Phospholipids are substances without which the normal existence of the whole organism as a whole and each of its cells separately is impossible. They are vital for man, since they are both a building material and a source of energy. The main source of fat, 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 soya lecithin. The benefits to the human body of this substance are enormous.
Beneficial features
Soya Lecithin -
it is a biologically active flavoring food supplement. Due to its inositol and phosphatidylcholine, nerve impulses are transmitted. They are also lipotropic substances, that is, those that dissolve and burn fat. Due to the action of inositol and choline, the liver, gall bladder and blood vessels are protected from the deposition of cholesterol, since these components prevent the formation of harmful plaques. Natural soya lecithin promotes the dissolution and oxidation of fat, but, unlike medications, it burns only excess body fat. This substance has a pronounced choleretic effect. Lecithin inhibits the development and formation of gallstones. In addition, with its help, the body's digestibility of consumed vitamins and drugs improves. And still widely this substance is widely used in cosmetology. Lecithin, which is part of cosmetics, helps the dermis retain moisture, so that the skin remains young longer.
Application in the food industry
Emulsifier soya lecithin is used in various areas of the food industry. This substance is used in the production of soluble dairy and vegetable products, margarine, ready-made glaze. The releasing and lubricating 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 chocolate products of various types. 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 pastries from molds. It can also act as an antioxidant, i.e., a substance that prevents oxidation.
Confectionery
In the manufacture of
confectionery products, soya lecithin acts as an emulsifier of water-oil and oil-water emulsions and is an important component of confectionery fat. The 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 manufacturers is the maximum substitution of egg yolk with lecithin (the yolk also acts as an emulsifier).
Oil and fat production
Thanks to the use of soya lecithin, resistance to delamination, viscosity increases, density, plasticity of products increases. Low-fat products acquire increased oiliness, and organoleptic characteristics improve.
Dairy industry
Soy lecithin is widely used in the production of dairy products, and all because the emulsifier mentioned has the following properties:
effectively dissolves whole milk powder;
promotes hydration;
accelerates the wetting process in hot or cold liquid;
provides good functionality with low content;
for a long time is able to maintain instantiating properties.
In the production of frozen desserts and ice cream in combination with stabilizers, lecithin ensures the uniformity 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 milk, the content of this substance is 100 times higher than its total amount in the female body. This once again proves its benefit.
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 under consideration is the ability to provide natural fat metabolism, stimulate the production of red blood cells (red blood cells), and improve the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K. But this complex is of great importance for a growing organism. Thus, a deficiency of vitamin A provokes a delay in growth and development, vitamin E - a decrease in body weight, D - the appearance of rickets, vitamin K - a violation of blood coagulation. 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 significantly increases their chances of survival, prevents vision loss and prevents respiratory distress.
Use for health problems
Due to its restorative and protective properties in a wide variety of diseases, it is recommended to use soya lecithin. The price of the product varies between 700-750 rubles. per 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 granular soya lecithin. An instruction with a detailed description of the drug is 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 increased. Thanks to lecithin, radionucleides and salts of heavy metals are excreted. The product helps people who are prone to allergic reactions to fat protein, get good nutrition. Soya lecithin is effective for atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and hypertension.
In addition, the substance mentioned is indicated in the following conditions:
damage to the central or peripheral nervous system;
chronic pancreatitis and diabetes;
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 atrophy, retinal degeneration;
dental diseases;
diseases of the lungs and bronchi;
obesity;
detoxification of the body;
pregnancy;
female diseases: uterine fibroma, fibrocystic mastopathy, endometriosis, breast and uterine cancer.
Soya lecithin: instructions for use
Adults are usually prescribed one capsule twice a day. Soya lecithin in granules is recommended to be used as a supplement to food. Add the substance to non-hot food (soups, salads, yoghurts, sauces, etc.). Use it three times a day for one teaspoon. At night, it is recommended to drink kefir with lecithin - this will help relieve irritability and irritability, which contributes to better falling asleep. In some conditions, the dose may be increased to three to five tablespoons per day. However, this must be done only as directed by the doctor. For children, lecithin is added to the milk mixture 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
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 the muscles increases, which makes them more hardy. Lecithin deficiency 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, and 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 with hypersensitivity to the food supplement. Very rarely, such phenomena as nausea, increased salivation, dyspepsia appear. However, numerous medical studies have shown that people who use soya lecithin harm receive minimal (compared to other medical products) and much less.
special instructions
Lecithin in granules must be consumed within two months after opening the package. Patients with cholelithiasis should take this substance with caution, as it can enhance bile secretion and promote the movement of gallstones. With exacerbations of cholecystitis and pancreatitis, lecithin should be consumed under the supervision of a doctor. 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, which protects the body from nitrosamines, which are released as a result of the exchange of choline, and calcium, which binds the excess phosphorus formed during the metabolism of lecithin .
Despite the many beneficial effects of soya lecithin, you should always consult your doctor before using it.