Soybean oil: health benefits and harms

Soybean oil is a valuable product for humans, although it is not very common in Russia today. It contains a large amount of healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants, lecithin and phytohormones. It is produced for food, industrial and agricultural purposes. This species takes first place in terms of production among all types of vegetable oils.

Soybean oil began to produce another 3 thousand years BC. The Chinese first discovered this product for themselves, as evidenced by ancient writings found by archaeologists. In ancient China, soy was the main foodstuff, and it is popular among the modern population of the country. In Europe, soybeans began to be cultivated at the end of the 19th century, although the production volumes of this plant are quite high today.

general characteristics

Natural high-quality soybean oil is extracted by cold pressing. Such a product has a brownish tint, rich taste and aroma similar to a nutty one. Refined oil loses not only beneficial substances, but also taste. It has almost no smell, taste or color, often characterized by a pinkish and greenish tint.

Oil from soybeans is widely used in culinary of different countries, it is also part of some recipes of traditional medicine, it is used in the creation of cosmetics and industrial production. Due to its versatility, this natural product is added to a wide variety of dishes, ranging from meat and ending with desserts and pastries.

Composition and calorie content

Soybean oil has a rich vitamin and mineral composition. It includes a large amount of vitamin E, C, as well as calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids. This has made soybean oil one of the most valuable foods for humans. However, it is quite high in calories - 886 kcal per 100 g.

Useful properties of soybean oil

General benefit

Soybean oil has a number of beneficial properties for the body:

1. It can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, having a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
2. Lowers bad blood cholesterol.
3. It is used for diseases of the kidneys, liver, atherosclerosis and even oncology.
4. Positive effect on potency and formation of seminal fluid.
5. Promotes the establishment of digestive processes.
6. Increases immunity and body resistance to colds.
7. It activates the metabolism, thereby contributing to weight loss.
8. Promotes the establishment of digestive processes.
9. It replenishes the reserves of vitamins A, C, P, as well as some trace elements and essential fatty acids.

For women

The female body, to a greater extent than the male body, needs to constantly receive healthy fats. In this regard, soybean oil is one of the best foods. It must be consumed by women with an irregular cycle, disruptions in the hormonal system and the complex course of premenstrual syndrome. Soybean oil is also useful in planning pregnancy, as it makes up for the lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the body.

Soybean oil should be included by women in their diet and in order to prolong their own youth and beauty. Due to its high content of vitamin E, this product reduces visible wrinkles, makes hair more healthy and shiny, and nails strong.Also known is the fact that soybean oil is able to prevent the development of oncology in women, but in this case it is important to use only a high-quality unrefined cold-pressed product.

For men

Soybean oil is very beneficial for men. Besides the fact that it replenishes the reserves of vitamins and other useful substances in the body, this type of vegetable oil favorably affects the prostate gland, and also increases potency, improves sperm quality and reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. Soybean oil also has a positive effect on the hormonal system by regulating the production of male hormones.

Since soybean oil, like other types of fats, is a product with high energy value, it is recommended to use it for men whose work is associated with serious physical and mental stress, as well as for athletes and those who seek to gain weight.

During pregnancy

Almost all types of vegetable oils can be used by pregnant women. They contain many minerals and vitamins necessary for the body of the future mother and the developing fetus. Also, it is preferable for pregnant women to use vegetable rather than animal fats, since they are better absorbed by the body without loading the liver and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Of all types of vegetable oils, soybean has the highest degree of usefulness.

Do not be afraid of the high calorie content of soybean oil, since the daily dose of this product is only 1–2 tablespoons, which is no more than 300 kcal. But along with these calories, the mother’s body will receive a large number of very useful substances - unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, essential oils, vitamins, etc.

The regular use of this natural product contributes to the proper development of the baby's cardiovascular, nervous and circulatory system, and also positively affects the formation of the brain and bone tissues.

When breastfeeding

Soy products, including soybean oil, are highly valuable for a nursing mother and baby. Despite the fact that in Russia the use of soy is not as widespread as in Western countries, soybean oil can be found in many grocery stores.

