Lecithin is a mixture of fats that are essential to cells in humans. However, lecithin is not made in high quantities, so it has to be provided through food and other supplements.
Lecithin is primarily found in soybeans and eggs. However, it is also present in wheat germ, peanuts, and liver. Lecithin is most commonly used as a preservative in food preparation, cosmetics, and medicine. It not only functions as an emulsifier to help products last longer, but it also has numerous other positive qualities that make it helpful for various purposes.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is one of the main components in lecithin, which may be responsible for some health benefits.
The Health Benefits of Soy Lecithin
Let’s jump in and discuss soy lecithin uses and the benefits that come with this excellent supplement.
Lower Your Cholesterol
Cholesterol reduction is one of the most common reasons many people add soy lecithin to their diet. Lecithin made from soy has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) without reducing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Reducing LDL cholesterol can help to reduce the buildup of fatty plaques in your body. That can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Raising HDL cholesterol helps to move away LDL cholesterol and plaque to your liver for processing, which reduces the risk of blockages.
Improve Your Digestion
Lecithin has been shown to improve digestion in people with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The combined qualities of lecithin improve the mucus in your intestine, preventing damage to your digestion system’s lining.
It might be because lecithin has phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is integral to mucus production. You may not have ulcerative colitis, but you may also benefit from using lecithin for irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that also affects the digestive process.
Many people find relief when they start using lecithin for digestive distress.
Clear Ducts During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can lead to clogged milk ducts, making breast milk not flow smoothly. It’s a painful and uncomfortable condition that can make breastfeeding difficult. Clogged milk ducts can also lead to mastitis, a breast tissue infection that affects about 10% of breastfeeding women in America.
Lecithin can help avoid clogged ducts for breastfeeding mothers. In addition, some experts recommend taking lecithin as a solution for preventing recurrent clogged ducts.
The recommended dose by the Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation is 1,200 milligrams of lecithin, taken four times daily.
Lecithin makes breast milk thinner, which might help prevent it from getting stuck in your breast ducts. However, lecithin does not treat already clogged ducts.
Improve Your Brain Function
Taking choline can lead to improved memory and can help manage Alzheimer’s. This is because your brain uses choline as a chemical to communicate. Soy lecithin has choline, which is suitable for healthy brain function. It improves the functional pathways of your brain.
Due to the chlorine effect on the brain, lecithin has been proposed to be suitable for people with Alzheimer’s disease, neurologic disorders, and other types of dementia.
Moisturize Your Skin
Lecithin is an ingredient found in many skincare products. It’s used as a moisturizer, making your skin feel smooth and hydrated. Studies have not shown that lecithin, when used alone, can treat eczema or acne. However, users report that taking lecithin capsules can improve your skin.
This is because it stimulates and tones even other parts of the body. Lecithin is safe to use on your skin in concentrations of up to 15 percent.
A Source of Choline
Choline is an essential nutrient that exists in the form of phosphatidylcholine in soy lecithin. This macronutrient plays a vital role in good brain development, muscle movement, liver function, nerve function, and metabolism. Without appropriate amounts of choline, you can experience muscle damage, organ dysfunction, and fatty liver. However, consumption of too much choline can inverse the effects of this deficiency.
Most of the potential benefits of soy lecithin supplements or powder come from choline.
Support Your Immune Function
Soy lecithin can boost your immune system, particularly in patients with diabetes. In animal studies, soy lecithin has been shown to increase the function of the immune system. Daily soy lecithin supplements encourage the white blood cells to attack any foreign matter in the bloodstream. (White blood cells fight off infections in your immune system).
Soy lecithin supplements increased lymphocyte levels and white blood cells by up to 92 percent.
Soy Lecithin Dosage
The dosage of soy lecithin has no official recommendation. However, some sources recommend taking one tablespoon or 1200 mg per day for clogged milk ducts. Others recommend 300 mg two to three times daily for overall health benefits.
Every lecithin supplement, either in liquid, capsule, or powder, must have dosage instructions. Therefore, you must adhere to the directions from the manufacturer found on the packaging. Ensure you talk to your doctor before adding lecithin to your diet. Then, understand the daily dosage that is best for you and your needs.
Is Soy Lecithin Safe for You?
Soy lecithin is extracted from soy, but most allergens are removed during the manufacturing process. The majority of allergists do not warn those allergic to soy against taking soy lecithin since the possibility of reaction is so slight. It has very little soy protein; therefore, it is usually considered safe for soy allergies.
However, some people who may be highly allergic to soy are warned against using it.
Get Your Lecithin from a Reputable Supplier
Lecithin is regarded as a low-risk addition to the supplements you can use to maintain your overall health. Users can best consume the nutrients in their whole form in food. Lecithin has many benefits and very few risks. This makes it a good option for people who want to improve their cholesterol levels and organ functions. However, consult your doctor before you start taking any new supplements.
Although soy lecithin is considered safe by the FDA, it is vital to source your soy lecithin from a reputable source. Lecithin manufacturers are booming, and finding a trustworthy manufacturer can be a devastating task. With good research, you can get a reputable lecithin supplier. A reputable supplier cares about the quality of lecithin they manufacture and the health benefits to all types of users.
