| Iron | 0.007 mg |
| Zinc | 0.001 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.11 mg |
| Vitamin K | 25 mcg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.12 grams |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.1 grams |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 7.85 grams |
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3 potential downsides to soybean oil
Soybean oil is regarded as a heart-healthy oil because it contains a large amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, it contains other harmful compounds, such as saturated fats and triglycerides acid, which can cause inflammation. As a result, a high intake of refined soyabean oil may negatively affect human health.
1. Increases risk of diabetes
Type II diabetes is caused by persistently elevated blood glucose levels, which are accompanied by insulin resistance or decreased insulin production. Approximately 90 percent of patients with type II diabetes are overweight or obese.
An animal study on mice revealed that those fed with soybean oil developed risk factors for diabetes more than the mice fed coconut oil. These risk factors include:
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- High blood sugar levels
2. Liver diseases
The liver detoxifies your blood, controls cholesterol levels, helps with digestion, processes nutrients, etc. Obesity increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Soybean oil appears to be linked to NAFLD.
NAFLD is one of the primary causes of liver dysfunction in the United States, affecting 30 to 40 percent of Americans.
Fat builds up in the liver and causes symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Pain in the abdomen
- Jaundice
An animal study on mice revealed that mice on a high soybean oil diet developed metabolic diseases, including fatty liver.
3. Heart diseases
Obesity is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Along with the accumulation of fat, soybean oil may increase the risk of heart diseases due to the following:
- Lipid peroxidation: Oxidized lipids produced by frying polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as soybean oil, which cause atherosclerosis (arteries harden due to fat deposition in the walls of arteries).
- High consumption of omega-6 fatty acids: A high omega-6 fat intake raises inflammation, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: A high soybean oil diet reduces HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), which may imply impaired cholesterol transfer.
Partially hydrogenated soybean oil contains trans-fats, which are associated with metabolic issues and cardiac diseases.
4. Immune toxicity
Studies have shown that soybean oil is hazardous to both types of immune cells that fight against infections and increases the risk of infections in individuals who consume soybean oil.
References
Image Source: iStock image
Soybean Oil - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-196/soybean-oil 6
Benefits and Uses of Soybean Oil. https://ussoy.org/6-benefits-and-uses-of-soybean-oil/?persona=human-commodity-oils&pillar=innovation-beyond-the-bushel
Oil, soybean, salad or cooking. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171411/nutrients
