Best Ways of Using Lecithin
Lecithin is essential for the biological functioning of the body. Lecithin is fatty substances found in tissues of plants and animals, also in tissues of your body. It acts as an emulsifier that helps in suspending fats and oil and doesn’t allow them to mix with other substances. Supplements of Lecithin are extracted from sunflower seeds, soybeans, or eggs. There are several benefits of lecithin.
Benefits of lecithin for soybean(1) are available in the form of capsules, in powder or liquid form. The difference between lecithin extracted from soybean and sunflower is, soybean is sometimes genetically modified, but sunflower seeds are not. It is also a tender process to extract from sunflower seeds. Benefits of lecithin for sunflower include its efficiency in treating memory problems, gall bladder problems, depression, and even skin diseases like eczema.
Facts
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How Benefits of Lecithin Impacts Your Health
A cost-effective way of extracting lecithin is from ‘soy’. Soy is modified genetically, and the US accounts for the maximum production of soy in the world. If you want to use natural, opt for sunflower lecithin.
The benefits of lecithin are as follows
- It is beneficial in reducing cholesterol. If you take a lecithin dosage of 500 mg daily, it will help in bringing down bad LDL cholesterol. Also, it helps to increase good HDL cholesterol.
- If you are suffering from IBS or Ulcerative colitis, lecithin can help in the digestion process. It contains phosphatidylcholine mucus that acts as a protective layer on the intestine.
- One of the many lecithin benefits is for breastfeeding. A lot of mothers suffer from clogged ducts that are a hindrance to feeding. The blocked ducts don’t allow the milk to flow directly and makes this very painful. It also leads to Mastitis(2), an infection that occurs in the breast tissue.
- A lecithin dosage of 1200 mg four times a day has been known to improve and prevent this condition.
- Lecithin is used as the main ingredient for most of the skincare products. As an emollient, it hydrates your skin and makes it feel smooth and soft.
- It is said that people who take lecithin supplements daily have improved cognitive function of the brain, helps in the development of the brain, and can also prevent diseases like dementia.
How to Use Lecithin Effectively
1. Lecithin Granules Dosage
You can use Lecithin Granules Dosage directly. But this is advised to consult your doctor for the right lecithin dosage.
Method
- Lecithin granules can be taken around 1-2 tbsp of granules daily.
- While making a smoothie, you can add few pellets to the blender.
- You can also add it to a few dishes while cooking, or add it to your breakfast cereals or in soups.
2. Lecithin Skin Dosage
Method
Take one cup of lotion as the base and 1 tbsp of liquid lecithin. Mix all the ingredients and stir until they are distributed evenly.
Next, put it into a blender and mix it until you get your desired consistency. Blend it for a minute and let the lecithin thicken the lotion. Now, let the lecithin hold the emulsion indefinitely.
[Read: Essential oils for Dry Skin]
3. Lecithin Powder
Lecithin powder is made by removing the moisture from it, and then it is grounded into a powder form. This powder is oil-free as the natural soybean oil is removed from it. Lecithin powder is usually used for purposes of baking.
Method
You should use 1½ cup of lecithin granules for every cup of flour. Let the lecithin dissolve on the liquid. Follow your usual process of baking and wait till it is done. If the texture is not appealing, add more lecithin in your next batch. If it has more taste of lecithin, then you can reduce the quantity.
4. Lecithin for Salad Dressing
Lecithin is readily available in supermarkets and some grocery stores.
Method
If you take 1 cup salad dressing, mix in 1 tsp of granules to it.
Make any salad of your choice and add lecithin. Stir very well. It gives an emulsified mixture and also offers a creamy texture to it.
[Read: Health Benefits of Sunflower Lecithin]
Lecithin Side Effects
- While there are no known side effects of lecithin, they do crop up as gastrointestinal problems, inflammation of the liver, loss of appetite, or nausea.
- Never exceed the dosage mentioned by your doctor.
- If you feel sick while taking lecithin, discontinue immediately.
- If you are allergic to egg or soy, you might be allergic to lecithin.
- Always follow the instructions mentioned on the package.
Lecithin can’t be a replacement for medicine prescribed by your doctor. It can work as a herbal supplement for you but ensure your doctor knows about your previous history and allergies, if any. Some medical conditions can restrict you from using lecithin. Buy from a reliable store to rule out chances of contamination.
FAQ
1. Can I Consume Soy Lecithin If I Am Allergic to Eggs?
There is a possibility you might show symptoms of allergy if you are allergic to eggs. However, the best way to decipher that would be to get assessed by your doctor or trying it in small quantities.
