Food additives Lecithin

Lecithin is a food additive that comes from several sources like soybean, sunflower seed, egg yolk etc. It`s generally used as an emulsifier, or lubricant, when added to food, but also has uses as an antioxidant and flavor protector. If you read your food labels, I`m sure that you`ve run across the ingredient lecithin because it`s one of the most widely used Food Additives on the market today.

In foods, lecithin provides about a dozen functions, including as an emulsifier, as a wetting agent, for viscosity reduction, as release agents, and for crystallization control. Lecithin also provides functions in numerous industrial applications as well. By 1940, the U.S. lecithin industry was well established. The lecithin industry is a mature one, but several factors have affected it.

A commercial form of lecithin is commonly used in the preparation of food, cosmetics, and medications, as it extends shelf life and acts as an emulsifier. Lecithin supplements can also be used to treat high cholesterol and digestive issues, and to prevent clogged milk ducts, during breast-feeding. One of the main components of lecithin, phosphatidylcholine (PC), may be responsible for some of lecithin`s reported health benefits.