Is Soybean Oil Bad for You? Find Out Its Nutritional Value and Difference From Other Oils

Soybean oil is a type of oil that can be used for cooking conventional recipes as a substitute for avocado oil, olive oil, and other forms of cooking oil. As such, it's important to know whether soybean oil is good for the body and if it's a viable substitute for other types of oil.

Is Soybean Oil Bad for You?

Soybean oil can be considered controversial with some saying that it's good for the body while others say that people should stay away from it. This oil has been the topic of controversy along with canola oil or coconut oil.

Basically, soybean oil comes from soybean plant seeds and differs from other soy-based products like edamame and tofu. To create this type of oil, Jessica Cording, an R.D. integrative dietitian, explains that the seeds first need to be cleaned and dried.

Once ready, they are then cracked open with their hull removed and a solvent wash is used to separate the flakes from the oil. After this, the soybean oil is then bleached and finally deodorized.

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Popularity of Soybean Products

Soybean products have become extremely popular in the US with soybeans making up 90% of oilseed production in America. Soybean oil is common in processed food due to its affordability and neutral flavor.

The use of soybean oil can be seen mostly in fast food restaurants because of its neutral flavoring and how it has a high smoke point of 450 F°. As for its nutritional value, a teaspoon contains 120 calories, 13.6 grams of total fat, 0 grams of protein and carbohydrates, 1.1 milligrams of vitamin E, and 25 micrograms of vitamin K.

Aside from its unique neutral flavor and affordability, soybean also varies from other oils in terms of other aspects. There are also different types of soybean oil, each with its own unique properties and processes.

Soybean Oil Types

The first type of soybean oil is cold-pressed oils, which can be produced without any heat needed. Instead, the soybean seeds need only to be crushed until the oil is forced out due to pressure, allowing it to retain most nutrients.

Organic soybean oils exist, but they are more expensive and aren't as common as the non-organid version. In fact, they are extremely rare since most soybeans are already genetically modified or were grown with the help of herbicide glyphosate.

The last type of soybean oil is the blended version, which mixes soybeans with canola oil or vegetable oil, making it more affordable. This type of mix is often packaged as olive oil due to its cheaper price but contains lesser-quality oils.

Pros and Cons of Soybean Oil

One benefit of soybean oil is that it may lower cholesterol without inflammation or oxidative stress increases. It can also support heart health due to it having omega-3 fatty acids, and it can also help balance blood sugar because of it being a source of fat.

The disadvantage of soybean oil is that it can be pro-inflammatory depending on the amount one consumes. It can also cause aflatoxins and is susceptible to oxidation.