Lecithin weight loss; does it really hold any water

Soy bean oil has a reputation of achieving many feats in boosting our health with one of them being the ability to help us lose weight. This is because of the extract that is in the oil known as soy lecithin that is commercially marketed as a weight loss product. However, there is limited scientific back up to certify the idea of lecithin weight loss.

Proposers of the idea hold to the fact that since lecithin is a natural fat emulsifier, consuming more of it can help reduce the amount of fat you have stored in your body. On the contrary, Christine Lawhorn of the Vanderbilt University, psychology department points to the fact that no scientific data or statistical data has proven the above claim to be true.

In addition to this, she points out that lecithin weight loss supplements can in fact do the reverse of what it is marketed to do. This is based on the fact that one of the reported side effects of lecithin is weight gain. The fact that we do not have conclusive information to approve the use of lecithin for weight loss or role it off as a scam leaves us no option but to ascertain its safety to the human body so as to see whether it is safe to experiment.

Research has established that the use of soy lecithin supplementations can cause a number of side effects in addition to that of weight gain. These include; diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating and nausea. In addition to this, consuming dosages above 3.5 g could lead to acute side effects like hypotension that causes light headedness and even fainting.
It is also very important to point out that there is no research to indicate that it is safe to use lecithin weight loss products or even any lecithin products when you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medicine. To be on the safe side, it is advisable that you keep off if you are under the above three mentioned delicate categories. Also, avoid using soy lecithin products if you are allergic to soya and discontinue usage immediately you identify any allergic reactions.

One thing that makes the use of this product very dangerous is that it has not been certified by the food administration authorities which mean that any adverse side effects arising from the consumption of the product fully lie on the person who made the call.

In conclusion therefore, the only safe option to weight loss will be contacting your doctor and having a deep talk about exercise and changes in dietary habits, a step which is more healthy and cost efficient than venturing into the unmapped waters of lecithin weight loss.