WHAT IS VEGETABLE OIL'S SECRET WEAPON? THE POWER OF SOY!

Soybean Oil Knocks the Competition Out with a One-Two Punch of Nutrition and Affordability

ST. LOUIS – Vegetable oil is a cooking essential in nearly every American kitchen. But can you name the primary source of this pantry staple? If not, you’re not alone. According to a 2008 study conducted by the United Soybean Board, only 10 percent of Americans can accurately name the primary source of vegetable oil. So, what is the secret identity of this go-to cooking oil? Soy! Soybean oil, commonly labeled as vegetable oil, is among the top two most frequently used cooking oils due to its heart-healthy nutrition profile, neutral flavor and affordable price.

Choosing Good Fats Over Bad Fats with Soy
Fats and oils perform a number of important functions in the body, including carrying fat-soluble vitamins to the organs, aiding in proper growth and development, insulating and protecting vital organs and producing healthy levels of cholesterol and hormones. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend fats constitute between 20 and 35 percent of Americans’ daily caloric intake, with most coming from poly- and monounsaturated “good” fats and minimal amounts from saturated and trans “bad” fats.

Compared to many other popular cooking oils, soybean oil is relatively low in saturated fat and rich in heart-healthy poly- and monounsaturated fats, making it one of the healthiest cooking and salad oil options. One serving of soybean oil, or about 1 tablespoon (13.6 grams), contains 8 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 3 grams of monounsaturated fat, 2 grams of saturated fat and 0 grams of trans fat. Unsaturated fats (both mono- and poly-) protect heart health by reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol and keeping “good” HDL cholesterol unchanged when replacing saturated fat in the diet.

Soybean Oil’s Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants
Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, positively impact heart health by reducing blood pressure and decreasing risk of heart disease. According to an April 2009 study, jointly funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Association of Schools of Public Health, omega-3 deficiency causes over 96,000 U.S. deaths per year, making it the sixth biggest killer of Americans and more deadly than excess trans fat intake.

Soybean oil is the primary source of omega-3s in the American diet. Although fish oil is the preferred source of omega-3s due to its superior bioavailability, researchers are currently developing soybeans with increased levels of omega-3s and improved bioavailability. The resulting oil will likely be used to fortify traditional oils for increased heart-health benefits from a renewable source.

Omega-6 fatty acids, found naturally in soybean oil, may also decrease the risk of heart disease, according to a scientific advisory published by the American Heart Association in January 2009. Containing about 50 percent omega-6 fatty acids, soybean oil is the most concentrated source of this polyunsaturated fat.

Soybean oil is also an important source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps the human body defend against free radicals, which have been linked to various cancers, heart disease, cataracts, premature aging and arthritis.

Healthy Eating and Entertaining on a Budget
In today’s economy, shoppers keep a close eye on prices when deciding which foods to buy. Luckily, soybean oil helps consumers protect both their health and their budget. Compared to other heart-healthy oils, such as olive oil ($0.41 per serving), most soybean oil is just $0.10 per serving.

To keep entertaining costs down, registered dietitian Joy Blakeslee uses soybean oil to make her own gourmet dipping oils. Blakeslee says, “Infuse soybean oil with herbs, chilies or other seasonings to create homemade, and heart-healthy, dipping oils. Your friends will be impressed with the amazing flavor and it won’t cost you a fortune.”

Soybean oil flawlessly replaces oils higher in saturated fat in sautés, stir-fries and salad vinaigrettes. Since it contains virtually no flavor or aroma, soybean oil allows the flavor and integrity of the star ingredients to stand out.

About the United Soybean Board:
The United Soybean Board (USB) is a farmer-led organization comprised of 68 farmer-directors. USB oversees the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. For more soy and health information, along with nutritious recipes, please visit SoyConnection.com.

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