As the name suggests, soybean oil is processed from soybean seeds and is essentially a type of vegetable oil used all around the globe for cooking. Its richness in omega fatty acids has made it recommended oil by health practitioners. The scientific name of Soybean oil is “Glycine max”. Pure soybean itself is free of gluten unlike wheat, barley and rye, responsible for gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. The concerning part is that the soybean is usually grown in the same fields used to grow wheat with the same storage and transport facilities. Therefore it could be subjected to the cross contamination of gluten. Thus, it would not be wrong in saying that soy is not free of gluten due to its cross-contaminated properties. No matter how healthy it is termed, soy oil has been a source of gluten reaction among the ones vulnerable.
In U.S.A it is considered to be one of the top allergenic foods. Many gluten-allergic people have reported reactions against it. However, the problem is not with soy but its cross-contamination. Therefore, be it soybean oil or some other product, one must go for the products which are certified as gluten-free as it forces the manufacturers to adopt strict methods in manufacturing and handling raw material to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Nutritional Value
- It is immensely rich in energy with 885 kilo calories per 100 grams.
- It contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates and is rich in proteins like leucine, cystine or threonine.
- With a fat content of less than 20 grams, it has 35 grams of protein and 10 grams of dietary fiber.
- It is full of Vitamin A, K, and E and minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, calcium and selenium needed for a good functioning body.
- Since it is mainly rich in poly non-saturated fats only omega-6 or linoleic acid is found in it. Being low in fats, especially saturated fats makes it cholesterol free and a healthier cooking oil.
Benefits
- As a vegetable oil, soybean oil is a great source of plant sterols and most importantly β-sitosterol or phytosterols.
- Soybean oil is also a balanced provider of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a very strong and powerful antioxidant and lipid soluble as well which is necessary for the maintenance of the strength of mucus membranes’ cell membranes and skin by saving it from dangerous radicals lacking oxygen.
- Soybean oil is a rich source of vitamin K which is found in high concentrations. Approximately, 183 mcg is present in 100 g of oil. Vitamin K is essential for maintaining the bone health by boosting the process of the formation and strengthening of bones i.e. osteotrophy. The right amount of vitamin-K in one’s diet help in reducing the neuronal damage to the brain. Therefore it is also establishes in treating the patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Uses of soybean oil
- One of the most popular uses of Soya bean oil is in cooking all around the world. It is not only affordable but also easily accessible. Its blandness and versatility makes it popular for cooking, since it does not interfere with the natural flavors. It is greatly supported by organizations such as the American Agriculture department.
- Available commercially, soybean oil has a balanced taste and is clear yellow in color with a higher smoke point making it a better choice for domestic as well as commercial cooking suitable for light cooking as well as frying at high-temperature. The smoke point of this oil is higher as compared to other oils, going up to 450 degrees.
- Soybean oil is also used in making mayonnaise, as light salad dressing oil, making margarine and non-milk creamers.
- The shelf life of Soybean oil is approximately one year and should be kept in a cool, dark and a dry place, away from heat.
- While buying soybean oil, one should consider the unrefined version to get the right health benefits as such a form would hardly have much side effects being low in added trans fat.