In our country, the most popular among all vegetable oils is sunflower. It has long been so in connection with 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 equally 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 manufacture and use of soybean oil occupies a leading position. It became a champion among other oils thanks to its valuable chemical composition and wide application possibilities both in the food industry, as well as in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals. Some are afraid of this product, linking the harm of soybean 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 presenting readers with complete information about this product, surprising 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 those 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, when used correctly, do not affect weight in any way. In this case, the skin and organs receive the necessary nutrition.
The soybean oil is particularly valuable in the organic acids it contains, of which more than half is linoleic, a quarter is oleic, 4.5 to 7% is stearic, 3-5% is linolenic, 2.5-6% is palmitic, 1-2.5% - arachin and some others. Moreover, soybean oil contains lecithin. It is a valuable component of the seeds of this plant and is widely used in confectionery and pharmaceuticals. Lecithin is formed upon receipt of the oil by one of the technological methods - extraction or mechanical. In this case, the second (pressing) is considered preferable, since the resulting product is environmentally friendly and retains all the beneficial properties.
Vitamins and Minerals in Soybean Oil
The vitamin 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, in olive oil this element is only 13 mg, and in sunflower oil about 67 mg. In addition, soybean oil contains choline (B4), vitamins E and K, as well as minerals such as zinc and iron. No wonder it is so appreciated 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 are actively used in the East, especially in Asia. In our country, due to a lack of information, its use is not so popular, but 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 health and youth to the skin, because it is a natural source of vitamin E. It helps women to be beautiful and gentle, men strong and good health.
Soybean oil strengthens the immune system, lowers cholesterol in the blood, and also helps prevent a number of serious diseases. Such as 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 maintain youth and activity until old age.
Thus, soybean oil will be beneficial for both a growing body (for harmonious development) and an aging one (to reduce potential health problems). It can be regularly included in your diet (added to vegetable salads and other dishes), and also used for external influences (as part of creams, masks, etc.).
The myth of the dangers of soy and oil derived from it
With the development of genetics and the cultivation of genetically modified foods, among which are the most diverse cultures, there is a fear of soy. For some reason, in our country, as well as in some other regions, this plant is associated with GMOs and is classified as harmful and even dangerous products. Many people believe that soybean oil is used in production as a cheap substitute for olive and sunflower, in order to save, including health.
However, the harm of soybean oil is not only not proven, but, on the contrary, has been refuted by world-famous scientists. In the leading countries in terms of life expectancy, it is actively used in the food industry, adding bread, margarine, non-dairy cream (which, it turns out, is even more useful than usual). And in England, the famous Cambridge bread is baked - a dietary bakery product with a unique vitamin and mineral composition.
Nevertheless, disputes about how soybean oil actually acts on the body do not subside. The benefits and harms of it are incomprehensible to many, which is why distrust appears. Therefore, if you once again heard that this unsafe product should not be used by pregnant women, as this will adversely affect the development of the fetus, then just close your ears and pass by. In certain doses, it is even recommended to include it in the diet for women expecting a baby, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals and will help strengthen the body, weakened during pregnancy.
Exception to the rule
There are exceptions in nature, and the human body reacts differently to certain products. In this regard, experts do not recommend using soybean oil to people who are intolerant and suffering from allergic reactions to a soybean plant. Oil is unlikely to do any harm to the rest, unless with a substantial excess of the consumption norm (which, incidentally, applies to all food products).
The use of soybean oil in cooking and in home cosmetics
There are several options for eating soybean oil. It depends on how it is received. Distinguish between cold pressed oil, unrefined and refined. 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 enhance health and prolong youthfulness of the skin, you can use it in the morning on an empty stomach with a small spoon.
Unrefined soybean oil is more popular, the shelf life of which is extended by hydration processes, but it does not lose useful substances. 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: carcinogens form when heated.
The most popular refined soybean oil. It is an odorless product that tastes pretty good. It can be added to any first and second courses, cook vegetables, fish, meat on it, used in cold appetizers. It will not bring harm, but there is little benefit in such oil. As a result of numerous treatments (filtration, neutralization, bleaching and deodorization), there are practically no vitamins left in it, and therefore, in order to improve health, there will be little benefit from it. But as an alternative to other fats (especially animals), it can and should be used.
Homemade cosmetics with soybean oil
This product has amazing properties, in particular, the use of soybean oil as an anti-aging agent for skin has been proven. It is recommended to use 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. Soybean oil will help young women to preserve youthful skin and a beautiful complexion, and mature ladies can get rid of superficial wrinkles and give skin elasticity and smoothness.
For beauty and youthful skin
Ideally, to soften and nourish, it is best to mix soybean with other vegetable oils (such as olive and almond).
The resulting mixture can be used for various purposes:
- as a makeup remover;
- instead of day or night cream;
- in the form of nutritious masks (keep about half an hour);
- lubricate coarsened or weathered skin areas (lips, hands, elbows, heels).
For greater benefit and relaxation, a few drops of your favorite essential oil can be added 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 remains with a napkin. Similarly, it is added to other cosmetics: cleansing milk, body lotions, creams for hands and feet.
For healthy hair
Soybean oil for hair is less commonly used. However, it is able to compete with burdock. For example, it is perfect as a caring agent for moisturizing and smoothing naughty curls. The fact is that soybean oil is non-penetrating (along with coconut and jojoba oil), and therefore is more effective for these purposes (than penetrating burdock). It covers the scalp without penetrating into the deeper layers and prevents the loss of moisture. It is thanks to this thin film that the hair looks healthier and not dry and lifeless.
Conclusion
Do you still think soybean oil is so harmful and dangerous to your health? As you can see, it should not only not beware, but rather, it is recommended to be used regularly and for various purposes - from dressing salad to applying to the skin of the face and entire body. Do not be afraid to use such a natural product as soybean oil. The benefits and harms of it 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 health), it is highly valued and used for many decades in a row.