What is Sunflower Lecithin?
Sunflower lecithin acts as an emulsifying agent. Think of it as a mediator helping different substances, like oil and water or whey protein and water, to mix when they usually wouldn't.
Imagine protein as just a sequence of amino acids. At Go Good we provide details on the protein's composition in an easy-to-read table format on the product page, displaying each amino acid present.
What Are The Benefits of Sunflower Lecithin in Protein Powder?
- The USDA notes that sunflower oil is mainly composed of healthier fats.
- Sunflower Lecithin improves heart health by balancing fat levels in the bloodstream.
- It fosters brain health and can potentially enhance neuron development.
- Sunflower oil, rich in Vitamin E, is a natural antioxidant that boosts the body's immunity.
Why is Lecithin in Protein Powder?
Lecithin facilitates a harmonious bond between water and protein allowing it to mix more easily in liquid acting like the missing puzzle piece that connects two different elements.
How Does Sunflower Lecithin Work?
Protein structures have both water-friendly and water-resistant parts. Protein powder doesn't mix well with water naturally. Lecithin helps in this, acting as a connector in the emulsification process, enabling the components to blend.
Is Lecithin a Common Ingredient in Protein Powders?
Yes, emulsifiers like lecithin are widely used to help oil-based and water-based components mix. A familiar example is soap helping to wash off oil from hands.
Understanding Emulsification:
Mechanical Emulsification:
- Homogenization: If you notice cream and fat settling at the top of your milk carton when you open it, then your milk probably hasn't been homogenized. Homogenization is an emulsification process that passes large amounts of pasteurized milk through a very narrow space, almost as thin as a hair strand. This action disrupts the fat globules in the milk, making them spread out into much tinier globules. However, this mechanical method doesn't last forever. Over time, as you might notice with curdled milk, the emulsion deteriorates, leading the fats to clump together and rise to the surface.
- Safety Note: Non-homogenized milk is safe to drink, but unpasteurized or "raw" milk can be hazardous. Some whey protein brands use terms like "un-denatured", which people may confuse with "not pasteurized". But "un-denatured" doesn't necessarily mean the product is free from the risks associated with consuming raw dairy.
- Denaturing and Pasteurization: While some pasteurization methods can denature whey protein structures, it's crucial to understand that "un-denatured" doesn't mean the product is safe from harmful microbes.
- Cold-Processing: Various pasteurization methods prioritize extending shelf life over preserving nutrition. Examples include Higher Heat Short Time (HHST) and Ultra Pasteurization (UP). Big dairy export companies, like use quick processing methods to ensure the product lasts during transportation.
Molecular Emulsification:
- Natural Agents: Nature provides certain agents, like lecithin, which can combine oil and water-based components without needing external force. Lecithin, present in both plant and animal tissues, is essential for our brain, blood, nerves, and digestion. Our body relies on it for various functions, such as metabolism and neurotransmitter production. Moreover, it ensures our cell membranes remain intact, meaning you'll find lecithin in every cell in our body.
Purpose of Sunflower Lecithin in Go Good Protein Powders
We add a small amount of non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin to our products, making it easy for health enthusiasts to mix the protein with water without clumps, even without a blender. This choice ensures product quality and easy mixing.
Usage Recommendations: Go Good Protein Powder can be easily mixed with a spoon or a shaker. Alternatively you can blend it with your favorite fruits or natural flavors at home. If you prepare a shake and want to save it, ensure it's refrigerated and consumed within 2 hours.
Sunflower Lecithin vs. Soy Lecithin
Go Good is committed to using only the best-quality lecithin. Among the options, sunflower lecithin stands out as the healthiest, derived naturally from sunflower seeds without any chemicals. This contrasts with commonly-used soy lecithin, which often requires chemicals for extraction. Also, soy lecithin is frequently linked to allergens and may influence hormone levels, though this claim has been exaggerated in the past.
Furthermore, concerns about GMOs and soy consumption arise since about 75% of soy lecithin comes from genetically modified sources. Sunflower lecithin also offers a great source of phosphatidylcholine, which promotes good digestion and cognitive health.
Benefits of Sunflower Lecithin
You can find lecithin supplements in local pharmacies. Sunflower lecithin is available in both powder and liquid forms. Many prefer it due to its non-GMO nature. Here's a summarised list of its benefits:
- Heart Health: It may help regulate fat levels in the bloodstream, reducing heart-related risks.
- Brain Protection: Important for brain health and might enhance brain functions.
- Dementia Prevention: Rich in choline, it supports memory function and could benefit Alzheimer's patients.
- Liver Health: Aids the liver in processing fats.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: Can potentially lower the strain on the cardiovascular system.
- Immune Boost: Known to stimulate the immune system, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
We've added a small amount of non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin to Go Good Protein Powders to make them easier to mix, ideal for those on the move.
Inflammation Concerns with Sunflower Lecithin?
Current research isn't conclusive enough to claim that seed oils cause more inflammation than fish oil. In the context of our protein powders the sunflower lecithin content used is minimal and unlikely to cause any dietary imbalance.
Allergies and Sunflower Lecithin?
Yes, some people can be allergic to sunflower lecithin, exhibiting symptoms similar to peanut allergies.
Lectin vs. Lecithin
Lectin and lecithin are entirely different food components. While lecithin is a fat (specifically, a phospholipid), lectin is a protein. It's crucial not to mix them up, especially since many people choose to avoid lectin.
Understanding Lectin
Lectin is a protein found in many plants, and its levels can vary significantly. While many believe that all plant-derived substances are beneficial, lectin proves otherwise.
In plants, lectin acts as a protector, deterring animals from eating them by serving as a toxin. However, this protective quality doesn't mean it's beneficial for humans like other plant nutrients.
The Downside of Lectin
Lectin is often referred to as an anti-nutrient. Even as we emphasize the significance of nutrient absorption and digestive health, lectin stands out as a protein that hampers these processes. It is hard for our digestive systems to process lectin due to its fiber-like properties.
Lectin binds to our gut lining, reducing the surface area that absorbs nutrients. This makes our digestion less effective.
On the other hand, lecithin functions differently. As a chemical emulsifier, it enhances nutrient absorption, contrasting starkly with lectin's inhibitive nature.
Where Does Sunflower Lecithin Come From?
Ukraine, Netherlands, France, Argentina, and Russia are the main suppliers of organic sunflower oil and lecithin. Ukraine, whose national flower is the sunflower, leads the market, providing 50% to 75% of the world's sunflower lecithin. Notably, problems in Ukraine during 2022 caused a significant decrease in sunflower oil availability, leading to higher prices. However, the global reserves determine overall availability. Our consistent sourcing of high-quality lecithin is aided by our use of small batches and adaptability.
Is Sunflower Lecithin Keto-Friendly?
Yes, non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin is compatible with a keto diet. That's why Go Good Protein Powder is the top choice for keto-friendly whey protein.
Sunflower Lecithin and Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?
We always advise consulting health and science experts on sensitive topics like this. It's crucial for breastfeeding mothers to seek guidance from lactation or medical professionals. Our opinions on this website should not replace professional medical advice.
That being said, dietary lecithin is often recommended for milk duct blockages. Presently, no research suggests that lecithin supplements are harmful for either the mother or infant when nursing. When comparing the lecithin amount in over-the-counter supplements with that in Go Good Protein Powders, typical lecithin supplements have about fifteen times more lecithin than our product.