Lecithin has, by far, become a key ingredient for various manufacturing industries. Almost every other packaged edible, cosmetic item, and medicine contain lecithin in a calculated amount. Since soy crops are in abundance around the world, it has become the largest source for extracting lecithin.
We already know that soy lecithin can be used as an emulsifier, stabilising agent, and a natural preservative. While its healing properties made it popular in the pharmaceutical industry. Of course, that information is not enough.
If people are to put something in their bodies they want to know if it is safe for their insides. Or, they can always seek some other organic alternative that not only improves their health but also positively impacts their lifestyle.
So, LECITEIN decided to save you the trouble of Googling information by sharing the knowledge that we have collected over our years of exposure to the industry. After reading this, you can decide for yourself whether soy lecithin is good or bad for your health.
The abundance of soy makes soy lecithin not only cost-effective but also more easily available, as compared to lecithin from other sources, sunflower for example. Phosphatidylcholine is its key component. The amphipathic nature of soy lecithin is what makes its use versatile.
How it affects one’s health depends upon multiple factors, like the biological state of the person’s body, age, and health status. Speaking generally though, it is a natural compound that is safe and approved by all reliable and valued health regulatory authorities like the FDA, FSA, and EFSA, among others.
Next, let’s break down the potential benefits and risks that soy lecithin poses to the body:
Various researches have found soy lecithin to show therapeutic effects upon consumption. That is one of the reasons it is also used as a supplement. Here are some of the benefits it provides the human body:
It is widely known for reducing bad cholesterol levels or LDL while promoting a healthy increase in good cholesterol levels or HDL. HDL protects the body against diseases and boosts its immune system. A recent study has proven that consuming soy lecithin can reduce cholesterol by 42% including a 56% reduction in LDL cholesterol.
Soy lecithin is also known to promote energy levels and fight the signs of fatigue and weakness. It is recommended for middle-aged women who undergo hormonal changes. Although, we suggest that you consult your doctor before consuming soy lecithin for that specific purpose.
Its moisturizing properties have made it a crucial ingredient for the beauty and skincare industry. Applying a cream or lotion that contains lecithin can keep the skin hydrated and help with recovery from conditions like eczema. It can help deeper penetration of active ingredients and promote the skin's natural ability to hydrate itself.
Lack of calcium and other medical conditions can lead to weaker bones. That, ultimately, leads to stiff joints and sore muscles. Soy lecithin contains fatty acids that improve lubrication in bones and help relieve muscular pain. When taken in combination with other medication, it improves bone density as well.
Due to its extraction from GMO soy crops, soy lecithin intake is often forsaken for the treatment of certain medical conditions. However, more extensive research is still required to ascertain an outcome. Here’s what we have so far:
Most soybeans are GMO products. So, lecithin derivation may, at times, also contain traces of potential transferrable DNA and immunogenic proteins. Consumption of GMO food leads to a lack of nutrition as well as various other health concerns.
Then again, there are certain suppliers, like ourselves, that also offer lecithin extracted from non-GMO sources. Anyhow, the majority of soy lecithin available commercially is a GMO product.
Soy is known to cause allergic reactions in people. However, it is considered that the majority of the allergen content is removed in the degumming process. Still, in certain cases, sensitive people can notice signs like swollen lips, bloating, vomiting, and more. If that happens, it is advised that you see a doctor without delay. If you are allergic to soy, it is better to avoid soy lecithin products.
Soy lecithin extraction includes the use of chemicals and solvents in the degumming process. Unlike sunflower, soy goes through various steps to have the lecithin extracted in a useable form. The use of chemicals like hexane can affect the toxicity levels of soy lecithin.
It also has a noticeable amount of choline present. While choline promotes brain health, researchers have found that a 2% to 5% choline concentration can have an adverse effect on pregnant women. It can also increase estrogen and disturb hormonal levels.
Consuming soy lecithin goes both ways depending upon how your body reacts to it. Nonetheless, if you are allergic to soy, it is better to avoid using any product that contains soy lecithin. Look for alternative products with sunflower lecithin instead.
While selecting soy lecithin-containing products, ensure that you buy products that come from recognised brands so you can rest assured that high-quality lecithin was used in its manufacturing.
If you are looking for a sustainable supply of high-quality lecithin, you can connect with our team today. We offer versatile lecithin products including custom formulations. For more details, call now!
Soy lecithin allergies and intolerances present a challenge to manage for F&B manufacturers, but they can be overcome through accurate labelling, allergen testing, and consumer education
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