Soybean oil contains essential fatty acids, vitamins E, P, C and trace elements (magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium, phosphorus), which are important for the body of a woman who is breast-feeding a baby, as well as for the baby.

Of course, before you include soy products in your menu, a nursing mother should make sure that she is not allergic to them. To do this, you can try a few drops of soybean oil in the morning and trace the reaction throughout the day. If digestive problems, rashes and other negative symptoms are absent in mom and baby, you can increase the dose to 1-2 tsp. in a day.

For kids

Soy, as well as products obtained from it, including oil, are very useful for the child's body. Sometimes parents are afraid to include this product in the diet of their children, because they believe that all soybeans are genetically modified. Of course, the main part of the soybean cultivated in the world really belongs to GMOs, but according to the legislation of the Russian Federation, genetically modified varieties, as well as products made from them, are prohibited for sale. The main thing is to get a really high-quality product that has proven itself in the market on the positive side.

Soybean oil can begin to be introduced into the child’s diet no earlier than he reaches the age of 1 year. You can add the product to porridge, vegetable puree or other dishes, starting with a few drops and gradually bringing to normal - 1-2 tsp. in a day.

Soybean oil has the following positive properties for the child's body:

• increases immunity, resistance to colds and viral diseases;
• removes toxins from the body;
• stabilizes the nervous system;
• increases the efficiency of the brain;
• regulates the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

In the children's menu, you should include only unrefined oil, as well as not thermally processed, since in this case all useful substances will be stored in it. It is important to consider individual intolerance and side effects from the use of the product. If any have arisen, you must immediately stop taking it.

When losing weight

The basis for successful weight loss is the correct observance of the proportion of BZHU (proteins, fats and carbohydrates), as well as the calorie content of the diet, calculated taking into account height, weight, age and physical activity. These are simple truths that are important to know and observe. The menu of those losing weight should include not only low-calorie vegetables, fruits, chicken breast and low-fat cottage cheese, but also products containing healthy fats and vitamins, such as soybean oil.

Since any vegetable oil is quite high in calories, they need to be added in a small amount. Enough 10-30 g of soybean oil per day with a diet to make up for the lack of healthy fats and vitamins in the body, as well as to maintain the proper functioning of the hormonal system, which is especially important for women planning a future pregnancy.

When losing weight, you can add a little soybean oil to salads, cereals and other dishes. However, you should choose unrefined oil, as it contains a maximum of useful substances. You also need to remember that unrefined oils are not subject to heat treatment, so you need to use them fresh.

Soybean oil in medicine

Soybean oil, thanks to a wide range of beneficial properties, is used as part of medicines, as well as in traditional medicine recipes. It has the following effects:

• increases metabolism;
• removes toxins and toxins from the body;
• stabilizes the nervous system;
• rejuvenates;
• lowers blood sugar and bad cholesterol;
• boosts immunity;
• improves brain function;
• regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

All these properties are characteristic only of unrefined soybean oil, so only such varieties should be used in traditional medicine recipes.

With varicose veins

For the treatment of varicose veins, various vegetable oils are used, including soy. The most effective way to use oil for varicose veins is to apply compresses. This will require 1-2 tablespoons. unrefined soybean oil and 3 minced cloves of garlic. The ingredients are mixed, applied to a sore spot and bandaged. Keep such a compress as long as possible, warm. Repeat the procedure every day for a week, then take a break for 2-3 weeks and conduct the course again.

For constipation

In the presence of such an unpleasant condition as constipation, you can use the recipe of alternative medicine based on the use of soybean oil. As a rule, the elimination of constipation can be expected after 5-6 hours after eating the oil, but it is important to carry out the treatment procedure correctly.

In order to get rid of constipation, you need to drink 1 tablespoon. fasting soybean oil, you can have breakfast half an hour after the procedure. Due to its mild laxative effect, the oil will eliminate constipation, as well as saturate the body with many useful substances. You can use soybean oil for these purposes on an ongoing basis, it certainly will not bring harm. Of course, you must take into account the features of your health, as well as the presence or absence of individual intolerance to the components of soybean oil.

