Soy Lecithin
Soy Lecithin is a mixture of phospholipids and other substances that are found in plant tissues and egg yolks. It is a yellow-brown oily substance that has various functions in the human body and health. Soy Lecithin was first isolated from egg yolk by a French chemist and pharmacologist named Theodore Nicolas Gobley in 1846. He named it “léchithine” after the Greek word for egg yolk, “λέκιθος”. Soy Lecithin has low solubility in water and can form different structures such as liposomes, bilayers, micelles or lamellae depending on the hydration and temperature conditions. Therefore, it is considered as an amphoteric surfactant that can interact with both water and oil.
Soy Lecithin has many benefits for human health, such as:
· It can help lower cholesterol and fat levels in the blood and prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver and arteries. It can also prevent the formation of gallstones and liver cirrhosis by dissolving excess cholesterol and bile salts. Soy Lecithin is known as the “cleaner” of blood vessels and can prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
· It can improve brain function and memory by providing choline, a precursor of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that is essential for information transmission in the nervous system. Soy Lecithin can also protect the brain cells and spinal cord from damage and prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
· It can enhance skin health and beauty by eliminating toxins from the body and providing hydration and oxygen to the skin cells. Soy Lecithin can also reduce skin problems such as acne, pimples, freckles and blackheads by breaking down excess sebum and dirt on the skin surface.
· It can boost metabolism and energy levels by facilitating the absorption of essential nutrients and supporting the movement of body fluids inside and outside the cells. Soy Lecithin can also help with weight loss by emulsifying and digesting fats in the body.
· It can support liver function and detoxification by regenerating liver cells and removing harmful substances from the body. Soy Lecithin can also prevent fatty liver disease by enhancing fat metabolism in the liver.
· It can benefit pregnant women and fetuses by providing Soy Lecithin to the developing brain and nervous system of the fetus. Soy Lecithin can also prevent neural tube defects and improve cognitive development of the baby.
Soy Lecithin is a natural and safe substance that can be obtained from food sources such as egg yolks, fish, peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seeds, etc. The recommended daily intake of Soy Lecithin is about 30 to 50 grams for adults. However, excessive intake of Soy Lecithin may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Soy Lecithin supplements or making any changes to your diet.
