Let’s ditch some of the information provided by our Shaklee Independence Distributors (SID) because we wanted to know more about this Shaklee Soy Lecithin from the consumers’ point of view. Yes, my term refers to the consumers who are non-member or non-employee of Shaklee. You might want to know the reason I bought this product, as well. Read more about this post because I will tell you what I think about this product, from my viewpoints, as a consumer (not as an SID).
I usually search for product reviews whenever I wanted to buy a product. However, it’s rather difficult to find a genuine review about Shaklee Soy Lecithin because most of these so-called reviews are written by the SID which are intended to promote the products. Besides, most of the articles were not convincing enough as they were copied from other SID, and they only list down the facts and benefits, not the results. You can find hundreds of these on Google.
What’s Lecithin? First of all, we need to know what is Lecithin. We don’t simply buy a product without even have a little knowledge about this thing. Lecithin is a fat which is essential in the cells of the body, it is composed of phosphoric acid, choline, fatty acids, glycerol, glycolipids, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Then, it is converted into acetylcholine, a substance that transmits nerve impulses.
Lecithin can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks. It is also can be found as food additive because its ability to separate certain ingredients, and gives these foods a soft, tasty and long-lasting. In fact, you may also find lecithin as ingredients in chocolate, and some salad dressings. Don’t be surprised when you read that lecithin exists as an ingredient in some eye medicines because it is used to help to keep the medicine in contact with the eye’s cornea.
Most of the times, lecithin is used to treat memory disorders (dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease), liver, high cholesterol, anxiety, skin, and depression. Lecithin is fine to be consumed alone because it is easier for the body to digest and metabolise. In fact, this soy-derived lecithin has been shown to have significant effects on lowering cholesterol, and triglycerides. Due to its phosphatidylcholines, lecithin is a source of choline, an essential nutrient which have shown benefit in acne, in improving liver function, and in lowering cholesterol. However, one should take note that even though lecithin is may be safe for most people, it can also cause some side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, or fullness. Lecithin may not be suitable to be taken by those who have soy allergies.
What They Say
The National Academy of Sciences has established that choline is important in the diet because it supports brain, liver, cardiovascular, and reproductive health. Choline is a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in the transmission of messages in the brain and nervous system. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)
Lecithin is good for you. How good? Six softgel capsules contains about 1,800 mg of phosphatidyl choline, 1,000 mg of phosphatidyl inositol, and about 2,200 mg of essential fatty acids as linoleic acid. It also contains the valuable grass-fed-beef or wild game, omega-3 conjugated linolenic acid. It is the rule, not the exception, for one or more of these valuable substances to be undersupplied by our daily diet.
Shaklee’s Lecithin:
- Naturally sourced from soybeans.
- Each serving provides 3.1 grams of choline-rich lecithin, including 468 mg of phosphatidylcholine and 282 mg of phosphatidylinositol.
What I Say
The label itself stated that one capsule has 518mg of lecithin, and adults are required to take 6 capsules daily. One bottle of Shaklee Soy Lecithin has about 180 capsules which can last up to 30 days. Why I bought this product? This is actually my first bottle of Lecithin, I bought it because some people claimed it would help in weight loss. So, I decided to give it a try.
I started consume Shaklee Soy Lecithin on September 26, 2016. I usually have 3 capsules in the morning (before breakfast), and 3 capsules in the evening (after dinner). I take note on my progress consuming this Lecithin as part of my daily supplement. I also take note on my weight, which was at 57kg (height: 164cm).
There are a few SID claimed that this Lecithin would aid in weight loss. The claim which I would say ‘misleading’ because lecithin could actually add weights because it consists of fatty acid. The supplement facts (read the label supplied by Shaklee) also stated that one serving (6 capsules) contributes to 35 calories. The belief that lecithin can burn fats actually started because of the fact that lecithin is a major source of choline, which is a substance that helps the body to burn fats effectively. Why lecithin is not a fat-burner? Because lecithin is also high in polyunsaturated fats which can alter the lipid profile to reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. In fact, taking too much lecithin can contribute to weight gain rather than losing a few kilos.
After one month of consumption, my weight is at 54kg. However, this does not mean Shaklee Soy Lecithin helps with my weight loss because when I started consuming this Lecithin during the 1st 2 weeks, I did not control my food intake, and only do my exercise (twice a week). My weight still stood at 57kg, and I had my waist hitting at 29 inches!
I’m currently monitoring my progress with proper diet, exercise (4-5 days a week), and supplement intake. I gained weight last month due binge eating. Last month (Sept) waist size measured at 29 inches, and hips 38 inches. My weight was 57kg (5kg ‘added value’), and BF% hits 28%. I decided to change my eating habits, and increase my exercise from 2-3 times a week to 4-5 times a week. I consume Shaklee Alfalfa, Vitamin C, and Lecithin to help me achieve my goal. I also take L-Arginine as part of my supplements. 3 litre of water everyday, and I ditch taking ‘3-in-1’ beverage (minuman dalam pek tu). ‘Cheat day’ only kasi chance once in every 2 weeks. My current weight (taken this morning) is 54kg, waist 26 inches, hips 37 inches. @dayverampas
So, I changed my diet, and workout routine (but still consume Shaklee Soy Lecithin) for the remaining 2 weeks, I increased my cardio workout from 2 to 4-5 times a week, and eats 5-6 meals a day (small portions, every 2-3 hours). I did brisk-walking because I brought my kid along with a stroller.
The result is my weight reduced to 54kg with waist at 26 inches. In short, lecithin only breaks up the cholesterol, and one way to burn these bad cholesterol is to do some exercises. There is a big difference between cholesterol and fats, and cholesterol is not fat, per se.
One thing that I noticed that Shaklee Soy Lecithin reduces my knee pains. I usually experience knee pains after I finished my cardio workout. Since lecithin contains essential fatty acids, this must be another reasons why I experience lesser knee pains after a month of consuming this products.
Overall, Shaklee Soy Lecithin does not help me with my weight loss. However, it does reduce the joint pains. I’m not sure if this product has something else to offer (i.e. great skin, prevent memory loss, improved liver and heart function) but it is not wrong to consume this as part of dietary supplement. I would not recommend this if you’re thinking of consuming this to lose some kilos, but this is recommendable if you want to reduce cholesterol level, boost your memory, and improve your liver function.
Where To Buy
You can actually buy Shaklee Soy Lecithin from any Shaklee Independent Distributors. I’m not SID, anyway. LOL!
