What is lecithin?

Where does lecithin come from?

Lecithin originally comes from eggs. But don't worry, there are vegan alternatives. The largest amounts of lecithin today are extracted from soy, sunflowers and rapeseed.

Is Lecithin healthy?

Lecithin is generally considered safe and has several health benefits, but it depends on the individual's health and the way it is used. Here are some of the potential health benefits and considerations for lecithin:

Potential Health Benefits

Cardiovascular health:

Lecithin contains Choline, which is important for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the function of the heart and blood vessels. Some studies suggest that lecithin may help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.

Improved memory and brain function:

The choline in lecithin is important for brain function and may support memory and cognitive functions. Some studies have investigated whether lecithin may be beneficial for people with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Digestive aid:

Lecithin can help emulsify fats in the digestive system, which can improve digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.

Skin care:

Lecithin is used in cosmetics and skin care products to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It can help repair damaged skin and improve overall skin health.

Liver health:

Choline plays an important role in liver function, and lecithin may help prevent fatty liver disease by helping to transport and break down fat in the liver.

Considerations and Side Effects

Allergies:

People with soy allergies should avoid soy lecithin as it can trigger allergic reactions. Sunflower and canola lecithin may be safe alternatives.

Calorie intake:

Lecithin contains fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Gastrointestinal problems:

Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset with high doses of lecithin.

Interaction with medication:

Lecithin may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a doctor if you are taking medication and are considering taking lecithin supplements.

 

Is there a difference in lecithin?

Lecithin is a group of fats found in the walls of plant and animal cells. It is a phospholipid, which means that it consists of both a water-soluble (hydrophilic) and a fat-soluble (lipophilic) part. Lecithin can be extracted from several sources, such as eggs, soybeans, sunflower and rapeseed. The compositions are different for the different lecithin groups.

Uses of Lecithin

Lecithin is used in a variety of industries and products, including:

Food industry :

Emulsifier: Lecithin helps stabilize and mix ingredients that normally wouldn't mix, like water and oil. It's found in chocolate, baked goods, margarine, and dressings.

Texture improvement: It can improve the texture of foods and extend shelf life.

Prevents caking: In powdered products such as instant powders.

Cosmetics and Skincare:

Lecithin is used as an emollient, humectant and emulsifier in creams, lotions and makeup products.

Pharmaceutical Industry:

Lecithin is used in medicines and dietary supplements as an aid in improving the absorption of certain active ingredients.

It is also used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical capsules.

Animal feed:

Lecithin is added to animal feed to improve nutrient absorption and promote animal health.

Differences between the different types of lecithin

Source:

Different types of lecithin originate from different plants or animals, which can affect their composition and usefulness.

Allergens:

Soy lecithin can trigger allergic reactions in some people, while sunflower lecithin and rapeseed lecithin are often preferred as hypoallergenic alternatives.

GMO Status:

Soy lecithin may be genetically modified, depending on its origin, while sunflower and rapeseed lecithin are typically non-GMO.

Price:

Egg lecithin is often more expensive than vegetable lecithins due to the extraction process and source.

Application:

Certain types of lecithin are preferred in specific applications based on their properties. For example, egg lecithin is often preferred in pharmaceutical products due to its purity.

Lecithin therefore plays an important role in many different industries and products, and the choice of lecithin type depends on the specific application and the requirements placed on the product.

What does lecithin do for me?

Understanding the structure and function of fatty acids can be complicated, but by breaking it down into smaller parts, it becomes clearer what role lecithin and choline play in the body.

Lecithin and Choline for the skin and the rest of the body

Lecithin is a type of phospholipid, an important group of fats that are essential for the construction of cell membranes in animals, humans and plants. Lecithin contains large amounts of phosphatidylcholine, an important component that helps explain lecithin's functions in the body.

Phospholipids, including lecithin, ensure the transport of nutrients, including other fats, into cells and the excretion of waste products. They are essential for the formation and maintenance of cell membranes and for cell communication. This makes phospholipids, such as lecithin, indispensable for life.

Categories of Fats

Fats in our food can be divided into three main groups: triglycerides, phospholipids and sterols.

1. Triglycerides: The most common type of fat in foods like butter, margarine, and cooking oils. Most of the body's fat reserves are made up of triglycerides, which are found in adipose tissue.
2. Phospholipids: Similar to triglycerides, but one of the fatty acids has been replaced by a phosphorus group. Phospholipids help transport triglycerides in the blood. Lecithin is the most common phospholipid.
3. Sterols: Another group of fats with different functions.

Lecithin's Functions

Lecithin and phospholipids play a crucial role in the structure and function of cell membranes, affecting the performance of cells throughout the body. Phosphatidylcholine, which contains choline, has several important functions:

Fat metabolism: Helps with normal fat metabolism in the body.
Cholesterol regulation: Can reduce bad cholesterol and support liver health, especially when the diet is balanced with sufficient protein, fewer carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

This information is based on an article from the magazine sund-forskning, written by Marianne Palm and published in December 2017/January 2018.