Friday, September 26, 2008

Organic Liquid Lecithin

Botanical Name- Derived from Soy Beans (Glycine max)
Origin- USA
Extraction- Gummed Soybeans
Shelf life- 18-24 months

Notes- No solvents were used in the extraction of this organic liquid Lecithin. It is currently listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) as a multi purpose food additive. Stores well under most conditions but extremes in temperature may cause a loss in quality. Ideal storage conditions are no less than 40 degrees and no higher than 100 degrees. Liquid Lecithin is a thick viscous semi solid resembling molasses and it may become further liquefied using a double boiler, microwave oven, or you may set your container in a pot of simmering water for 10-20 minutes. The line of lecithin offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is suitable for both food and cosmetic purposes.

Specifications
Color- Brown
Odor- Heavy resembling oil fats
Size-
Acetone insolubles- 63.3%
Acid value- 15.7 mg
Hexane insolubles- <0.01%>

Cosmetic Use
Lecithin is an emollient, which is a softening and soothing agent. In addition, it has magnificent moisturizing properties, and helps to hydrate the skin. The phospholipids naturally present in Lecithin are able to attract water from the air, and in doing so, increase hydration. This makes it an excellent additive for restorative creams, or for products designed for mature, dry, or overworked skin. It also has the unique ability to deeply penetrate the skin, and carry substances directly to the cells and the bloodstream. Because of this, it may assist the body in absorbing other properties as well. If a product is created with natural and healing ingredients, then the addition of Lecithin would actually bring those beneficial properties to the cellular level. Lecithin also has emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, and suspending qualities. With these amazing and varied capabilities, the addition of lecithin could assist in the therapeutic and medicinal properties of your body care products.

Liquid Lecithin may be easily added to your products by simply blending it into your recipe. The amount of Lecithin used depends upon the recipe type and size, and on the product thickness desired. However, a general rule is 1/2-1 Tablespoon for a 19 oz batch of cream. We recommend experimenting with the amount in small batches.

Culinary Use
Made from organic soybeans, our Lecithin is a healthful and invaluable culinary ingredient. Lecithin is utilized throughout the food industry as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, moisturizer, and mild preservative. It is often present in vegan or low fat cooking as an alternative to fat in baked goods, and improves moisture and texture at the same time. It may be added to a variety of baked items including breads, cakes, casseroles, and cookie dough as an anti-caking, pan release, and moisturizing agent. Bakers also employ Lecithin for its ability to help dough rise, create uniformity and suspension in the batter, and to lessen the dough’s tendency to be sticky while kneading. In addition, Lecithin is commonly used for its emulsifying properties in mayonnaise, margarine, shortening, salad dressing, and other water-oil combinations. For the same suspending and emulsifying properties, it is added to various sauces, gravies, soups, nut butters, and gravies. Lecithin is an important ingredient in chocolate, caramels, confectionary coatings for spattering control, to prevent crystallization, and as an emulsifier. In addition, it is also wetting, dispersing, and emulsifying tool for powdered products, such as cake mixes, cocoa powder, and instant powder mixes.

Medicinal Applications
Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid, and is an excellent source of choline. Lecithin physically is made in our liver, and is necessary for every cell in our bodies. Without choline, the membranes of our cells would harden, which would prevent nutrients from entering and leaving the cell. Lecithin also helps cholesterol deposits from forming in our blood vessels, and is involved in the process of moving cholesterol through our bodies. Soy Lecithin chemically binds with cholesterol, and in this manner reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstreams, and may lower cholesterol levels. It also assists with the neurotransmitters crucial for memory, muscle control, and brain function. Research suggests that Lecithin may be helpful for repairing liver damage, and protecting against liver damage. In addition, it may assist with the following:

Improves memory and cognitive functions
Menopause and post-menopausal conditions - (contains estrogen like compounds)
Poor nutrition and anemia
Diabetes
Neurologic disorders
Cardiovascular health
Improves energy and physical performance
Assists with the absorption of Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Psoriasis
Gallstones
Eases digestion
Promotes overall health and physical performance
Because of its many health and cosmetic benefits, this is truly an amazing ingredient. Lecithin may be easily added to your culinary or cosmetic recipes. We recommend that you try this wonderful product yourself, as it may prove to be a key ingredient for your overall health and well-being.

Precautions:
Although no drug interactions have been found, we recommend speaking with your healthcare practitioner before incorporating lecithin into your diet. Lecithin may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, loose stools, or diarrhea.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/lecithin_liquid.html

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