Part of eating a heart-healthy diet is watching your intake of fat; however not all types of fat are bad. Certain types of fat can raise your risk of heart disease, while other types provide a protective effect when used in moderation. If you are concerned about heart disease and your diet consult your physician. She can review your medical history and other risk factors to determine if soybean oil would be a healthy addition to your food plan.
Fat and Heart Disease
Fat provides the body with energy and plays a role in controlling inflammation, blood clotting and brain development. Fat also helps provide insulation and cushions the joints, and it must be present for your body to absorb and use vitamins A, D, E and K. However, a diet that is too high in fat of any kind can contribute to obesity and high cholesterol levels, both of which raise the risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke, says MedlinePlus. When too much cholesterol accumulates in the body plaque can build up along the blood vessel walls and restrict the amount of blood the heart and/or brain receives.
Cholesterol and Fat Intake
Along with fat, your body also needs some cholesterol. However, the body makes all that it needs. Not all types of cholesterol are harmful. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, are considered the bad kind because they are stored in the body. High-density lipoproteins, or HDLs, are the good kind because they are excreted. HDLs act as scavengers and can inhibit plaque formation, so when it comes to reducing your risk of heart disease the goal is to lower your LDL level and rise your HDL level. Eating too much saturated and trans fat can raise your LDL level and lower your HDL level, while a diet high in unsaturated fats can lower LDL levels and raise HDL levels.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil falls under the category of unsaturated fat, so it can be part of a heart-healthy diet. In addition, soybean oil is a source of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids are oils the body needs but does not make so they must be obtained through diet, reports the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. While fatty fish is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids, using soybean oil can help you meet your daily needs, according to MayoClinic.com.
Guidelines
Even though soybean oil is a healthier type of fat, it should be consumed in moderation. The goal is to use oils such as soybean in place of unhealthier options such as palm kernel oil, palm oil and coconut oil. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that polyunsaturated fats such as soybean oil make up no more than 10 percent of your daily total caloric intake and fat from all sources should not exceed 35 percent of your total calories each day. To fully protect yourself against heart disease, combine soybean oil with other healthy lifestyle choices such as losing excess weight, getting enough fiber, exercising regularly and not smoking.
