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Organic Soybean Oil |
Why eat organic soybean
oil?
Organic soybean oil is one of the healthiest oils available, because it provides the two essential fatty acids (EFAs), linoleic and linolenic acid, in a balanced mixture that matches the amounts found in the blood of healthy people. It is important to eat only oils made from organic plants and seeds, because pesticides dissolve and accumulate in oils.
Organic soybean oil is best used raw. We suggest drizzling it on baked potatoes, oatmeal, breads, salads, vegetables, and other foods. The oil can be used in the microwave or for baking for short periods of time, but it is not recommended for frying or cooking at high temperatures. One company who makes quality organic soybean oil is Spectrum Naturals.
Why soybean oil should be
part of your healthy diet
Soybean oil contains BOTH essential fats, linolenic acid and linoleic acid.
From the linoleic acid in soybean oil, humans make w6 derivatives such as GLA (found in evening primrose, borage, and black currant oil) and arachidonic acid (AA). From the linolenic acid in soybean oil, humans make w3 derivatives such as EPA and DHA. A study where intravenous soybean oil was the only source of fat found that patients produce the EFA derivatives they need from the EFAs in soybean oil.
(Siguel EN, Blumberg JB, Caesar J. "Monitoring the Optimal Infusion of Intravenous Lipids: Detection of Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency." Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. 110: 792-797, 1986. Also see Siguel EN, Lerman, RH. Fatty Acid Patterns in Patients with Angiographically Documented Coronary Artery Disease. Metabolism 1994; 43:982-993.)
Linoleic acid, GLA, and AA help cell membranes work well. They improve skin texture and reduce water loss (which prevents the skin from losing too much water and becoming dry and brittle). They keep hair soft and flexible, and minimize hair loss. GLA is a powerful anti-inflammatory that may be helpful in PMS and arthritis. EPA helps to prevent unnecessary clot formation. DHA is required for optimal brain and eye function.
Siguel made the following
recommendation in a scientific paper on the treatment of high TC/HDLC:
"It is generally accepted that proper dietary treatment requires a proper mixture of w3 and w6 fatty acids and their derivatives, because ideal health depends on an optimal ratio of w3/ w6 fatty acids. [We] recommend a treatment diet that will bring the plasma fatty acid profile of a patient closer to the profile of a healthy reference population. A trial period of ingestion of an oil high in both 18:2w6 and 18:3w3 (i.e., soybean oil), together with appropriate antioxidants, may be the best way to raise EFAs and decrease cholesterol. After soybean oil supplementation for several months, fatty acid analysis helps to determine whether 18:3w3 is sufficient to increase 20:5w3 in blood and lower triglycerides, or whether fish oils are necessary to lower triglycerides. One must also recognize that the dietary balance of w3 and w6 can be a modulator of eicosanoid activity, platelet aggregation, and incorporation of PUFA in cell membranes."
(Siguel, E. A new relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and Total/HDL Cholesterol. Lipids, 1996; 31, S51-S56.)
Modern technology has diagnosed low levels of w3 or w6 in more than 25% of the adult USA population. The vast majority of patients with heart disease (or at high risk for heart disease) have biochemical evidence of EFAD of both the w6 and w3 essential fats. These patients need supplements of w3s and w6s. Increased use of soy-based foods designed to lower cholesterol could save billions of dollars in health care costs. Fortunately, the diet that works best for cardiovascular disease will often help to prevent other diseases, including cancer and many complications of diabetes.
The disease-prevention benefits of EFAs in soybeans are well documented, but poorly known. Soy producers must educate consumers and physicians about the role of EFAs.
Benefits
Organic soybean
oil can benefit patients with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, heart disease, and
chronic gastrointestinal disease. (Siguel E, Lerman, RH. Fatty Acid Patterns in
Patients with Chronic Intestinal Disease. Metabolism. 1996;
45(1):12-23.)
Organic
soybean oil can help improve intelligence.
People with
dry skin may find that taking organic soybean oil daily improves elasticity and
softness, making them look younger.
Soybean oil
provides both w3s and w6s, fatty acids which reduce elevated levels of cholesterol
and triglycerides and lower TC/HDLC (one of the best markers of cardiovascular
disease risk).
Organic
soybean oil is cheaper, tastes better, is more stable, and may have fewer side
effects than oils too rich in w3s.
Organic
soybean oil is an excellent supplement for people who eat low fat and low
calorie diets.
(Siguel, E. Dietary Fat: How low can or should you go? Abstracts, Am. Oil.
Chemistry Society annual meeting 1997; INFORM, 1997:8, No7:714-717.)
Low fat diets have been associated with EFA abnormalities and increased risk of
premature death. (Siguel E, Lerman RH. "The effects of Low-Fat Diet on
Lipid Levels." JAMA, 1996; 275:759. Siguel E, Lerman RH, MacBeath,
B. "Low-Fat Diets for Coronary Heart Disease: Perhaps, But Which
One?" JAMA, 1996:275: 1402-1403.)
Low calorie diets rarely provide enough EFAs per day to maintain physiological
needs, and often lead to EFA depletion.
