The Difference Between Vegetable Lecithin & Vegetable Glycerin

Overview;

Glycerin, or glycerol, is a 3-carbon sugar alcohol that forms the backbone to which fatty acids are attached in the fats known as triglycerides. Lecithin is a fat also known as phosphatidyl choline. It is based on a glycerol backbone. In lecithin, two of glycerol's carbons are attached to fatty acids and the third is attached through a phosphate group to choline.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is derived from vegetable oils, as opposed to glycerin derived from animal fats or petroleum products. It is considered a carbohydrate and has similar calories per gram as table sugar. However, it has very little effect on blood sugar or insulin levels in healthy people, according to a 2002 article in the journal "Diabetes." It is not known how glycerin affects diabetics.

Uses of Glycerine

Glycerin sweetens and thickens food products and may act as a preservative. It helps retain moisture both in foods and in skin lotions.

Vegetable Lecithin

According to the Food and Drug Administration, vegetable lecithin comes from the processing of soybean, corn and safflower oils, with most of it coming from soybeans. Lecithin makes a good emulsifier because its fatty acids are oil-soluble while the choline phosphate is water-soluble. This dual character makes it a key component of cell membranes in plants and animals.

Uses of Lecithin

In foods, lecithin acts as an emulsifier and as a releasing agent, preventing sticking. It also helps prevent spattering during frying.

Lecithin and Cardiovascular Health

Research regarding dietary lecithin's role in artherosclerosis has been inconsistent. It may help lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol in patients with high cholesterol but not in people with normal cholesterol levels, according to a research paper published in 2002 in the journal "Artherosclerosis." However, according to the paper, the products of lecithin breakdown by gut flora may actually encourage artherosclerosis. Lecithin supplements should not be taken without consulting with your doctor.

HEALTH ISSUES

Monday 25 July 2011