6 Health Benefits Of Soybean Oil

Soybean oil, also known as soy oil, is a vegetable oil made by crushing soybean – a leguminous plant native to East Asian countries. In countries of Far East, it has been used to prepare famous recipes, such as “tofu”, “miso,” “tempeh,” and soy sauce. India is the largest importer of crude soy oil in the world. It meets its domestic demand by imports from Argentina and Brazil and then refining it at refineries located at eastern and western coast of the country.

In India, soybean is grown in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The domestic production stood at just 1.44 million metric tonnes but imports are of 15 million metric tonnes in 2019.

Soybean oil is mainly composed of fatty acids-both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids are good for heart and contribute to development of good cholesterol (HDL). These are close to 80% of total fatty acid composition in this oil.

# Heart-healthy

This oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids which contribute to good cholesterol (HDL). So, people having high bad cholesterol (LDL) cholesterol levels can trade their high saturated fatty acid oils with soy oil to reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels. This way it does not accumulated in arteries and you keep a healthy heart.

# Healthy for bones

One of the benefits of soybean oil is that it is good for bone strength and its development. Presence of Vitamin K is soy oil plays an important role in regulating the bone metabolism and in synthesising proteins, such as osteocalcin, which help in maintaining bone mass.

Soy oil has isoflovids called phytoestrogen which has characteristics similar to estrogen. Estrogen is essential for keeping the bones healthy and strong. Soybean oil is said to be good for post-menopausal women because they have low oestrogen levels and the oil can supply it.

# Good for Skin

Soybean oil is rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid, isoflavones and antioxidants which makes it a good anti-inflammatory agent. So, it protects against the inflammation caused by ultraviolet rays, skin damage, acne and atopic dermatitis.

It is believed that the black soybean oil prevents development of ageing marks in post-menopausal women because it contains antioxidants.

# Good for Hair

Soybean oil nourishes hair with amino acids and keratin-like molecules. Therefore, hair are strengthened from the roots. It also helps in attaining shiny hair.

# Good for Brain

The presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the oil leads to making of omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA and omega-6 fatty acids as well. These show neuro-protective characteristics and can help prevent cognitive and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

# Strengthens body

Soya bean oil contain lecithin which helps in absorption of fat soluble vitamins. This works to strengthen the tissues and organs of body.