Plant-based lecithins are extracted from a variety of sources and lecithin sourced from soybeans is the most popular kind. Being a natural emulsification agent and a much more affordable option compared to chemically produced emulsifiers, the demand for soy lecithin has consistently increased. The high demand led to increased production of soy around the world.
Unfortunately, that increase came at the cost of genetic modification. The use of GMO soybeans is an on-going heated debate with the suggestion to avoid the use of lecithin from GMO soybeans winning it. Through this blog, I am going to share my two penn’orth on whether or not using lecithin from GMO soybeans is healthy or not. But before going into that detail, first you should know what differentiates GMO soybeans from non-GMO soybeans. Difference Between GMO & non-GMO Soybeans With the advent of the internet, people have become very well informed. So, they became more concerned about what they put in their stomach. And knowing what GMO is, no one would intentionally want to consume anything containing it. The literal definition of GMO and non-GMO soybeans can seem a little over the top. However, it isn't as perplexing when broken down. GMO Soybeans Simply put, GMO soybean is produced through genetic modification, chemical treatment and high contents of pesticides. Non-GMO Soybeans Whereas, non-GMO soybeans are produced through legacy farming techniques preserving its natural properties. The biggest factor that popularised the use of GMO soybeans for the production of lecithin is that their yields can be bought at a cheaper price comparatively. Getting to know GMO Soybean Lecithin Soy lecithin is a primary additive in most food products as it increases the shelf life and flavour. The major factor behind the popularity of soy lecithin was its organic element. In the early 90s, the biotechnological advancement in food production led to the incorporation of GMO ingredients by many globally recognised brands. The high demand of soy lecithin ensured that soybeans didn’t remain an exception from genetic modification. Before the world knew it, all major industries were excessively using lecithin from GMO soybeans. According to the USDA, almost 85-90% of the products in the United States that contain lecithin, carry lecithin from GMO soybeans. You May Have Already Been Consuming GMO Soy Lecithin Although, it may be in small amounts, but you may have already been consuming lecithin sourced from GMO soybeans without even realising it. How, you ask? Well, lecithin is added to various dairy products, milk powders, infant formulas, convenience foods, and dietary supplements. Should You Avoid Using Lecithin from GMO Soybeans? - The Verdict There are numerous reasons to leave the laboratory prepared lecithin. Some of those reasons are mentioned below: It Causes Nutrient Deficiencies Consuming GMO soy lecithin hollows out the body internally causing multiple health issues. It is also the culprit behind vitamins and minerals deficiency. The advanced GMO crops are behind many potential risks and major deficiencies. The genetic modification process also adds many allergens, toxins, and carcinogens. Since GMO soybeans are treated with excessive pesticide, consuming lecithin extracted from them means you are consuming deadly chemicals and toxic residues of pesticides. It can Increase the Risk of Cancer Genetically modified soybeans contain phytoestrogen―the element that evolves into oestrogen. It not only decays the effects but also alters and decreases natural production of oestrogen hormones within the body. The frequent consumption of phytoestrogen exposes the body to increased risk of cancer. A research from 2014 determined that excessive use of GMO lecithin can cause breast cancer cell development and, in certain cases, also promotes tumour development. It can Lead to Infertility Another reason to avoid GMO soy lecithin is that its consumption can lead to infertility in both men and women. The main cause of this genistein, a significant component of the GMO soybean. Some recent studies have also highlighted that genistein can be transferred to children through generations. In the proper functioning of hormones, the endocrine system plays a vital role. However, along with genistein, another similar compound called goitrogens can also be found in GMO soy lecithin that can severely damage the endocrine system. The presence of goitrogens in the body can cause various hormone-related defects and other major health issues. It Causes Severe Allergic Reactions The pesticides and herbicides treatments used during the growth of GMO soybeans often leave them heavily contaminated. The dangerous chemical residue can lead to severe allergies. Soy lecithin is already known to act up the soy allergies in people. Some of its known symptoms include itching, hives and restlessness. Other, lesser known side-effects of GMO soy lecithin are loss of appetite, weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, and low blood pressure. It Exposes Consumers to Toxic Chemicals Since GMO soy lecithin also carries toxins you tend to expose the body to toxic materials. The reason is simple. The production of GMO soybean isn't complete without hexane, the same chemical used to manufacture glue and varnishes as well. Although it is removed in later steps, some residue of hexane remains behind somewhere in the product. Its frequent consumption of it can cause many liver and kidney diseases. To Sum Up Just like every other food preservative, GMO soybean lecithin isn't free of its flaws. Some believe GMO soy lecithin can cause serious dangers to our health, while others think that only GMO soybeans can be produced on such a large scale. With such vast studies on this topic, as a manufacturer it’s your call on whether to use lecithin from GMO soybeans in your products or go with organic albeit a bit more expensive sunflower lecithin. While my company, LECITEIN offers both, I am against using it in food products.
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AuthorRaj Murad - Director at Lecitein Limited, a company focused on supplying lecithin in all forms and variations across the globe. Archives
April 2023
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