Influence of spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia Med.) essential oil in the quality, stability and composition of soybean oil during microwave heating

► In order to increase the stability of soybean oil, spike lavender essential oil was added during microwave heating. ► At lower exposition times spike lavender essential oil improved vitamin E contents in soybean oil. ► Higher antioxidant potential and oxidative resistance were displayed by soybean oils with spike lavender essential oil. ► Polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease was lower in oils with spike lavender essential oil. ► Spike lavender essential oil protected soybean oil from oxidation during microwave heating.