The benefits and harms of soybean oil. Properties and uses of soybean oil

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

In our country, the most popular among all vegetable oils is sunflower. This has long been due to the wide distribution of such a plant as a sunflower, which is grown almost everywhere in Russia. However, it is impossible to say that it is the most useful and is just as actively used throughout the rest of the world. And all because other representatives of this class are ahead of him, including olive and, oddly enough, soy. In world production, the production and use of soybean oil occupies a leading position. It has become a champion among other oils due to its valuable chemical composition and wide application possibilities both in the food industry and in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals. Some are afraid of this product, linking the harm of soy oil to the body with a myth that has enveloped all existing products, one way or another related to the word"soy". In this article, we will try to dispel this unreasonable misconception by providing readers with complete information about this product, amazing in its properties and qualities.

Soybean oil: composition, content of useful elements

Since oil is pure fat, it is fair to say that there are no proteins and carbohydrates in it, only fats (99.9%). In this regard, the calorie content of the product is extremely high and amounts to 899 kcal per 100 grams. However, these are not the calories that are stored by the body in reserve and lead to the formation of adipose tissue. On the contrary, they are practically not absorbed and, if used correctly, do not affect weight in any way. At the same time, the skin and organs receive the necessary nutrition.

The special value of soybean oil is determined by the organic acids contained in it, among which more than half is linoleic, a quarter is oleic, 4.5 to 7% is stearic, 3-5% is linolenic, 2.5- 6% - palmitic, 1-2, 5% - arachidic and some others. At the same time, raw soybean oil contains lecithin in its composition. It is a valuable component of the seeds of this plant and is widely used in confectionery and pharmaceuticals. Lecithin is formed during the production of oil by one of the technological methods - extraction or mechanical. At the same time, the second (pressing) is considered preferable, since the resulting product is environmentally friendly and retains all useful properties.

Vitamins and minerals in soybean oil

VitaminThe composition of soybean oil is very diverse. It is rich in the most valuable vitamin - tocopherol (E1), the content of which reaches 114 mg per 100 grams of product. For comparison, olive oil contains only 13 mg of this element, and about 67 mg in sunflower oil. In addition, soybean oil contains choline (B4), vitamins E and K, and minerals such as zinc and iron. No wonder it is so valued throughout Asia, which is the historical homeland of this plant.

About the benefits of soybean oil and its effect on the body

The beneficial properties of soybean oil have long been known and actively used in the East, especially in Asia. In our country, due to the lack of information, its use is not so popular, which is a pity. The fact is that this environmentally friendly and vitamin-rich plant product has a beneficial effect on the work of the whole organism. Oil gives he alth and youth to the skin, because it is a natural source of vitamin E. It helps women to be beautiful and tender, men - strong and good he alth.

Soybean oil strengthens the immune system, reduces blood cholesterol levels, and also helps prevent a number of serious diseases. Like a heart attack, for example. That is why it is recommended to use it as a prophylactic against various diseases (especially cardiovascular, liver and atherosclerosis) and to preserve youth and activity until old age.

Thus, soybean oil will be useful for both a growing body (for harmonious development) and an aging body (to reducelikely he alth problems). It can be regularly included in your diet (added to vegetable salads and other dishes), as well as used for external influences (as part of creams, masks, etc.).

The myth about the dangers of soy and oil derived from it

With the development of genetics and the cultivation of genetically modified foods, among which are a wide variety of crops, there is a fear of soy. In our country, as well as in some other regions, for some reason this plant is associated with GMOs and is classified as harmful and even dangerous products. Many believe that soybean oil is used in production as a cheap substitute for olive and sunflower oil in order to save money, including on he alth.

However, the harm of soybean oil is not only not proven, but, on the contrary, is refuted by world-famous scientists. In the leading countries in terms of life expectancy, it is actively used in the food industry, adding to bread, margarine, non-dairy cream (which, it turns out, is even more useful than usual). And in England they bake the famous Cambridge bread - a dietary bakery product with a unique vitamin and mineral composition.

