Non GMO lecithins are in much higher demand now than ever before. Lecithin is a natural ingredient that is derived from eggs, soy, sunflowers, and rapeseed. Lecithin is primarily extracted from soy or sunflowers. It's used in a wide range of applications, from pharmaceutical applications to cosmetic applications to supplements. Lecithin is an emulsifier. Non GMO lecithins come from a source that has not been genetically modified. Learn more about non GMO lecithins and why the demand is growing.

Lecithin Is Everywhere

French scientist Maurice Gobley is the person accredited with finding lecithin in the yolk of eggs in 1856, according to The International Food Additives Council. Since its discovery, lecithin has become a very important ingredient. One of the essential components of lecithin is phosphatidylcholine, a fatty acid that is associated with several health benefits.

One of the best potential benefits of lecithin is a boost to your brain health. Lecithin is also thought to help with liver health, aid nursing mothers in replenishing nutrients, and contribute to healing wounds. It can even help reduce medication side effects. There have been many studies that support the idea that lecithins can be good for the body.

Why Are Lecithins in the Food I Eat?

Lecithin is an emulsifier that can improve the texture of foods. As an antioxidant, it can also be used to help preserve the quality and taste of the food. Lecithins are most often used in gravies, frozen treats, sauces, beverages, soups, and powdered mixes.

Lecithin is also found naturally in a wide range of foods, like organ meats, egg yolks, milk, kidney beans, peanuts, kinds of wheat, tomatoes, soy products, and more. Many people seek to add natural lecithin to their diets through these food sources, but ultimately food sources alone don't provide enough of this nutrient to provide the health benefits that many people seek.

Questions About GMO Ingredients

GMO (genetically modified organisms) refers to any organism that has been modified through gene splicing. The modification may be to affect growth rate or disease resistance -- it can be any modification that results in a change to the organism. GMO lecithins are sourced from chicken eggs, sunflower plants, or most commonly, soy plants, that have been modified. Some of the modifications of soy plants and sunflowers include making the plant more resistant to pests, disease, and herbicide tolerance. There are concerns among consumers and some scientists that GMO foods can come with some unwanted side effects, which has many people avoiding anything with a GMO label.

The concerns vary from being exposed to carcinogens via GMO foods to GMO foods playing a role in antibiotic resistance, and more. Ongoing research will help policymakers make decisions about GMO foods and how they are governed. In the European Union, 19 countries have banned the domestic use of GMO crops in their countries. That said, they haven't banned the consumption or import of the products.

The Benefits of Non GMO Lecithins

There are some key benefits to consuming non GMO lecithins. For example, while the jury is still out, we may find down the road that all the suspicions about GMOs are true -- that GMOs are responsible for serious unwanted side effects.

Lecithin in its natural unadulterated form, in any case, is safer for your body and will deliver the most benefits. For most people, non GMO lecithin is something they take in supplement form; your body is designed to recognize natural elements like lecithin and knows how to process it this way.

Where Are Most Non GMO Lecithins Sourced From?

The most prolific sources of non GMO lecithins are two plant sources: soybean and sunflower. Both soybean plants and sunflower plants grown from non GMO seeds produce natural lecithins that can then be used in supplements. There are several countries that are leaders in producing non GMO lecithins, including India, Russia, and Brazil.

Which source is the best choice for most people? Many experts agree that sunflower-sourced lecithins are better than soy-sourced lecithins. Although both deliver the same beneficial properties, one of the reasons experts recommend sunflower-sourced lecithin is because soy allergies will be triggered by soy-sourced lecithin. Allergic reactions to sunflower-sourced lecithin are much less common.

One of the best ways to add lecithins to your diet is to order supplements from a trusted source. Call Clarkson Specialty Lecithins for your organic and non-GMO soy and sunflower lecithin needs.