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American Heart Association Finds Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Soybean Oil Are Heart-Healthy

Posted on: Thursday, 12 February 2009, 07:00 CST

Research Dispels Myths Surrounding Essential Fat

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A new science advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA) concludes that omega-6 fatty acids may decrease risk for heart disease when part of a healthy eating plan. Omega-6s are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids naturally-occurring in soybean oil, nuts and seeds. These findings dispel debate that omega-6s may cause inflammation leading to heart disease, the nation's number one killer.

Circulation, an AHA journal, published the findings that diets rich in omega-6 fatty acids prove to be heart healthy. Dr. William Harris, PhD, and colleagues from the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, felt it was important to objectively evaluate reports that omega-6s promote inflammation and thus may increase heart disease risk.

In a statement from AHA, Dr. Harris explained, "That idea is based more on assumptions and extrapolations than on hard data." While an acid that causes early stages of inflammation may be formed from omega-6s, they also produce anti-inflammatory properties - particularly in the lining of blood vessels - that are much stronger.

After reviewing results of more than two dozen controlled and observational studies, Dr. Harris determined that participants in the controlled trials consuming diets higher in omega-6s had less incidence of heart disease than those whose omega-6 intake was low. A meta-analysis of several trials indicated that replacing saturated fats with omega-6 lowered heart disease risk by 24 percent.

Soybean oil is about 50 percent omega-6 fatty acids, one of the most concentrated sources, while olive oil and canola oil are both low in omega-6s. Soybean oil is commonly labeled vegetable oil in the grocery store - check the ingredients label to be sure. Joy Blakeslee, RD, culinary expert for the United Soybean Board, offers these helpful hints on inexpensive ways to enjoy soybean oil:

• Replace 1/3 cup soybean oil per 1/2 cup solid fat in cake and soft cookie recipes
• Stir-fry lean meats and vegetables in soybean oil
• Infuse soybean oil with herbs and garlic and use for dipping bread and dressing pasta
• Whisk together soybean oil and seasonings for home-made salad dressings, or purchase a commercial salad dressing that contains soybean oil
• Look for pie crust recipes that call for liquid soybean oil

"The news that soybean oil may lower heart disease risk when replacing oils with higher levels of saturated fat is especially important," notes Lisa Kelly, RD, MPH, of the United Soybean Board. Ms. Kelly notes that "soybean oil innovations are helping the food industry reduce saturated and trans fat levels in many processed baked goods and snacks."

The advisory recommends Americans aim for 5 percent to 10 percent of their daily calories from omega-6 fatty acids. The recommended daily intake of omega-6s ranges from 12 grams to 22 grams depending on age, gender and physical activity. Most Americans get their daily requirement in the foods they consume, but do not need to reduce their intake; some Americans may actually need to increase their intake of omega-6s.

The United Soybean Board is comprised of 68 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. For more information on the health benefits of soy and simple recipe suggestions to help add soy to your diet, please visit www.soyconnection.com.

To view a quick and easy recipe for soybean oil dipping sauces, visit:

http://www.soyconnection.com/recipes/recipe_view.php/Infused+Soybean+Oils?Recipes_id=175

SOURCE United Soybean Board

Source: PR Newswire

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