Phosphatidylcholine is a major component of biological membranes and is an important mediator of
physiological functions in mammals. In addition to biosynthetic routes of availability, phosphatidylcholine
is also derived from the diet. The levels of phosphatidylcholine are quite low in fruits and fruit products.
As the fruits ripen, the phospholipids are degraded into neutral lipids causing a drastic decline in
phospholipid content. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of external supplementation
of soy lecithin on physico-chemical properties of tomato juice and sauce, as well as grape juice. The levels
of protein, soluble solids and ash content were significantly enhanced by the addition of lecithin. The bulk
viscosity of tomato juice and the sauce preparation was also enhanced by addition of lecithin. The yellow
color values of the juice and sauce preparations were enhanced by lecithin. In grape juice preparations,
the addition of lecithin did not cause any negative effects, but enhanced the solids content of the juice.
Juice preparations with added lecithin were more stable than the controls. Lecithin may form complexes
with pectin, lipids and other carbohydrates, affecting the food property and stability by various
mechanisms.