Is Soybean Oil Bad For You?
Short answer
Yes, many varieties of soybean oil are bad for you. Partially hydrogenated soybean oil contains harmful trans fats. The majority of soybeans are genetically engineered, which raises other health concerns. Additionally, soy is a common allergy.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Every year, Americans consume somewhere around 28 billion pounds of edible oils. Even more impressive, soybean oil accounts for over half of that (about 65 percent). It’s by far the most popular vegetable oil—and about half of all soybean oil is hydrogenated.
Soybean oil itself is too unstable to be readily used in food manufacturing. That is why it must be hydrogenated: to raise the melting point and prolong product shelf life. But while hydrogenating the oil makes it more “manufacturer-friendly”... the process can have harmful effects on human beings. Chemically, it alters the composition of essential fatty acids, which yields man-made trans fats.
Trans fats are dangerous—regular consumption can lead to increased blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other serious health issues. That’s why the FDA issued a preliminary determination that trans fats are not "generally recognized as safe" in 2013. Just last year, the FDA took the next step by enacting a ruling which will require all food prepared in the United States to be trans fat-free by 2018.
It is possible to fully hydrogenate soybean oil (rather than partially hydrogenate), which does not produce any trans fats. However, this still does not make soybean oil 100% safe. The majority of US-grown soy has been genetically engineered (GE)—the long-term effects of these modifications are still unknown in humans. In 2010, a Russian animal study revealed progressive infertility with GE soybean consumption. After two generations of being raised on GE soy, infant mortality rates were five times higher. By the next generation, virtually all animal test subjects were infertile.
Soy is also a common allergy. Odds are good that you could be allergic to soybean oil if you are allergic to peanuts, soybeans or other plants stemming from the Fabaceae or Leguminosea family.
So are any types of soybean oil safe?
Because it contains essential fatty acids, vitamin E and vitamin K, soybean oil may be considered healthy if it has not been hydrogenated and it’s been certified organic. These nutrients have been shown to boost your immune system, regulate cholesterol levels, promote healthy skin and eyes and even help fight Alzheimer’s disease. However, soybean oil is also notably high in omega-6—which may cause health complications if not properly balanced with omega-3 and other nutrients.
Consult your physician before adding soybean oil to your diet, particularly if you suffer from food allergies.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- increased blood pressure
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heart disease
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infant mortality
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infertility
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
- trans fats
“ge” or genetically engineered
Benefits
- boosts immune system
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regulates cholesterol
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promotes skin, eye health
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fights alzheimer’s disease
Healthier alternatives
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