Soy lecithin: benefit and harm. Application in food industry

Phospholipids are substances without which the normal existence of the whole organism as a whole and each of its cells 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. In large quantities it is found in eggs, liver, meat, peanuts, some vegetables and fruits. In the industry, lecithin is extracted from soy products and oils. In this article, it will be described exactly soy lecithin. The benefit to the human body of this substance is enormous.

Beneficial features

Soy lecithin - It is a biologically active flavor additive to food. Due to the inositol and phosphatidylcholine entering into it, the transmission of nerve impulses occurs. They are also lipotropic substances, that is, those that dissolve and burn fat. Due to the action of inositol and choline, the liver, gallbladder and blood vessels are protected from cholesterol deposition, since these constituents prevent the formation of harmful plaques. Natural soy lecithin contributes to the dissolution and oxidation of fat, but, unlike medicinal products, burns extra excess fat. This substance has a marked choleretic effect. Lecithin interferes with the development and formation of gallstones. In addition, with its help improves digestibility of the body consumed vitamins and medications. And still widely this substance is widely used in cosmetology. Lecithin, part of the cosmetics, helps the dermis to retain moisture, so that the skin remains young for longer.

Application in food industry

Emulsifier soy lecithin finds its application in various areas of the food industry. This substance is used in the production of soluble dairy and plant products, margarine, finished glaze. The releasing and lubricating properties of lecithin are used in the manufacture of fats for frying and aerosol coatings. It is also used to change the viscosity of glazes and chocolate products of various types. In the production of bakery products, the substance in question improves the workability of the dough, increases shelf life. In the production of crackers, muffins, cookies and pies, lecithin facilitates the release of baking 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 serves as an emulsifier for water-oil and oil-water emulsions and is an important component of confectionery fat. Preparation of emulsions, as a rule, is carried out separately, and then in the finished form the mixture is combined with starch or flour. The main task of the producers is the maximum replacement of the egg yolk with lecithin (the yolk also acts as an emulsifier).

Fat-and-oil production

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

Dairy industry

Widely used soy lecithin and in the production of dairy products, and all because this emulsifier has these properties:

• Effectively dissolves dry whole milk;

• Promotes hydration;

• Accelerates the wetting process in hot or cold liquids;

• Provides good functionality at low content;

• For a long time able to maintain instantizing properties.

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

Soy lecithin in baby food

The additive is widely used in the production of baby food. This substance is an important building element of the central and peripheral nervous system. Lecithin is directly involved in the intrauterine formation of the brain and neural tissue of the fetus. In breast milk, the content of this substance is 100 times greater than the total amount in the female body. This once again proves his usefulness. This is the most important element for the central nervous system: lecithin is responsible for thinking and concentrating attention, and the choline contained in it takes a direct part in the development of memory. An important feature of the substance under consideration is the ability to provide natural fat metabolism, stimulate the production of red blood cells (red blood cells), improve the assimilation of vitamins A, D, E, K. But this complex is of great importance for a growing organism. So, vitamin A deficiency provokes a delay in growth and development, 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 generation of energy, so necessary in childhood. Especially important is lecithin for premature infants. He at times increases their chances of survival, prevents loss of vision and prevents breathing disorders.

Application for health problems

Thanks to the regenerative and protective properties for a variety of diseases, it is recommended to use soy lecithin. The price of the product varies between 700-750 rubles. For 100 capsules. The cost of the product fully corresponds to its therapeutic qualities. About 300 rubles. For 170 g will have to pay for lecithin soybean granulated. Instructions with detailed description of the drug are usually attached to this tool, regardless of the manufacturer, volume and form of release.

This substance is indispensable for people living in adverse areas where the radioactive background is elevated. Thanks to lecithin, radionuclides and salts of heavy metals are released. The product helps people prone to allergic reactions to fatty protein, get a full meal. Soy lecithin is effective in the atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension.

In addition, the substance mentioned is shown 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 diseases: viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease;

• Diseases of the spine and joints;

• Eye diseases: optic nerve atrophy, retinal degeneration;

• Diseases of the teeth;

• Diseases of the lungs and bronchi;

• obesity;

• Detoxification of the body;

• pregnancy;

• Female diseases: uterine fibroid, fibrocystic mastopathy, endometriosis, breast and uterine cancer.

Soy lecithin: instructions for use

Adults, as a rule, are prescribed one capsule twice a day. Soy lecithin in granules is recommended to be used as a supplement to food. Add the substance to non-hot food (soups, salads, yogurts, sauces, etc.). Use it three times a day for one teaspoon. At night, it is recommended to drink kefir with lecithin - this will help to remove excitability and irritability, which contributes to better sleep. In some conditions, the dose of the drug can be increased to three to five tablespoons a day. However, this must be done only by the doctor's prescription. To children, lecithin is added to the milk mixture twice a day for a quarter of the coffee spoon (begin with a few grains and gradually increase to the recommended dose).

Deficiency of lecithin in the body

The consumption of this substance depends on the intensity of physical activity and the state of the whole organism as a whole. With increased physical activity, the level of lecithin in muscles also increases, which makes them more enduring. Deficiency of the same lecithin provokes thinning of the envelope of nerve fibers and cells, which, in turn, leads to disruption of the well-coordinated work of the nervous system. Violated blood circulation in the brain, a person feels chronic fatigue, there is increased irritability. All this can provoke a nervous breakdown.

Soy lecithin: harm

In large quantities, this product acts depressingly on the endocrine system of the body. Also, allergic reactions may develop, especially if the sensitivity to the food supplement is increased. Very rarely appear such phenomena as nausea, increased salivation, dyspepsia. However, numerous medical studies have shown that people who use lecithin soy, harm Receive a minimum (in comparison with other medical products) and much less often.

special instructions

Lecithin in granules should be consumed within two months after opening the package. A patient with cholelithiasis 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 taken under medical supervision. If you need to take high doses of the drug (three tablespoons a day or more), it is advisable to add vitamin C in the diet, which protects the body from nitrosamines, which are released as a result of choline metabolism, and calcium, which binds the excess of phosphorus formed in the metabolism of lecithin .

Despite the numerous positive effects of soy lecithin, it is necessary to consult with your doctor before using it.