Soylecithin

Soy lecithin is a substance derived from soybeans. It is a mixture of phospholipids, which are fatty compounds. It is typically produced by extracting oil from soybeans and then separating the lecithin from the oil.

Soy lecithin is commonly used as an emulsifier in food products. Emulsifiers help to mix ingredients that normally don't mix well, like oil and water. This helps create smoother textures and prevents separation in foods such as baked goods, chocolate, and ice cream.

In the U.S., soy lecithin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is used in small amounts in many foods. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated soy lecithin. Research has not shown significant adverse health effects from consuming typical amounts of soy lecithin found in food.