The secret to healthy fat digestion, weight loss and beautiful skin

There is plenty of health advice on eating the good omega-3 fats and limiting the 'bad' saturated fats for successful weight loss and beautiful skin. But omega-3 needs to be digested properly and according to the research, there is something you can add to your diet to help improve your digestion and aid removal of saturated fats and cholesterol.

Beneficial oils such as omega-3 won't do their job if they're not digested properly, which is why lecithin granules should be on your shopping list. Studies show that lecithin works a bit like dishwashing detergent: it makes fat become water soluble, which enhances digestion of good fats and allows the safe removal of excess saturated fats and cholesterol from the body (LeBlanc, 2003, J Nutr Biochemistry). It also supplies plenty of choline, needed for healthy brain neurotransmitters and good liver function, making lecithin essential for a child's development (Magil, 1981, J Nutr).

Lecithin is naturally found in soybeans and eggs and can also be bought in the form of soy lecithin granules. Lecithin granules resemble tiny yellow beads and they taste pleasant and malty. Children aged 1-6 years should have ½ a teaspoon of lecithin granules per day. Children 7 years+ can have 1 teaspoon daily and adults can have 1 tablespoon per day (if not allergic to soy). Add soy lecithin granules to sauces, breakfast cereal and smoothies (see Papaya Beauty Smoothie recipe).