Soybean oil: any health benefits?

Question
Hi Tanya,
I've noticed that some manufacturers of crackers have changed the hydrogenated oils to soybean oil. I've heard mixed reviews about eating soybean oil and wanted to know if it's okay to eat. Thank you in advance for your response.

Answer
Diane,

Health benefits of soy oil are advertised as being attributed to Omega-3 fatty acids. However, the effects which are really beneficial to health are associated with the longer-chain, more unsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), which are found in fatty fish. EPA and DHA, inhibit blood clotting, while  alpha-linolenic acid  doesn't seem be able to do this. Soybean oil does not contain EPA or DHAm instead it contains 7 times greater amount of omega-6 fatty acids, the ratio that is far from beneficial. Flaxseed, in comparison, has an omega-3:omega-6 ratio of 3:1.

Tanya Zilberter

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