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:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use 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.

Production: How is Lecithin Made?

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

Interesting Fact: 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.