Lecithin is any of the various food substances derived from animal tissue used in food. Their primary function is to make it easier to mix when it is added to food. Traditionally, most manufacturers derived lecithin from eggs, specifically the yolk.
However, this was until scientists discovered how to derive the same substance from soy and sunflowers as an alternative to animal products. Lecithin is a versatile substance that can serve various purposes and professional manufacturers such as National Lecithin are leading the way in actualizing the benefits of this natural product in a variety of applications. This article explores the different uses of Soy Lecithin. Read on for insights.
1. Edible Making
Soy lecithin is a great way to improve the quality of cannabis edibles. Not only does it act as a preservative to increase shelf life, but it also maintains the structural integrity and consistency of the edibles.
It binds the edibles and emulsifies them, helping to distribute the cannabis oil evenly. It is also suitable for improving the absorption of THC. However, this is not the same as making THC more potent as some would like to believe.
When used in baked edibles, it improves the finished product. It is uniform and more potent. It also enhances digestion overall.
2. Cosmetic Production
Soy Lecithin Powder is used in skin products to serve as an emollient. It is used in moisturizers, lotions, and other skincare products. It helps improve hydration which increases the moisture levels in the skin.
The use of Hydroxylated Lecithin in skin products is approved and considered safe for use by the FDA. Its versatility extends to cosmetic benefits in addition to health benefits.
Lecithin also adds emulsification properties to skin products, making them easier on the skin during application. It is also a thickener that makes the various categories of skin products thicker and more pleasant on the hands.
The majority of skincare products are made of oil and water. The properties of lecithin make it an excellent agent to bring together these two principal agents in skin products. They are therefore more effective in serving their skincare purpose.
Lecithin has also been shown to help improve skin complexion and treat common skin conditions like acne and eczema.
3. Chocolate making
When leading chocolatiers include soy lecithin in their recipes, they enjoy a slew of benefits. Its main function is to decrease the viscosity of melted chocolate, which it does via lowering surface tension. In addition, lecithin decreases the surface tension of cocoa butter, making it easier to spread.
When compared to alternative choices like cocoa butter, companies who use soy lecithin in the chocolate manufacturing process make the bean-to-bar process simpler and less costly. Manufacturers producing chocolate confections in big batches find that soy lecithin works effectively via enormous pipes and equipment, guaranteeing that no product gets caught in the pipes during the production process.
In caramels, toffees, and brittles, lecithin acts as an emulsifier, preventing lipids from separating and resulting in a more delicate, richer final product. It also includes natural antioxidants that help prolong the shelf life of the product.
4. Powdered Food & Drink Mixes
Whether you’re making a protein shake on the move or adding coffee creamer to your favorite cup, lumps, and clumps are the last thing you want. Lecithin is responsible for the smooth, consistent consistency you’ve come to anticipate and appreciate.
Many powdered products make use of lecithin’s ability to produce a uniform consistency. Non-dairy coffee creamer, ice “cream,” plant-based yogurts, and other popular dairy-alternative meals and beverages need lecithin to create the creamy texture you’d expect from genuine dairy. Lecithin is frequently added in drink mixes to improve the powdered product’s ability to dissolve completely in a liquid.
Lecithin improves bread volume, promotes moisture retention, and helps in component cohesiveness in bakery applications. In summary, lecithin contributes to baked products’ distinctive appearance and texture while also prolonging their freshness and shelf life. When producing the following goods, lecithin is an important ingredient:
5. Medication Making
The properties of lecithin as a protein make it an excellent option for use in treatment. It is used in various medicines to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. In addition, it is very effective both as a standalone supplement and used as an ingredient for making medications.
It can be used to treat cholesterol-related problems, Ulcerative Colitis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and mastitis. It is broken down to a substance known as choline which is the secret to the associated health benefits.
In addition to this, Soy Lecithin based supplements also have other health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, improved liver health, gains in athletic performance, and slowing down cognitive decline associated with dementia.
Soy lecithin can also be used as an alternative to butter. It is low fat and protects the individual from the adverse health effects of high fat in butter.
When taken with the proper recommendation, soy lecithin powder also helps to improve immunity. In addition, they are suitable for white blood cells and work together to fight off infection and disease.
6. Paint and Caulking Production
The emulsifying properties of soy lecithin powder are not just beneficial for food products but also in paints and inks. It works to reduce viscosity, acts as an anti-stabilizer, and is also commonly used as an anti-splatter additive.
In various inks, soy lecithin adds its anti-settling properties, making it easier to use and better for long-term storage. It is also used as an agent for latex-based paints, water-based paints, and caulk compounds.
The use of soy lecithin also helps the environment. It serves as a viable alternative to many toxic substances used in paint, and its organic properties make it biodegradable.
It has properties that make it suitable for coating on surfaces, inhibiting rust, intensifying color, eliminating foam, and promoting fast dispersion of latex-based paints.
