Soy lecithin: benefits and harms. Application in the food industry

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Phospholipids are substances without which the normal existence of the whole organism as a whole and each of its cells individually is impossible. They are vital to man, as they are both a building material and a source of energy. The main source of fats, or phospholipids, is lecithin. It is found in large quantities in eggs, liver, meat, peanuts, some vegetables and fruits. In industry, lecithin is extracted from soy products and oil. This article will describe exactly soy lecithin. The benefits for the human body of this substance are enormous.

Useful properties

Soy lecithin is a biologically active flavoring food additive. Thanks to its constituent inositol and phosphatidylcholine, nerve impulses are transmitted. They are also lipotropic substances, that is, those that dissolve and burn fat. Through the action of inositol and choline, the liver, gallbladder and blood vessels are protected from cholesterol deposits, as these components prevent the formation of harmful plaques. Natural soy lecithin promotes the dissolution and oxidation of fat, but, unlike medicinalfunds, burns exclusively excess body fat. This substance has a pronounced choleretic effect. Lecithin prevents the development and formation of gallstones. In addition, it improves the absorption of vitamins and drugs consumed by the body. And this substance is widely used in cosmetology. Lecithin, which is part of cosmetics, helps the dermis to retain moisture, so that the skin stays young longer.

Food Applications

Soy lecithin emulsifier finds its application in various areas of the food industry. This substance is used in the production of soluble dairy and vegetable products, margarine, finished glaze. The release and lubricity properties of lecithin are used in the manufacture of frying fats and aerosol coatings. It is also used to change the viscosity of glazes and various types of chocolate products. In the manufacture of bakery products, the substance in question improves the workability of the dough, increases the shelf life. In the production of crackers, muffins, cookies and pies, lecithin facilitates the release of baked goods from molds. It can also act as an antioxidant, i.e. a substance that prevents oxidation.

Confectionery production

In the production of confectionery products, soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier for oil-in-water and oil-in-water emulsions and is an important component of confectionery fat. The preparation of emulsions is usuallycarried out separately, and then, in finished form, the mixture is combined with starch or flour. The main task of manufacturers is the maximum replacement of egg yolk with lecithin (the yolk also acts as an emulsifier).

Fat and oil production

Thanks to the use of soy lecithin, resistance to delamination, viscosity increases, density and plasticity of products increase. Low-fat products acquire increased oiliness, organoleptic characteristics improve.

Dairy industry

Soy lecithin is also widely used in the production of dairy products, and all because the mentioned emulsifier has the following properties:

• effectively dissolves whole milk powder;
• promotes hydration;
• speeds up the wetting process in hot or cold liquid;
• provides good functionality with low content;
• capable of maintaining instantizing properties for a long time.

In the production of frozen desserts and ice cream, in combination with stabilizers, lecithin ensures the homogeneity of the mixture, controls the agglomeration of fat during the freezing process.

Soy lecithin in baby food

The additive is also widely used in the production of baby food. This substance is an important building block of the central and peripheral nervous system. Lecithin is directly involved in the intrauterine formation of the brain and nervous tissue of the fetus. In breast milkthe content of this substance is 100 times higher than its total amount in the female body. This once again proves its usefulness.

This is an essential element for the central nervous system: lecithin is responsible for thinking and concentration, and the choline contained in it is directly involved in the development of memory. An important feature of the substance in question is the ability to provide natural fat metabolism, stimulate the production of erythrocytes (red blood cells), improve the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K. But for a growing organism, this complex is of great importance. Thus, vitamin A deficiency provokes growth and developmental delay, vitamin E - weight loss, D - the appearance of rickets, vitamin K - a violation of blood clotting. In addition, lecithin is one of the elements of biological membranes, it enhances the production of energy, which is so necessary in childhood. Lecithin is especially important for premature babies. It greatly increases their chances of survival, prevents vision loss and prevents respiratory distress.

Use for he alth problems

Due to its restorative and protective properties, it is recommended to use soy lecithin for a wide variety of diseases. The price of the product varies between 700-750 rubles. for 100 capsules. The cost of the product is fully consistent with its medicinal qualities. About 300 rubles. for 170 g you will have to pay for granulated soy lecithin. Instructions with a detailed description of the drug, as a rule, are attached to this tool.regardless of the manufacturer, volume and form of release.

This substance is indispensable for people living in unfavorable areas where the radioactive background is high. Thanks to lecithin, radionuclides and s alts of heavy metals are removed. The product helps people who are prone to allergic reactions to fatty protein to get good nutrition. Soy lecithin is effective in atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, myocardial infarction, angina, hypertension.

In addition, the mentioned substance is indicated under the following conditions:

• damage to the central or peripheral nervous system;

• chronic pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus;

  

• diseases of the digestive system of a chronic nature: gastritis, colitis, gastroduodenitis;
• allergies and skin lesions: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis;
• chronic liver disease: viral hepatitis, fatty liver;
• diseases of the spine and joints;
• eye diseases: optic nerve atrophy, retinal degeneration;
• dental diseases;
• diseases of the lungs and bronchi;
• obesity;
• body detoxification;
• pregnancy;
• female diseases: uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, endometriosis, breast and uterine cancer.

Soy lecithin: instructions for use

Adults usually take one capsule twice a day. Soy lecithin in granules is recommended for use as a food supplement. Add the substance to non-hot food (soups, salads, yogurts, sauces, etc.). Use it three times a day, one teaspoon. At night, it is recommended to drink kefir with lecithin - this will help relieve excitability and irritability, which contributes to better falling asleep. In some conditions, the dose of the drug can be increased to three to five tablespoons per day. However, this should only be done as directed by a doctor. For children, lecithin is added to the milk formula twice a day for a quarter of a coffee spoon (start with a few grains and gradually increase to the recommended dose).

Lecithin deficiency in the body

Consumption of this substance depends on the intensity of physical activity and the state of the whole organism as a whole. With an increase in physical activity, the level of lecithin in the muscles also increases, which makes them more resilient. A deficiency of lecithin provokes a thinning of the sheath of nerve fibers and cells, which, in turn, leads to disruption of the coordinated work of the nervous system. Blood circulation in the brain is disturbed, a person feels chronic fatigue, increased irritability appears. All this can provoke a nervous breakdown.

Soy lecithin: harm

In large quantities, this product acts depressingly on the endocrine system of the body. Allergic reactions may also develop,especially in case of hypersensitivity to the food additive. Extremely rarely there are such phenomena as nausea, increased salivation, dyspepsia. However, numerous medical studies have shown that people who consume soy lecithin receive minimal harm (compared to other medications) and much less frequently.

Special Instructions

Lecithin granules should be consumed within two months after opening the package. Patients with gallstone disease should take this substance with caution, as it can increase bile secretion and promote the movement of gallstones. With exacerbations of cholecystitis and pancreatitis, lecithin should be consumed under medical supervision. If there is a need to take high doses of the drug (three tablespoons a day or more), it is advisable to additionally introduce vitamin C into the diet, which protects the body from nitrosamines that are released as a result of choline metabolism, and calcium, which binds excess phosphorus formed during the metabolism of lecithin.

Despite the many positive effects of soy lecithin, you should definitely consult your doctor before using it.