1. Chemical Composition of Soy Oil:

Soy oil is mainly made up of fatty acids, which are the main ingredient of oil, where soy seeds contain between 15% and 20% of oil. Soy oil ingredients include the following chemical elements:

• Unsaturated fatty acids:
  • Linoleic acid (Omega-6): Linoleic acid is one of the basic fatty acids that the body cannot manufacture itself, and the body needs for many vital functions. Linoleic acid makes up about 50% of soy oil ingredients.
  • Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3): alpha-linolenic acid is a type of plant omega-3 acid, It is important for cardiovascular health.
  • Oleic Acid (Omega-9): It is an unsaturated single fatty acid and represents a large portion of soy oil. Oleic acid is useful in improving cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Saturated fatty acids:
  • Soy oil contains a small proportion of saturated fatty acids such as palmtic acid and steric acid, which is much lower compared to other oils such as coconut oil or palm oil.
• Vitamins and minerals:
  • Soy oil contains vitamin E (especially tocopherols), which acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage from free radicals.
  • It also contains vitamin K and some minerals such as magnesium and potassium.

2. Chemical properties of soy oil:

• High smoking point: Soy oil has a high smoking point compared to some other vegetable oils, which means it carries high temperatures without decomposing or producing harmful substances. Thus, it is suitable for deep frying and cooking.
• Stability when storing: Soy oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which helps prevent oxidation and protects it from deterioration when storing for long periods.
• Molecular Composition: Soy oil contains small particles of fatty acids, making it easily absorbed by the body when consumed. Oil composition also contributes to avoiding increased LDL cholesterol.

3. Health Benefits of Soy Oil:

• Improving heart health: Omega-6 acids (such as linoleic acid) and omega-3 (such as alpha-linolenic acid) in soy oil help lower the levels of harmful cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, This reduces the risk of heart disease.
• Supporting brain health: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health, and may contribute to reducing the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
• Preventing inflammation: fatty acids in soy oil help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be useful in reducing joint infections or bowel diseases.

4. Industrial uses of soy oil:

• Cooking: Soy oil is widely used in the kitchen as frying and browning oil thanks to its excellent high temperature tolerance properties.
• Food products industry: Soy oil is included in the industry of many food products such as mayonnaise, sauces, margarine, and confectionery.
• Non-food industries: It is also used in the cosmetic industry such as moisturizing creams and aromatic oils, as well as in the industry of detergents and paints.

5. Side effects and concerns:

• Soy allergies: Some people may be allergic to soy, which can cause allergic reactions such as rashes or difficulty breathing when consuming oil.
• Balance of fatty acids: Despite the benefits of soy oil, it contains a high percentage of omega-6 acids, and its excess consumption without balance with omega-3 acids may lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease.
• Hydrogen oils: In some cases, soy oil may be hybridized or hydrogenated for solid oil (e.g. margarine) or to reduce production costs. Hydrogenated oils contain trans fats, which may be harmful to health.