WTF is SUNFLOWER LECITHIN & What are the Benefits?

Today I want to dive into the topic of sunflower lecithin. Have you heard of it? Maybe you’ve heard the word lecithin at the least? I promise it’s more fun than it sounds! It’s a fairly well-known term used to describe naturally occurring tissues, both in the body and in plants, made of fatty acids. Although the body produces it, it needs additional amounts for optimal health. This is why it’s made into a supplement from various foods, most commonly soybeans. Today, though, I want to focus on sunflower lecithin specifically.

Although the benefits are virtually the same, the main difference between consuming sunflower lecithin and soybean lecithin is the extraction process. Those that are avoiding genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, which are very common with soybeans, tend to prefer sunflower lecithin. Chemicals can also be used during the harvest of lecithin from soybeans because it is more difficult to extract the lecithin from a soybean versus a sunflower seed. Definitely sounds like sunflower lecithin is the way to go (and I haven’t even gotten into the benefits yet)!

To dive a little deeper into what sunflower lecithin actually is before explaining its alleged benefits, I did some research. It’s slightly dense but super interesting! Basically, lecithin is a substance found within tissues that acts as an emulsifier. It is beneficial from a health perspective because it’s a grouping of phospholipids containing choline (a “vitamin-like essential nutrient”), which processes fat, cholesterol and helps maintain cell function.

OK! Now that we have some background info, let’s get to the benefits, because that’s what we’re all here for right?

Benefits of sunflower lecithin

Lowers cholesterol

This is definitely one of the most talked about health benefits of lecithin. How I understand it is, in the bloodstream, there is good cholesterol and bad. The properties of lecithin allow it to work to balance these out, which can ultimately improve your heart health according to some studies. This means your chance of heart attack and stroke is reduced, along with the need for long-term prescriptions for cholesterol management.

Brain function

According to this study, there is a positive link between cognitive function and lecithin intake. The phospholipids presented in lecithin, specifically choline, can increase or even repair neurological damage. It’s also used to treat and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. So this means taking a lecithin supplement daily could really improve your brain health. Yes please!

Breastfeeding

If you’re a breastfeeding mama that has struggled with clogged ducts, The Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation conducted a study that showed lecithin could potentially prevent the clogging of ducts while breastfeeding. It recommends taking a lecithin supplement, which essentially thins the milk slightly, along with practicing other remedies like massaging and using warm compresses to reduce clogs. I’m obviously not here yet, but keeping this in mind for the future.

Digestion

Because lecithin has “emulsifying qualities,” according to this study, it can help in easing ulcerative colitis. It essentially helps build the mucus layer in your intestine, which in turn protects the delicate lining of the digestive system. This can also be beneficial for those that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. You may want to consult a doctor on this, though, because if taken too frequently lecithin could actually have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system.

Liver and gallbladder health

The choline in lecithin helps to dissolve excess fats, which is very helpful for good liver health. When the liver becomes overloaded with fats and tries to process too many at a time, you may be at risk for liver disease. Taking lecithin can help regulate this and keep your liver and gallbladder in good shape.

Moisturizes skin

Some people actually apply lecithin directly onto their skin and use it as a moisturizer (more on use and application below). Why? Lecithin is actually used as an ingredient in a lot of skincare products because it can add a creamy texture. It’s also been noted that if you use lecithin alone and apply it directly to the skin it can help with acne and eczema. Perfect for summer skin!

Immune system

Thanks to two of the other phospholipids found in lecithin (outside of choline), phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine, it’s loaded with antioxidants. This means lecithin can help speed up your recovery and prevent illnesses and infections from the beginning. It also adds some anti-aging benefits, which is never a bad thing.

Types of sunflower lecithin and where to buy it

Sunflower lecithin comes in a couple different forms, namely liquid and powder. The liquid version is most commonly put into a capsule that you can swallow as part of a regular supplement routine. Although who’s to say you can’t use the liquid directly on your skin like mentioned above.

The powder form is most commonly mixed into coffees, smoothies, shakes, etc.. Really anything that would benefit from lecithin’s creamy texture. If you want to give a lecithin smoothie a try, this recipe sounds delicious!

Superfood Chocolate Smoothie

Adapted from Holistic Wellness 

1 cups coconut milk

1 tbsp sunflower lecithin

1/2 banana

1 tbsp collagen

1 tbsp cacao powder / cocoa powder

Ice as needed

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Add additional milk or ice until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!

Sunflower lecithin is a very interesting supplement and there’s no doubt there’s tons of information out there on the topic. Have you ever tried it out and experienced its benefits?

I’d love to hear any thoughts on the topic!