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Lecithin is regarded as a well tolerated and non-toxic surfactantSurfactants also known as wetting agents, lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading. The term surfactant is a compression of Surf ace act ive a ge nt . Surfactants are usually organic compounds that contain both hydrophobic and hydr. It is approved by the United StatesThe United States of America also referred to as the United States U. America ¹ or the States is a federal republic in central North America, stretching from the Atlantic in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It shares land borders with Canada in Food and Drug AdministrationThe United States Food and Drug Administration is the government agency responsible for regulating food, dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, biologics and blood products in the United States. One aspect of its jurisdiction over food is for human consumption with the status " Generally Recognized As Safe ". Lecithin is an integral part of cell membranes, and can be totally metabolisedMetabolism in the most general sense, is the ingestion and breakdown of complex compounds, coupled with the liberation of energy, and the consequent generation of waste products. It is major process of living organisms, and because this process can happen, so it is virtually non- toxic to humans. Other emulsifiers can only be excreted via the kidneyThe kidneys are bean-shaped excretory organs in vertebrates. Part of the urinary system, the kidneys filter wastes (especially urea) from the blood and excrete them, along with water, as urine. The medical field that studies the kidneys and diseases affecs.
Lecithin is used commercially for anything requiring a natural emulsifier and/or lubricantA lubricant (colloquially, lube is a substance introduced between two moving surfaces to reduce the friction and wear between them. Worldwide, more than 50 million tonnes of lubricants are consumed annually. Automotive engine lubricants comprise approxima, from pharmaceuticals to protective coverings. For example, lecithin is the emulsifier that keeps chocolate and cocoa butter in a candy bar from separating.
Various studies (Brook et al 1986, Spilburg et al 2003) indicate that soy-derived lecitin may positively affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.