5 Soy Lecithin Benefits
If you’re a fan of dairy products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, condensed or dried milk, then you have consumed soy lecithin. It’s a commonly used additive in these products for proper emulsification to improve your digestion process. However, it remains one of the ingredients that many people do not understand well. In this article, you will find all crucial information about this ingredient and why it is essential for your health and also find some of the soy lecitin benefits.
Table of Contents
What is Soy Lecithin?
Soy lecithin consists of phospholipids and oils extracted from a raw soybean using chemical solvents such as hexane. The extracted soybean oil is processed through degumming, where water is thoroughly mixed with soy oil until lecithin is hydrated then separated from the oil. It is then dried and bleached with hydrogen peroxide.
Its composition varies from one producer to another. However, it contains approximately 35% soybean oil and 16% phosphatidylcholine on average.
Benefits of Soy Lecithin
Some of the benefits of soy lecithin include:
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol can cause the formation of fatty deposits in your blood vessels leading to reduced blood flow in the arteries, putting you at higher risk of getting a heart attack, stroke, or hypertension(1). However, consuming food rich in soy lecithin can help you lower your cholesterol level. Studies indicate that lecithin can raise the “good” HDL cholesterol that helps remove other forms of cholesterol in your bloodstream and reduce the “bad” LDL cholesterol that collects in your blood vessels, putting you at risk of heart attack or stroke. Soy lecithin also improves the health of your heart by improving the efficiency of cardiovascular functions.
Read: Foods That High In Vitamin C
Helpful to Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding mothers are at the risk of developing clogged ducts, causing mastitis, the swelling of the breast tissue that leads to pain and redness. One tablespoon or 1,200 milligrams of soy lecithin a day is always recommended for every lactating mother to prevent clogging by reducing the thickness of the breast milk. However, it is also essential to use other options, including massage, applying a warm compress, and draining the breast properly. If the condition continues, consult your doctor for special care.
