Benefits of Lecithin

• Lechetin is a phospholipids which is produced by the liver daily
• Some roles that lecithin has in the body include: cardiovascular health, Alzheimer’s disease prevention and memory improvement
• Lechetin is sold commercially and can be found in eggs, cauliflower, oranges and peanuts

Lecithin is a fatlike substance also known as a phospholipid. It is brown to yellowish in color and is present in most plant and animal tissues. Lecithin is produced by the liver on a daily basis, but only if the diet is sufficient. Lecithin builds up cell membranes throughout the body and protects cells from oxidation. It is also important because it forms the protective layers of tissue around the brain. Main lecithin components are choline, phosphoric acid, linoleic acid, inositol and B vitamins. The presence of lecithin in the body is needed for proper biological function.

A chemical called choline (related to B vitamins, and is a water-soluble nutrient) constitutes 10 to 20 percent of lecithin. Choline has been found throughout the body. It helps to maintain cell structure. Lecithin is a fatlike substance, but also, it is a fat emulsifier. It’s the choline that plays an essential role in breaking down fats into small separate parts. In other words, lecithin, with the help of choline, clears the circulatory system of existing excess cholesterol deposits. Also, choline is known to protect the liver by reducing accumulation amounts, as well as it maximizes brain function and maintains a healthy heart. According to the recent research, choline has been proven to be a key nutrient for the human body. Choline is also thought to increase the accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) within the brain. ACh is extremely important for a number of brain functions, including memory. Thus, increasing ACh in the body can result in memory improvement. Lecithin plays a beneficial role in the following:
• lowering cholesterol levels
• protection from cell oxidation
• the transportation of fat and fat metabolism
• cardiovascular health
• treatment of atherosclerosis
• cell communication
• Alzheimer’s disease (helps fight it)
• cell and liver function
• it is the major source of the chemical nutrient choline
• arthritis relief
• preventing and treating dementia (a serious cognition impairment caused by injury to the brain or spinal cord, stroke, brain infection, Alzheimer’s disease or substance abuse)
• weight loss
• treatment of other neurological disorders
• memory improvement
• reproductive function
• muscle endurance
• promoting healthy hair and skin
• gallstone problems

Lecithin is widely sold commercially as a stabilizing or emulsifying agent in the food (production of margarine products, for example), paint, and cosmetics (conditioners, lipsticks) industries. Generally, the commercial sources of lecithin are found in egg yolk, brain tissue or soybeans. People get lecithin from the nutrients in their diets and from cell production. The normal estimated amount of lecithin in a human diet that is sufficient for proper body function is 50mg. A good idea would be including some extra lecithin in your diet for healthy maintenance. Some of the best ways to obtain lecithin are from animal and vegetable sources such as steak, beef liver, peanuts, eggs (the best way to obtain lecithin by this means is in a lightly cooked yolk, like a soft-boiled egg), cauliflower and oranges.

You can also reap the benefits of lecithin through natural supplements like St John's Wortwhich maximizes brain function.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.