With diabetes

Diabetics are allowed to consume soybean oil, it should be included in the diet at the rate of 0.9 g per 1 kg of weight. In this amount, oil is not only safe, but also beneficial. It has the ability to lower blood sugar, due to the lack of saccharides and starch in the composition. Regular use of this product for diabetes can reduce the symptoms of the disease, as well as improve the well-being of the patient as a whole.

Soybean oil in cosmetology

Many women complain of dry skin, hair loss, and split ends. To get rid of these problems, you should use vegetable oils. Soybean oil is widely used in the manufacture of homemade masks for hair and skin. It does not harm if you follow the recommendations for its use. Consider the most effective masks for skin and hair using soybean oil.

For face

1. Tightening mask: grate half an apple and medium potato on a fine grater, mix the resulting mass with 1 tsp. soybean oil and apply on the skin of the face. Hold the mask for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. The ingredients included in the composition help cleanse the skin of dead cells, as well as achieve the effect of rejuvenation and tightening.
2. A mask of soy, almond, coconut oil (5 drops each) and liquid honey (1 tsp) will help get rid of acne and other rashes. Mix all ingredients, apply on face and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.
3. Soybean oil can improve makeup remover. To do this, add a few drops to a cleansing milk and shake. The oil will provide better removal of makeup, as well as soften and moisturize the skin.
4. The mask for sensitive skin includes soy and olive oil (in equal proportions) and a small amount of chamomile concentrate (a few drops). The composition should be applied to the face and then just rinse with warm water after 20-30 minutes.
5. Nutritious home care facial mask: no more than 1 tsp mix soybean oil with the same amount of fat sour cream and honey. Stir components thoroughly, apply to clean skin, leave for 15–20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

For hair

1. Mask for brittle and dry hair: add 40 ml of soybean oil to the same amount of castor oil, 3 drops of incense ether and mix thoroughly. Heat the resulting composition in a water bath to a warm, but not hot state, apply to the hair along the entire length, wrap it with polyethylene and a towel. Keep the mask for at least 30 minutes, you can 2 hours, and then wash your hair in the usual way.
2. The healing mask consists of 15 ml of soybean oil, 30 ml of burdock oil, 5 ml of lemon juice. All ingredients must be combined, applied to hair from roots to ends, hold for an hour and rinse. Such a mask helps strengthen hair by neutralizing the effects of such harmful factors as the use of a hairdryer, tricks, long exposure to the sun, etc.
3. Nourishing hair mask for the night consists of only two ingredients - soybean oil and avocado. The amount of oil depends on the length and density of the hair, but both of them should be taken in equal proportions. The oil mask should be heated in a water bath to a warm state, which will improve the penetration of nutrients into the hair scales. Apply the mask on the roots with massaging movements, as well as on the hair along the entire length, paying particular attention to the tips. After just a few procedures, the effect of using this mask will become noticeable to the naked eye - the split ends problem will be eliminated, and the hair itself will become more healthy and shiny.
4. The mask with soybean oil (1 tablespoon) and yolk (1-2 pcs.) Is easy to use. The specified number of ingredients to combine, apply to the hair along the entire length, wrap with a bath towel and leave for an hour. Then wash your hair as usual. This mask promotes rapid hair growth and prevents hair loss.
5. The mask is “laminating”. For its manufacture, the following ingredients will be required: 1 tbsp. gelatin, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon soybean oil. Mix all components, gelatin must first be diluted according to the instructions on the package. Apply the resulting composition to the hair, which is then wrapped in cling film and wrapped in a terry towel. Keep the mask for 30-40 minutes, then wash your hair thoroughly. After the first application, the hair will become silky, shiny and obedient.

Cooking Application

In cooking, both refined and unrefined soybean oil are used.It is used on an industrial scale as a preservative for the processing of various products, as well as for the production of solid vegetable fats - margarines and spreads.

For food purposes, it is better to use unrefined soybean oil, as it contains many useful substances, which can not be said about refined. Soybean oil goes well with vegetables, so you can season them with various salads or add it to your morning cereal, which will make it more nutritious, healthy and tasty.

