Lecithin is a member of fatty compounds family known as phospholipids and is necessary for the development of membranes in each cell in our body. These membranes look after the internal structure of the cells and, at the same time, regulate the movement of nutrients as well as additional substances into and out of the cells. In the absence of lecithin, the membranes would become stiff, resulting in the death of the cells.
Lecithin is also present in the defensive coverings encasing the nerve cells called neurons as well as the muscles. In addition, lecithin also performs vital metabolic tasks, particularly assisting in breaking down cholesterol as well as additional lipids. It also works in the form of an emulsifier, any substance that facilitates mixing of fats with water and additional fluids. Lecithin also facilitates in separating cholesterol and other fats present in the body fluids with the objective that they can be easily got rid from the body instead of accumulating in clusters of greasy plaques inside the walls of the arteries. Lecithin also forms a constituent of the high density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as the beneficial or good cholesterol, which helps to reduce the chances of developing a heart ailment.
Lecithin is also a key constituent of bile - the digestive juice which helps in breaking down fats. In fact, small amounts of lecithin present in the bile have been related to an augmented peril of developing gallstones. In addition, it is also an excellent source of choline, a substance chemically comparable, which is frequently categorized as a form of a B vitamin. Similar to lecithin, choline is also vital for the maintenance of the cell membranes. In addition, choline is also utilized to produce acetylcholine, a chemical(neurotransmitter) which transmits messages from one nerve to another.
It is indeed an irony that a number of the most excellent nutritional sources of lecithin, for instance, eggs, animal fats and organ meats, have all been accused of contributing to develop heart ailments. Therefore, when people lessen the intake of such foods, it is essential to take lecithin supplements to balance its deficit from dietary sources. Lecithin supplements contain high amounts of choline and these two intimately associated substances are endorsed to bring down the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream as well as in treating ailments of the liver and the gallbladder. In addition, lecithin may possibly take care of the heart by means of diminishing the chances as well as acuteness of atherosclerosis - the congestion of the coronary as well as other arteries by depositing fatty substances. Lecithin may probably also has an important function in averting memory loss due to old age and sluggish development of Alzheimer's disease.
While lecithin is a vital constituent for all the cells in our body, several claims regarding the health benefits offered by this substance are yet to be scientifically proved, especially in the case of humans. However, a number of studies undertaken on animals involving intimately associated primates have shown hopeful results. For instance, a study spanning over eight years using baboons suggested that lecithin may have the aptitude to guard against cirrhosis (a condition involving gradual damaging of the liver) induced by alcohol. During the course of the study, two groups of baboons were given diets containing high amounts of alcohol - the primary cause for cirrhosis in humans. It was found that approximately 80 per cent of the baboons who were not given lecithin gradually developed this liver ailment, in comparison to none of the animals who were receiving lecithin supplements.
Studies conducted on humans also hinted that use of lecithin supplements may possibly augment the efficacy of a number of drugs used to lower the cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, for instance, clofibrate. Lecithin also appears to safeguard the stomach as well as the intestines from the harm caused by medications like ibuprofen, aspirin as well as other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). According to the findings of one study that involved as many as 20 patients enduring heartburn as well as stomach ache owing to use of NSAIDs, 15 were able to achieve total respite from the symptoms when they were administered lecithin together with painkillers.
Egg yolks and soybeans are rich sources of lecithin. In addition, lecithin is also used in salad dressing, mayonnaise, ice cream, spreads as well as several other refined foods with a view to thwart the fats and fluids from breaking up. Lecithin can also be obtained from additional dietary sources, such as muscle meat, liver as well as other organ meats, peanuts and wheat germ.
Majority of the lecithin supplements are basically a blend of phospholipids taken from soybeans. Lecithin supplements are available in different forms, such as pills, capsules, powders, liquids, soft gels and granules. You may sprinkle the granule and powder forms of lecithin supplements on foods or take them by including in shakes.
It has been a long time since some people have promoted the use of lecithin for preventing ailments and diseases, in addition to avoid memory loss plus aid in losing weight. As mentioned before, lecithin is a chemical compound of choline and inositol that is present in all living cells in the form of a basic element of the cell membrane. Among the different functions of lecithin, this compound facilitates the transportation of fats and bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins or LDL) through the bloodstream with the intention of preventing them from binding to the walls of the arteries, veins and the heart. Although it is easy to ingest lecithin supplements by means of consuming healthy foods, supplements are also obtainable in the powdered plus granular forms. An synopsis of the health benefits offered by lecithin is listed below.
Lecithin has a role in transporting fat as well as LDL (bad cholesterol) through the bloodstream and, hence, it does not attach to the walls of the arteries. This is also the reason why lecithin prevents the bad cholesterol and fats from obstructing or blocking the arteries. By this means, lecithin actually facilitates in lessening bad cholesterol and assists in maintaining the arteries free from plaque formation and augmenting the health of the cardiovascular system. For several years now, physicians have been prescribing patients to include lecithin in their diet with a view to improve the health of their heart as well as prevent developing any heart disease.
Since lecithin aids in breaking down fats, it is considered to be useful for weight loss. Nevertheless, albeit lecithin facilitates in preventing fat from binding to the walls of the arteries, it actually does not expel the fat from the system. While lecithin is vigorous for several causes, researchers still do not have any evidence that this compound will genuinely assist you in losing weight.
However, it has been proved that lecithin is useful for maintaining the health of the liver. As lecithin transports fat and bad cholesterol by means of the bloodstream and also helps in breaking down fat, this compound keeps the fat from binding to the liver. By doing so, lecithin assists in averting liver ailments like cirrhosis.
Several researches as well as investigations have fruitfully demonstrated the usefulness of lecithin on the health of the brain's functioning. Lecithin offers a vital substance that facilitates the brain cells in continuing to transmit signals successfully. The substance known as acetylcholine and is found to be absent in patients enduring Alzheimer's disease. While augmenting the amount of lecithin in one's diet can assist people enduring Alzheimer's disease, it also has the aptitude to perk up the memory of people while they grow older.
It may be noted that lecithin is vital for the development of fetus in the womb, particularly for the growth of the brain as well as the nervous system. However, it is advisable that pregnant women should essentially consult their doctor prior to taking lecithin supplements in their diet.
Lecithin encloses essential fatty acids that work to lessen the chance of the cell membranes becoming stiff. Owing to this reason, lecithin may possibly also be useful in helping to lessen the pain caused by arthritis. In addition, lecithin has also been found to promote the health of the gallbladder as well as prevent the formation of gallstones. Some people are also of the belief that lecithin facilitates in boosting the performance in endurance sports, although this attribute of the compound is yet to be proved scientifically.
An individual's body requires just 30 grams to 50 grams of lecithin daily with a view to benefit from the health advantages offered by this vital compound. Lecithin can be received without difficulty by means of consuming foods that enclose lecithin, for instance, soybeans, wheat germ, fish, whole grains, peanuts, legumes, and yeast as well as egg yolk. Lecithin supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, liquid, powder and granules, especially the powdered and granular forms may be added to foods or shakes. When taken in measured dosages, lecithin does not produce any adverse side-effects. Nevertheless, when taken in high amounts this compound may result in headache, weight gain, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, gastrointestinal disorders, light-headedness and vomiting. It is advisable that prior to taking lecithin supplements in your diet, you should always consult your physician.
