Soybean is a legume highly valued for its dense nutritional profile, the unique blend of high protein and fat content has made its by-products soybean oil one of the most nutritious cooking oils. It is a vegetable oil which is extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant (Glycine max). Soybean is widely cultivated across the globe, soybean oil is the second most-consumed vegetable oil which has been used extensively for manifold purposes in recent times. Also read: Soya Bean: 5 Splendid Health Benefits Of This Protein-Rich Legume

soybean oil

Process of Soybean Oil Extraction

  1. Preparation And Dehulling

The first step in the production of soybean oil is to prepare the bean for dehulling. Magnets are used to remove metal and screened to clear away impurities which can interfere with the dehulling process. The hulls are removed to increase the protein content of the meal and promote the efficacy of the solvent extraction process. Mechanical rollers are used to roll soybeans into thin flakes which split the cells containing oil.

  1. Solvent Extraction

The process of soybean oil extraction makes use of hexane solvents to clean the oil from the soybean flakes.

  1. Desolventizing

After the oil has been removed by the solvent, the solvent must be separated from both the flakes and the soybean oil. The flakes are heated and steamed to strip and recover the residual solvent. To extract the soybean oil distillation method is used to recover the solvent. The desolventized flakes are a by-product and source of good protein. The oil is further refined from crude to an edible source.

  1. Refining And Processing

The desolventized oil is further processed to obtain the edible oil to enhance the flavour, colour, odour and solidity with the processes that neutralise, bleach and deodorize the oil. This refining process clears away the contaminants like free fatty acids, phosphatides and pro-oxidants.

The soymeal obtained after the extraction of the oil is further processed to produce value-added goods.

Soybean oil is more beneficial than most other vegetable oils owing to its indispensable nutrient profile. The richness of essential fatty acids and plant sterol in soybean oil offers a magnitude of health benefits. Besides this, the vitamin and mineral content of soybean legumes adds to the health incentives.

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Nutritional Facts

Soybean oil contains 16g of saturated fat, 23g of monounsaturated fat and 58g of polyunsaturated fat per 100ml of oil. The oil is loaded with essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (7%-10%) linoleic acid (51%) and oleic acid (23%) which is well-known to maintain the lipid profile under control. Apart from this it also contains the saturated fatty acids stearic acid (4%) and palmitic acid (10%) and is also loaded with vitamins E and K. Also Read: Cooking Oils: How To Choose The Right One

Read through this article to get an insight into the amazing health perks of using soybean oil

Health Benefits Of Soybean Oil

Augments Heart Health

Soybean oil can significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other heart ailments like stroke and heart attacks. The right proportion of fatty acids in soybean oil when added to the regular diet plan supports maintaining the cholesterol in optimal levels. The essential omega-3 fatty acids present in soybean oil help to neutralise the harmful effects of cholesterol. Besides these, notable amounts of plant potent plant sterols, beta-sitosterol lowers the storage of cholesterol in the intestine and avert the risk of fatty liver. Also Read: All About PUFA And MUFA: Functions And Health Benefits

Strengthens Bones

Regular usage of soybean oil is proven to lower the risk of osteoporosis and have a positive impact on bone development. Noteworthy amounts of calcium and vitamin K in soybean oil are beneficial in promoting regrowth of bones. The richness of isoflavones the plant sterols mimic the work of estrogen hormone, combat free radicals and bind to estrogen receptors in the bone to stimulate bone reforming and avert the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia in women.

Improves Eye Health

Ample amounts of healthy omega 3 fatty acids in soybean oils facilitate shielding the cell membranes including the fragile parts of the eyes and skin. The potent antioxidant properties of healthy fatty acids combat free radical damage that leads to macular degeneration and cataracts. Apart from these, vast reserves of vitamin E improve vision and the functioning of the retina.

Healthy Skin

Imbued with vitamin E, soybean oil works as a strong antioxidant and shields the skin from free radical damage reduces blemishes, acne, and suntan and prevents premature ageing. Besides this, soybean oil is loaded with linoleic acid, isoflavones and antioxidants that help to nourish the skin from deep within. Soybean gels and lotions can shield the skin from harmful UV rays and maintain skin hydration.

Boosts Brain Function

The wealth of nutrients in soybean oil like vitamin K and healthy fatty acids including linolenic and linoleic acids are a powerful source of DHA and EPA essential for brain development. The addition of soybean oil to the meal plan renders neuroprotective properties and boosts memory and cognitive skills. Furthermore, soybean oil is also valued to treat neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Is Soybean Oil Good For Health?

Yes, when consumed in moderation, soybean oil can be a valuable addition to health. It is rich in polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids. It provides an ample amount of vitamin E. Soybean oil has been shown to support heart health by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels when it replaces saturated fats in the diet. Aside from these, soybean oil packs a good amount of plant sterols, which may help in reducing cholesterol absorption in the body. However, it’s important to maintain the right balance of omega-6 intake with omega-3s to enhance overall health.

What Are The Side Effects Of Soybean Oil?

Though, soybean oil can be part of a healthy diet, excessive consumption may have negative health impacts, particularly because of its high omega-6 fatty acid content. An imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can promote inflammation, which has been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer. Additionally, processed soybean oil can sometimes be hydrogenated, turning it into a trans-fat, which is harmful to heart health. People with soy allergies should also avoid soybean oil.

What Is Soybean Oil Best Used For?

Soybean oil is bestowed with vital nutrients, making it distinct and can be used for the cooking process. Its high smoke point (around 450°F or 232°C) makes it ideal for frying, baking, and sautéing. The neutral flavour and potency to blend with other ingredients make it an ideal vegetable oil for preparing salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. Additionally, its neutral flavour makes it suitable for any culinary delights that don’t need a strong flavour from the oil. Soybean oil is commonly used in processed foods and commercial cooking as well.

 Is Soybean Oil Healthier Than Olive Oil?

No, olive oil is generally considered a healthier option than soybean oil for its unique health-benefitting traits. Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains antioxidants that promote overall health. While soybean oil has benefits, olive oil is often preferred for its higher content of healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a superior choice in most cases. However, soybean oil can still be part of a balanced diet, especially when used in moderation.

Conclusion

Soybean vegetable oil has been highly valued for its umpteen health benefits thanks to its impressive nutritional profile. This amazing vegetable oil is a healthy addition to the regular diet known for improving heart health, enhancing skin and eye health, strengthening bones and boosting cognitive health.

( This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Soybean Oil Is More Obesogenic and Diabetogenic than Coconut Oil and Fructose in Mouse: Potential Role for the Liver

Poonamjot Deol, 1 Jane R. Evans, 1 Joseph Dhahbi, 2 Karthikeyani Chellappa, 1 , ¤ Diana S. Han, 1 Stephen Spindler, 2 and Frances M. Sladek 1 ,*

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4511588/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900721002057