7 Benefits and Uses of Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a heart-healthy oil because it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Soybean oil is extensively used in the United States. Although originally from East Asia, soybeans are now widely farmed and used worldwide.
Using small amounts of soybean oil in cooking is safe. However, individuals with the following medical issues should avoid this oil:
- Insulin resistance
- Changes in lipid profile
- Heart diseases
- Liver issues
Discover the seven health benefits and uses of soybean oil below.
7 health benefits of consuming soybean oil
- Maintains cholesterol levels
- Soybean oil reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
- The balance of fatty acids in soybean oil manages cholesterol levels, lowering harmful cholesterol and neutralizing unfavorable kinds.
- Soybean oil’s fatty acid structure and plant sterols reduce cholesterol absorption from the gut.
- Strengthens immune system
- Maintaining a healthy immune system allows the body to fight illness and immunological disorders.
- The omega-3 fats in soybean oil are beneficial to the immune system.
- Improves skin health
- The high concentration of vitamin E in soybean oil serves as a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
- Vitamin E improves the appearance of blemishes, reduces acne scarring, protects against sunburn, and stimulates the renewal of new skin cells for healing.
- Its antioxidant activity enhances the immune system and aids in the elimination of free radicals that cause issues like cancer, premature aging, cognitive impairments, and heart disease.
- Healthy for bones
- Vitamin K in soybean oil controls bone metabolism and synthesizes proteins, like osteocalcin, which aid in bone mass maintenance.
- Soy oil contains phytoestrogen, which has estrogen-like properties.
- Soybean oil benefits postmenopausal women by helping 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 help improve hair health.
- Antioxidant activity
- Antioxidant properties in soybean oil protect against free radical damage.
- Free radicals may lead to skin disorders like premature aging, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive issues.
- Reduces signs of premature aging
- Soybean oil’s omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids rebuild collagen and increase skin suppleness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Isoflavones in soybean oil may help reduce 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 cleaning, oil is extracted from soybeans. Soybean oil is low in saturated fat and high in poly and monounsaturated fats. It is a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E in the United States.
Most soybean oil is refined, mixed, and occasionally hydrogenated. It 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?
| 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 |
3 potential downsides to soybean oil
Soybean oil is a heart-healthy oil because it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, it also contains harmful compounds like saturated fats and triglycerides acid, which can cause inflammation. Therefore, a high intake of refined soybean oil may negatively affect human health.
1. Increases risk of diabetes
Type II diabetes is caused by persistently elevated blood glucose levels, 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 soybean oil developed risk factors for diabetes more than mice fed coconut oil. These risk factors include insulin resistance, obesity, and high blood sugar levels.
2. Liver diseases
The liver detoxifies blood, controls cholesterol levels, aids digestion, processes nutrients, and more. Obesity increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which appears to be linked to soybean oil.
NAFLD is one of the primary causes of liver dysfunction in the United States, affecting 30 to 40 percent of Americans. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling and pain in the abdomen, and 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 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Along with fat accumulation, soybean oil may increase the risk of heart diseases due to:
- Lipid peroxidation: Oxidized lipids produced by frying polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like soybean oil cause atherosclerosis.
- High consumption of omega-6 fatty acids: A high omega-6 fat intake raises inflammation, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: A high soybean oil diet reduces HDL 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 immune cells that fight against infections and increases the risk of infections in individuals who consume soybean oil.
