Soya Bean Oil

Soya Bean Oil

There exists a great deal of foods that have various health benefits. These foods not only give essential nutrition to your body but also prevent you from several diseases. Soya bean is one among them. Soya is one of the oldest and most nutritious foods in the world. In the 11th century BC it was primarily consumed in Northern China, spreading to the west and the U.S.A. in the middle of the 18th century and only more recently to Europe. It has been an important source of protein in the Eastern countries for thousands of years. Scientists and researchers concur that soya protein is complete. For many years we believed that complete protein (with all essential amino acids) came only from egg and milk. Now research shows that soya protein is as good as milk and egg protein.

Soya is mainly used in industry and for animal feed despite the fact that it is the third most important crop world-wide today and less than 3% is consumed by humans.
Soya is full of vital nutrients that your body can benefit from. Soya contains protein, fiber and isoflavones which have positive effects on cholesterol, bone density, menstrual and menopausal symptoms as well as preventing certain cancers. It is thought to be a wonder food by the Chinese who believe it can cure kidney disease, water retention, common colds, and anemia and leg ulcers.

Epidemiological studies indicate that incidence of chronic diseases like coronary artery disease is much lower in the Japanese population because they consume more than 50 grams of soya bean a day. There is increasing evidence that consuming protein regularly may help to lower cholesterol by binding bile acids. The isoflavones (antioxidants) present in soya is believed to reduce cancer cell activity. Unlike animal protein, soya protein decreases calcium excretion from the body and therefore may help in controlling osteoporosis.

Research studies by Professor Anderson in 1995 resulted in healthy heart claims as Soya was found to reduce blood cholesterol levels in many of his studies. Soya isoflavones combined with soya protein enhance blood cholesterol reductions as well as having a positive effect on menopausal women by reducing the risk of hot flushes. Improved vascular function, reduction of blood pressure, antioxidant protection of LDL cholesterol and inhibition of platelet activation are other known cardiovascular effects of Soya and its constituent isoflavones

Soya bean is high in fiber and has a low glycaemic index which helps in better control of blood sugar levels. Soya has more fat and protein compared to other pulses like Bengal gram, black gram and green gram and ahs fewer carbohydrates than these pulses. Soya contains a good amount of vitamins, mineral and fiber.

Soybean oil contains natural antioxidants which remain in the oil even after extraction. These antioxidants help to prevent the oxidative rancidity. Soybean oil is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Soybean oil also contains the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic. Linoleic and linolenic acids are required for human health. Soybean oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids in soya bean oil help reduce the risk for heart disease. Soybean oil also contains phytosterols which could lower LDL cholesterol.