Nevertheless, the debate continues about how soybean oil actually affects the body. Its benefits and harms are not clear to many, which is why distrust appears. Therefore, if you once again heard that this unsafe product should not be consumed by pregnant women, as this will negatively affect the development of the fetus, then just close your ears and walk by. In certain doses, it is even recommended to include it in the diet of women,expecting a baby, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and will help strengthen the body, weakened during pregnancy.

Exception to rule

There are exceptions in nature, and the human body reacts differently to certain products. In this regard, experts do not advise the use of soybean oil for people who have intolerance and suffer from allergic reactions to the soybean plant. It is unlikely that oil will be able to cause any harm to everyone else, except if the consumption rate is significantly exceeded (which, however, applies to all food products).

Use of soybean oil in cooking and home cosmetics

There are several options for eating soybean oil. It depends on how it was received. There are cold-pressed, unrefined and refined oils. The first is considered the most useful, because it retains most of the vitamins. However, not everyone will like the taste and pronounced smell of such a product. In order to promote he alth and prolong the youthfulness of the skin, you can use it in the morning on an empty stomach, a small spoonful.

More popular is unrefined soybean oil, the shelf life of which is extended due to hydration processes, but it does not lose useful substances either. It contains a sufficiently large amount of lecithin, which helps to improve brain activity. It is recommended to add it to fresh vegetable salads in a small amount, but you can’t fry it on this one: when heated, carcinogens are formed.

Mostpopular refined soybean oil. It is an odorless product that has a rather pleasant taste. It can be added to any first and second courses, cook vegetables, fish, meat on it, use it in cold appetizers. It will not bring harm, but there is little benefit in such an oil. As a result of numerous treatments (filtration, neutralization, bleaching and deodorization), there are practically no vitamins left in it, and therefore there will be little benefit from it in order to improve he alth. But as an alternative to other fats (especially animal fats), it can and should be used.

Home cosmetics with soybean oil

This product has amazing properties, in particular, the benefits of soybean oil as a rejuvenating agent for the skin. It is recommended to be used to nourish and moisturize dry, irritated and sensitive skin. The oil is able to retain moisture in it, as well as create a protective layer on the surface, which will become a barrier to the harmful effects of the environment. For young women, soybean oil will help maintain youthful skin and a beautiful complexion, while for mature ladies it will help get rid of shallow wrinkles, give skin elasticity and smoothness.

For beauty and youthful skin

Ideally blend soybean with other vegetable oils (like olive and almond) to soften and nourish.

The resulting mixture can be used for various purposes:

• as a cleansing makeup remover;
• instead of day or night cream;
• asnourishing masks (keep for about half an hour);
• lubricate rough or chapped skin (lips, hands, elbows, heels).

For greater benefit and relaxation, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the composition of the oil mixture. This will give the product a pleasant aroma and enrich its composition.

To improve the properties of purchased cosmetics

Soybean oil can also be used to enrich purchased creams. To do this, take one part of your product (for a single application) and mix with a small amount of soybean oil (less than half a teaspoon), mix well and apply to the skin. Remove the rest with a tissue. Similarly, it is added to other cosmetics: cleansing milk, body lotions, hand and foot creams.

For he althy hair

Rarely used soy oil for hair. However, it is able to compete with burdock. For example, it is perfect as a care product for moisturizing and smoothing naughty curls. The fact is that soybean oil is non-penetrating (along with coconut and jojoba oils), and therefore more effective for these purposes (than penetrating burdock). It covers the scalp without penetrating into the deeper layers and prevents moisture loss. It is thanks to this thin film that the hair looks he althier, and not dry and lifeless.

Conclusion

Do you still think soybean oil is so harmful and dangerous to he alth? As you can see, not only should you not beware of it, but on the contrary, it is recommended to useregularly and for various purposes - from salad dressing to application to the skin of the face and the whole body. Do not be afraid to use such a natural product as soybean oil. Its benefits and harms have long been studied both in theory and in practice. Moreover, in many countries (including the East, where they know a lot about beauty and he alth), it is highly valued and used for many decades in a row.