Soybean oil
is an excellent supplement for those who are trying to lose weight. The EFs it
provides can induce a feeling of satiety that helps to reduce appetite (EFA
deficiency makes people hungry).
Soybean oil
is also an excellent supplement for vegetarians who want a vegetarian source of
essential fats and vitamin E. It may prevent the growth of cancer. (Siguel EN.
Cancerostatic effect of vegetable diets. Nutrition and Cancer,
4:285-289, 1983.)
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A healthy diet critical to the prevention of heart disease should not rely merely on the drastic reduction or elimination of all fats from one's diet, but rather, on the consumption of the right types of fat, such as those found in soybean oil. Suggested intake for most people is 1-2 tbsp. of organic soybean oil per day. |
For more comprehensive information on the role of oils, please read Siguel EN. Essential Fatty Acids in Health and Disease. 1994. EssentialFats LLC, PO Box 10187, Gaithersburg MD 20898-0187. (book, list $39.95).
Overview of scientific,
public health, and clinical significance
Current food trends encourage the use of foods and oils low in w3s. "Soybean oil has both EFAs, but most soybean oil in [processed] foods is hydrogenated and therefore depleted of w3 fatty acids. Furthermore, many manufacturers have shifted production toward low-fat foods and removed soybean oil from their products (eg. salad dressings and sauces). Thus, a major source of EFAs is disappearing from the market." (Siguel E, Lerman RH. The role of Essential Fatty Acids: Dangers in the USDA dietary recommendations ("pyramid") and in low fat diets. Am. J. Clin. Nutrition, 1994; 60:973-9.)
We predict an increase in the number of people with low w3 levels, and an increased incidence of brain dysfunction. Fortunately, we can prevent or treat many cases of impaired brain function by promoting soybean oil consumption.
We propose a revision of the USDA food pyramid to increase consumption of foods rich in cell membranes and EFAs, such as soybean products. The huge shift in food consumption towards low fat foods deprived of EFAs practically guarantees that EFAD will soon become the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the US. Nutrition and food policy will require drastic changes to adapt to this new reality. Rather than eliminate more fat from the diet, we should encourage the use of EFA-rich foods such as soybean products.
A healthy diet critical to the prevention of heart disease should not rely merely on the drastic reduction or elimination of all fats from one's diet, but rather, on the consumption of the right types of fat, such as those found in soybean oil.
Case Study: Coronary Artery Disease and Hyperlipidemia and high trans plasma levels.
42 year old male with elevated cholesterol, angina, 15% overweight, elevated 20:3w9/20:4w6 and 16:1w7, increased trans, reduced w3/ w6. Recommended treatment: reduce weight and avoid processed food, beef, & hydrogenated oils. Because plasma concentrations of PUFA are elevated, weight loss and increased PUFA will reduce plasma concentrations of SFA and MUFA. Take 10 ml/day of soybean oil + 100 IU Vit. E every day. This plan aims to decrease TC/HDLC, lower triglycerides, shift platelet aggregation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A diet very low in TFAs allows the body to burn excessive blood TFAs, while high EFAs protect against the adverse effect of TFAs." (Siguel EN. Essential and Trans Fatty Acid Metabolism in Health and Disease. Nutrition Issue. Comprehensive Therapy, 1994; 20(9):500-510.)
Ironically, some oils sold at prices several times the price of soybean oil contain no w3s and/or far less w6s than soy oil. Some professionals, reporters, chefs, and consumers mistakenly believe that oils (such as canola or olive) provide more EFAs, and therefore better meet the nutritional needs of adults, than soybean.
More References
Siguel EN, Maclure, M. Relative enzyme activity of unsaturated fatty acid metabolic pathways in humans, Metabolism, 36: 664-669, 1987.
Siguel EN, Chee, KM, Gong J, Schaefer, EJ. Criteria for Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency in Plasma as assessed by Capillary Column Gas-Liquid Chromatography. Clin Chem, 1987;33:1869-1873.
Siguel EN. Nutrient Charts: Essential Fatty Acids. Nutr. Support Services. 8:24, Sept, 1988.
Warren SE, Siguel EN, Gervino E, Salzman, EW, Smith, M, Silverman, KJ, Pasternak, RC. Effects of cod liver oil on plasma lipids, eicosanoids, platelet aggregation, and exercise in stable angina pectoris. J. Applied Cardiology, 3(4):227-236, 1988.
Siguel EN, Schaefer EJ. Aging and Nutritional Requirements of Essential Fatty Acids. In: Beare J, ed. Dietary Fats, Champaign, Il. American Oil Chemists Society, Chapter 13. (1989).
Chee KM, Gong JX, Rees DMG, Meydani M., Ausman L, Johnson J, Siguel EN, Schaefer EJ Fatty Acid Content of Marine Oil Capsules. Lipids, 25:523-527, 1990.
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All information on this website is copyrighted; see use and permission to reproduce. The information in this website is not medical advice, merely a general scientific discussion. See warnings & disclaimers. |
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© 1998 Edward N. Siguel. All rights reserved |
modified 9/17/98 |