You will find soy oil in many products from baby foods to protein bars and it is often listed on the nutrition label as vegetable oil. Depending on the way this ingredient was processed, soy bean oil may not be an innocent source of fat. The difference between organic and regular soy bean oil may have you rechecking your nutrition labels.
Soy
Soy bean oil is a widely used, edible oil. A quick search through your refrigerator and you may find it listed as an ingredient on margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressings and imitation milk products. Soy has a natural taste, so when it is mixed with other oils such as olive, it will add bulk but will not interfere with the olive flavor. Liquid soy bean oil is low in the harmful fats such as saturated and trans fat, yet high in good fats such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Genetically Engineered
The Consumer Health Organization of Canada warns that regular soy bean oil may be produced with genetically engineered soy beans. GE can be used to alter the composition of the soy oil, or to extend its shelf life. GE alters the gene of soy by implanting a gene from an animal, vegetable, bacteria or virus into the soy. Potential benefits are more nutritious soy and soy that is resistant to herbicides. The potential drawbacks are an increased in allergic reactions to the foreign chemicals.
Organic
Organic soy bean oil is made from soy beans that are not genetically engineered. Most organic soy beans are grown on family farms that strive to reduce the use of chemicals on the soy and maintain clean soil for their crops. Your food's nutrition label will list organic soy if the product contains natural soy beans. If the label does not specify organic, the product probably contains genetically engineered soy.
Processing
The types of soy beans are the main difference between organic and regular soy bean oil. Another difference is in the way the oil is made. Organic soy beans are low heat dried, dehulled and then pressed to extract the oil. The oil is degummed with water and citric acid. Most regular soy beans are extracted with a by-product of petroleum called hexane gas. After degumming, regular soy bean oil may be washed with lye and sodium carbonate, which may increase the amount of trans fat in the oil.
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