Why should you add lecithin to your edibles?

If you’re looking for something to add to your edibles that will not only increase your high, but is also safe and nutritionally beneficial, it might be time to consider utilizing lecithin.

In short, lecithin is an emulsifier (binding agent) that helps keep lipids and other ingredients stuck together. In most baked goods, eggs yolks are a great source of lecithin. Most types of chocolate have a decent amount of lecithin as well, so brownies and chocolate cakes, for instance, have enough natural lecithin to considerably boost your high.

WHAT IS LECITHIN?

Lecithin is a phospholipid that can be found in the cells and tissues of animals and some plants such as eggs, avocados, sunflowers, and most commonly, soybeans. By attracting both water and fatty substances, it works as a binding agent that helps keep ingredients stuck together and makes them easier to digest.

French chemist and pharmacist Theodore Gobley first discovered a way to isolate lecithin back in 1845. By 1874, Gobley established the full chemical formula of phosphatidylcholine by isolating lecithin from egg yolks. He also realized that lecithin could be derived from a variety of other biological sources such as blood, bile, brain tissues, fish eggs, chicken, sheep brain, milk, cottonseed, and sunflower.

WHY ADD IT TO YOUR EDIBLES?

Lecithin assists with digestion because it provides a way for fats and water molecules to combine. When added to edibles, especially ones that use cannabis-infused butter or oil, it can allow our bodies to more easily absorb all the cannabinoids.

In lay terms, adding lecithin to your edibles will make them more potent. The increased cannabinoid absorption means that less THC and CBD is wasted by the body, leading to a great high and less weed product used. This will be especially helpful in recipes that don’t require eggs or milk, or ones that use vegan substitutes.

Additionally, the fats and water molecules won’t separate since they are so well-combined, thereby increasing the shelf-life of your edibles and preventing the growth of mold and mildew.

LECITHIN HEALTH BENEFITS

Lecithin is actually essential for our health, but it does not occur naturally in the human body. The daily recommended amount of lecithin is a minimum of 600mg for men and 500mg for women, although 1,200mg is the ideal dose.

There are many advantages to consuming the correct amount of lecithin, such as improved heart health, quicker healing of wounds, and better sleep. It also contains anti-ageing properties. However, these are the top four lecithin-related health benefits:

1. Improved Brain Health

A daily dose of only 35mg or more has been shown to drastically improve degenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.

2. Lower Cholesterol

Because it acts as a lipid (and water) emulsifier, it plays a strong role in removing extra fat - triglycerides and free cholesterol for example - from the bloodstream.

3. Repairs Liver Damage

The liver is basically a filter that eliminates any unnecessary waste via the bowels. It can get overloaded with excess lipids and other toxins, though. Lecithin helps remove these fats and toxins and prevents them from building-up inside the organ.

4. Effective Antioxidant

Sunflower lecithin is a wonderful source of phosphatidylcholine, one of the most powerful antioxidants found on earth. Antioxidants protect our bodies from dangerous molecules known as free radicals, which can cause cancer and premature aging.

WHAT ARE THE SAFEST SOURCES OF LECITHIN?

Although some will tout the benefits of all forms of lecithin, many prefer to use the sunflower variety. Soybean lecithin is actually the most common, but it’s usually extracted with harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals. Soy lecithin is also shown to be mostly genetically modified and is typically used in processed foods, pesticides, and drugs.

On the other hand, sunflower lecithin is naturally sourced and offers a plethora of health benefits. If you’re still unsure of what type to purchase, it may be a good idea to consult with someone at your local health food store; but more than likely, they will recommend starting with sunflower.

As you can see, lecithin is a fantastic way to enhance edibles and even get a few added health benefits along with your high. If you’re vegan (and even if you’re not), it’s great to do what you can to make sure you’re getting the recommended daily dose of lecithin. So go ahead and eat that extra pot brownie…it could be good for your health in more ways than you realized.