Lecithin

Other Name(s):

Soya Lecithin; Sunflower Lecithin; CAS# 8002-43-5; E 322

The most common sources of lecithin are soya, sunflower and (more rarely) egg yolks.

Is Lecithin Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Lecithin is a natural ingredient which can be made using non-GMO plants, without harming animals and without the use of harsh chemicals.

Benefits: Why is Lecithin used?

Transforms into Choline

Lecithin when ingested is broken down to choline, which is responsible for a large number of bodily functions such as regulating metabolism and our cognitive function.

Cardiovascular Health

Lecithin may help to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Creamy Texture

Lecithin gives chocolate and other food items a creamy texture without the use of dairy, thus it is found in a variety of plant based food items.

Nourishing Hair & Skin

Lecithin gives a foamy quality to face washes, creams and other personal care products while softening skin and conditioning hair.

Learn more about Lecithin:

Lecithin can be found as a single-ingredient health supplement. It is used frequently in food products like chocolate, but can also be found in cosmetics like lipstick, foundation powder and sunscreen.

Lecithin can be isolated from seed oils using an ethanol extraction method. The ethanol is then evaporated, leaving behind only the desired lecithin.

Sunflower is not a genetically modified crop, unlike soya (the most common source of lecithin). So, if you find a product which lists lecithin (from sunflower) in the ingredient list you can rest assured that this lecithin is non-GMO.

Lecithin is often referred to as phosphatidylcholine, and vice versa. But this is not entirely true! Phosphatidylcholine is a component of lecithin.

When soy lecithin was first discovered in 1850 it was named “lekythos” which is the Greek translation for egg yolk.