Lecithin - Dietary And Commercial Sources

Dietary and commercial sources

Because lecithin is found in all living organisms, it is readily available in foods. Egg yolks, liver, peanuts, corn, spinach, and whole grains are good dietary sources. Soy beans are by far the most important commercial source of lecithin, because they are an excellent source, and because such huge amounts are produced. Commercial lecithin is widely used to process food products, including baking mixes, candy, chewing gum, chocolate, ice cream, macaroni and noodles, margarine, whipped toppings, and so on. It is generally used as an emulsifier, a substance that can bring water and oil together. However, the amounts used as a food additive in such products are not enough to be a good dietary source of lecithin.