Is Sunflower Lecithin Bad For You?
Short answer
Sunflower lecithin is not bad for you. The substance boasts a number of health benefits with very few reported negative side effects.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The word lecithin typically foreshadows ideas of poor health thanks in part to the prevalence of soy lecithin in most processed foods. Sunflower lecithin is a totally different animal compared to soy lecithin, though. Sunflower lecithin is used in foods as an emulsifier and thickening agent, but for health benefits is often better consumed as a supplement.
Lecithin has some great health benefits when made from the right sources. Sunflower lecithin is typically made from non-GMO and organic sunflower seeds. There are also very little reported allergic reactions or other adverse side effects to this substance.
Sunflower lecithin has roughly 880 milligrams of linoleic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid responsible for a number health benefits when properly balanced with omega 3s. These benefits can include lowering cholesterol, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improving cognitive, stress-related and nervous system disorders. Linoleic acid is also vital for assuring the body heal itself properly.
Sunflower lecithin contains the phospholipids phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Sunflower lecithin contains equal parts PC and PI. Consuming foods with PC helps the cells process fats and supports the health of membranes, helping to minimize the degenerative brain effects of the aging process. PC also prevents gallstones. PI is found in all cells types but is most important to the brain tissue. PE is majorly important in building the foundation of the lipid layers of cells. It is also found in all aspects of the nervous system including the brain, nerves, neural tissue and spinal cord.
The cholesterol-lowering benefits of sunflower lecithin come from the substance choline. Choline acts like a vitamin in the body, very similar to B vitamins in fact. Choline also keeps the liver and brain healthy. Although the liver naturally makes some choline, it is essential to consume choline in foods to stay healthy.
Possible short-term side effects
- diarrhea
-
nausea
-
abdominal pain
-
fullness
Benefits
- promotes proper healing
-
promotes cell health
-
lowers ldl cholesterol
-
decreases risk of cardiovascular disease
-
improves cognition and memory
-
fights nervous system disorders
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-09-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-09-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Approved by 
