Lecithin (Lecithin)

Other names: Lysolecithin

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Lecithin, also known as Lysolecithin, is an ingredient that can be found in many foods and plays an important role in the human body. It is a mixture of various phospholipids and is increasingly used not only in the food industry, but also in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Its main role is primarily in the body's transport of fats.

In the food industry, lecithin is mainly used as an emulsifier, which means that it helps to bind water and fat together and thus prevents the separation of the individual components. It can therefore be found in various types of margarines, chocolate, ice cream, baked goods, but also in some diet foods and so-called protein shakes. Lecithin is also commonly used in the preparation of instant soups and sauces because it increases their stability and extends their shelf life. In addition to the food industry, lecithin is also used in the cosmetics industry, where it is used as a component of skin, hair and nail care products. In medicine, lecithin is used in certain drugs to treat liver diseases.