Refined oil can be consumed not only in its raw form, but also subjected to heat treatment. So, on it you can fry fish, meat, add to baking and do homemade work with it. Soybean oil complements familiar dishes with new flavors, with their help they can sparkle in a new way.

Is it possible to fry in soybean oil

There is a myth that it is impossible to fry in soybean oil, since during heat treatment it releases carcinogens, and beneficial substances disappear. However, this applies only to the unrefined product, and as for the purified refined product, you can fry any products on it, including meat, fish, vegetables, etc.

Harm and contraindications

There are many myths around soybean oil that make many people afraid to include this product in their diet. In fact, soybean oil, authorized for sale in Russia, is completely safe for humans and can be used for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The most common myth that all soybeans are genetically modified has long been dispelled. Of course, the main part of it does contain GMOs, but in Russia genetically modified soybean oil is banned for sale, it remains to choose a proven and reliable brand.

Soy, as well as products made from it, are forbidden to use for people with individual intolerance to the components of this plant. Indeed, an allergy to soy is found, but rarely enough. Therefore, soybean oil can and should be included in your menu for those who are not allergic to this product.

Soybean oil should be consumed in moderation, as with any other foods. It has a fairly high calorie content, and therefore can lead to weight gain. But even people who want to lose weight, you can use soybean oil, while observing a reasonable measure. One spoon of butter in porridge and the second in salad is an acceptable norm, which will not only not harm health, but will also replenish the supply of nutrients in the body.

How to choose and store

Modern grocery stores offer a wide selection of vegetable oils. Often you can find soy. Since for Russians this product is not very familiar and widespread, many may have difficulties with its choice. In order not to be mistaken when buying soybean oil, it is necessary to take into account some characteristics of a quality product.

Real unrefined oil, as a rule, has a brownish tint, while in the bottle there should be no sediment or other impurities. It is better to choose oil in glass containers, so it is better stored and retains its taste. Unrefined soybean oil is usually greenish in color, but more transparent than unrefined.

Like all other products, soybean oil requires certain storage conditions. Shelf life will depend on the variety, as well as the production method. So, open soybean oil can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3-5 months, and if the package does not open, these periods are extended to 1-1.5 years. As a storage place, you can use not only a refrigerator, but also almost any room.

The oil must be stored in a darkened glass container, it is also important to observe the following conditions:

• the room must be dry;
• you need to choose a place in which there will be no access to direct sunlight;
• soybean oil does not like sudden changes in temperature;
• the product must not be frozen.

Subject to the above conditions, soybean oil will retain all the beneficial substances, as well as taste. But if you violate the requirements for storage conditions, it can deteriorate - become bitter and moldy.

Interesting facts about soy

1. Soy is a universal product. All over the world it is used in the food industry as an additive to meat, bakery, dairy and other products. Almost any product can be made from soy, which will be difficult to distinguish from the original, while adding appropriate flavors, dyes and substances to give the desired consistency.
2. Soy protein is the most digestible, which is not characteristic of other protein products of plant origin. In this regard, soybeans even compete with meat and fish.
3. Soybeans contain almost all the elements important for the body: potassium, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and silicon.
4. Germinated soybeans contain a large number of so-called oligosaccharides - special dietary fibers that are difficult to absorb by the body. In this regard, germinated soy can cause flatulence and abdominal pain.
5. The most popular product made from soy is soy sauce.
6. Soy can prevent the development of oncological diseases in women in the body - this fact was confirmed by scientists of the Fred Hutchins Cancer Research Center.
7. Soya was first cultivated about 5-7 thousand years ago.
8. In Europe, soybeans were grown on an industrial scale only at the end of the 19th century.
9. To prepare juicy soy steaks, it is necessary to soak them in a vegetable broth with spices, and then fry with the addition of oil over high heat.
10. The product "soya seedlings" is widespread in Russia, however, under this name they often sell not moya, but mash sprouts.
11. Every year, 300 million tons of soybeans are cultivated worldwide, one third of which is in the USA and Brazil.
12. The leader in terms of soybean production is China.
13. Soya is used in many countries as animal feed.

Soybean Oil Photo