Contents
Uses
- Soybean oil is produced from the seeds of the soybean plant.
- Plant sterols, chemicals derived from soybean oil, are used to lower total cholesteroland “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Specially processed soybean oil is used to treat osteoarthritis.
- Some people apply soybean oil directly to the skin to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
- Soybean oil is also used as a nutritional supplement in intravenous feedings.
Benefits
- Soybean oil works to lower cholesterol levels by decreasing cholesterol absorption in the gut. Specific processed parts of soybean oil called unsaponifiables may have a beneficial effect on joints.
Cautions
- Soybean oil is safe for most adults when taken by mouth in amounts normally found in food and when applied to the skin as an insect repellent in recommended amounts. Pharmaceutical quality soybean oil is also safe when used as a nutritional supplement in intravenous feedings. The processed soybean oil (unsaponifiable fractions of soybean oil) has been used safely in research studies for up to 6 months.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Soybean oil is safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women when used as part of the diet. But the safety of soybean oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not known when used in amounts greater than those commonly found in foods.
- Peanut or soybean allergy: People who are allergic to peanuts, soybeans and other plants that are members of the Fabaceae/Leguminosea family might also be allergic to soybean oil.
Other Names
Aceite de Soja, Dolichos soja, Glycine gracilis, Glycine hispida, Glycine max, Glycine soja, Huile de Germes de Soja, Huile de Germes de Soya, Huile de Soja, Huile de Soya, Intralipid, Intralipide, Legume, Légumineuse, Phaseolus max, Soja hispida, Soja max, Soy Bean Oil, Soy Oil, Soya Oil, Soyca, Travmulsion.
References
Source: WebMD, “Soybean Oil”, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/