Sunflower Or Soy Licithin
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What it is
Lecithin is a type of fat that is found naturally in many plant and animal sources. It is often extracted from soybeans or sunflower seeds. The extraction process typically involves using solvents to separate the lecithin from the source material, followed by purification.
Why it's used
Lecithin is commonly used as an emulsifier in food products, meaning it helps to blend ingredients that don't normally mix well, like oil and water. This helps create smoother textures and prevents separation in foods such as chocolate, baked goods, and margarine.
Health notes
In the U.S., lecithin derived from soy or sunflower is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is not typically associated with adverse health effects when consumed in amounts found in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated lecithin and established acceptable daily intake levels, though specific numeric values are not provided here.
Allergen info
Soy lecithin is derived from soy, which is one of the 9 major allergens recognized by the FDA. Sunflower lecithin is not derived from a major allergen. Neither is a source of gluten.