There's More to Vegetable Oil Than Meets the Eye

On average Americans make at least one trip to the grocery store each week. Each time we go to the store, we face more and more food decisions for our family. With thousands of products out there competing for our attention, it can be overwhelming. Do we buy fat free or whole milk for the kids? How much processed sugar is too much? What’s healthier, enriched flour or whole wheat?

With so many options, it’s best to keep things simple. Start first with basics, such as essential ingredients like cooking oil. Is there a choice that satisfies both cooking requirements and health benefits?

The answer is yes. There is a great choice and most of us are already making it. It’s actually soybean oil, which usually appears on grocery store shelves under the name “vegetable oil.” Recent research, conducted by the United Soybean Board, indicates that most consumers don’t realize that soybean oil is the main ingredient in vegetable oil, which is the most popular oil choice. Many have never really stopped to think about what “vegetable” is used in their cooking and salad oil.

Soybean oil is considered one of the most well balanced vegetable oils with an excellent nutritional profile. Adds nutritionist Jane Morimoto, “This oil is low in saturated fat, rich in essential fatty acids and an excellent source of vitamin E, plus its cholesterol-free.”

Enjoy our delicious recipe for Lemon Ginger Miso Dressing featuring soybean oil.

For more information on soybean oil, soy foods and healthy recipes, visit www.soyfoods.com.

Lemon Ginger Miso Dressing

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Mix miso, water and ginger in blender; strain and reserve liquid. Blend reserved liquid and remaining ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

Serving suggestion: Serve 2 to 3 tablespoons over mixed greens or sliced cucumbers.

*For information on where to find soy ingredients, consult the Soyfoods Directory.
**Most vegetable oils are made with soybean oil. Check the label of your vegetable oil to see if soybean oil is used.

Nutritional Analysis Per 2 Tablespoons Dressing: Cal. 67, 1.5 g pro., 3.0 g fat (38% Cal. from fat), 9.4 g carb., 0 mg chol., 0.7 g fiber and 418 mg sodium.