Is lecithin necessary?

[kl.Aneyema]

Hi folks. New here. Just started trying kava recently as a remedy for my social anxiety and back pain. I got some 30% extract from a local bouncing bear retailer, probably obtained through kkf. I was underwhelmed, but, I noticed the potential. So I went ahead and bought some stone and fu'u after reading up on posts here. So my question is: is lecithin worth the expense, or can I omit it without losing effectiveness?

 

[Buddhacide]

In my experience not really. The theory is that the lactones are fat soluable and fat needs to be present for proper absorpiton. However, even though you are drinking your kava on an empty stomach (or you should be) there are still alot of contents in an "empty" stomach most of the time. The fats of previous meals can probably add about as much to the experience as a bit of lecithin. On the flipside its cheap and readily avialable so why not experiment?

 

[Ed!]

I use it just because I like to feel like I'm getting the most out of my kava, and it's not pricey. One big container will last a good while.



Does it help? I dunno. Does it make me more confident that I'm extracting as much as I can from my kava? Yep.

 

[kl.Dubkava]

I've been meaning to pick up some lecithin to add to my brews but I've been doing just fine so far with one part water one part full fat milk.

 

[Bula Kava House]

We add some to the kava at Bula Kava House simply because if it does anything, why not? As others have stated, it is cheap. That being said, I've seen firsthand kava being made in Vanuatu, and I'd guess that they don't even know what lecithin is. That kava knocks you on your ass and is prepared only using root and water.

 

[Vekta]

I used it for a while. I don't really see a benefit from it, at least in my prep method. I felt it was an unnecessary step for me.

 

[kavalover]

I just use milk or coconut water. None of these methods have ever been stronger than the other, or just water, in my experience. But if I'm going to at least use something fatty, it might as well add to the taste. Lecithin doesn't add anything to taste. I just regard it as useless really.

 

[kl.new2kava]

I use it about 50% of the time. I honestly can say that I have never noticed a huge difference from using it. I would say without hesitation that it is not necassary to get good potent kava and you can get every bit as krunked with root and water than with soy or any type of concoction. It may help you get and extra edge off it and help you extract a little more of the kavalactones through prep, but not using it will not prevent you from getting good quality kava grog.

 

[kl.Modernaught]

I've never gone that route but have instead opted for coconut milk or coconut oil, which I use nearly always. I don't know the facts behind why soy lecithin is the most recommended additive but I have noticed a slightly higher potency in the brews I make using a touch of fat.

 

[krunkedout]

I use it, not always but I do when I remember to, I don't really think it makes to much of a difference but I have noticed it gives the kava a sort of creamyness, so I use it just for that aspect and I mean hey, why not?

 

[Ed!]

Someone did say before that it's supposed to be good for your liver, so that's the other reason why I use it.



Potential effect boost + liver benefit + cheap = why not

 

[kl.grudge]

Someone did say before that it's supposed to be good for your liver, so that's the other reason why I use it.

Potential effect boost + liver benefit + cheap = why

Accordingto this article http://www.livestrong.com/article/447597-lecithin-liver-function/ it is supposed to prevent liver scaring due to alcohol consumption and is helpful in cholesterol reduction.

 

[krunkedout]

Hmmm yet another reason to use it I suppose. I don't really believe all that mumbo jumbo about kava destroying your liver and what have you, but if lecithin is supposed to be good for that than if kava does have any adverse liver effects than I mean hey, why not?