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Lecithin - Phosphatidyl Choline
By Lucho Crisalle RD
Chemical structure of phosphatidylcholine.
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Lecithin was discovered in 1805 and mostly derived from common egg yolk or from naturally
taking place phospholipids derived from soybeans. Lecithin, a lipid material composed of
choline and inositol, is found in all living cells as a major component of cell membranes,
which regulate the nutrients entering and exiting the cell. Lecithin is the most abundant
of the phospholipids. It is a fatty food substance, which serves as a structural material
for every cell in the body. It is an essential constituent of the human brain and
nervous system.
As a phospholipid (fat-based), lecithin is a key building block of cell membranes, without
which, cell membranes would harden and would no longer stay semi-permeable. As such, lecithin
protects cells from the destructive effects of oxidation, a naturally occurring process in
the body due to the presence of oxygen. Lecithin is also an important component of the
endocrine glands and the muscles of the kidneys and heart.
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Lecithin makes up 73 percent of
the total liver fat. As a phospholipid, lecithin is both phosphorus and fats. As such,
it is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, which are a part of each molecule.
Lecithin helps protect the cell's essential fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated and
extremely vulnerable to oxidation. By consuming lecithin supplements, we can help
protect the essential fatty acids in our bodies, keeping them from turning rancid
and start harming other healthy cells.
Lecithin helps to prevent arteriosclerosis, protects against cardiovascular disease, improves brain function, helps keep the liver and kidneys healthy, aids in thiamin and vitamin A absorption, and can even help to repair liver damage caused by alcoholism--this nutrient is essential to every living cell in the human body. The choline and inositol in lecithin protect against hardening of the arteries and heart disease by promoting normal processing of fat and cholesterol. Lecithin itself helps to bind fats and cholesterol to water so that they can pass through the body rather than cause a potentially harmful buildup in the heart or liver. Cell membranes, the protective sheaths surrounding the brain, and nerve cells also contain this essential fatty substance.
BENEFITS OF LECITHIN
Lecithin is regarded in the scientific community as a synonym for phosphatidyl choline (PC), which is said to be the main compound responsible for all the benefits of lecithin, specifically its medicinal effects.
Lecithin has been shown to aid in bringing down cholesterol level thus protects you against heart attacks and strokes. In addition, Lecithin is commonly recommended for treating liver, nerve, and a variety of other conditions. It has even been used to treat degenerative conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and memory loss. As a treatment for memory loss, many nutritionally oriented doctors consider lecithin or phosphatidylcholine a valuable nerve-building nutrient that may help slow or reverse memory loss because of its function as a phospholipids that serves as a major structural component of brain cells.
Lecithin breaks up fats and cholesterol in the body. It is excellent for a healthy heart. It is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA) and has the highest phosphatide concentratil available (98% or more). It helps the body utilize vitamins A, D, E, and K and is excellent for memory, concentration, and recall. It cleanses the liver and kidneys and helps the body absorbs nutrients. Lecithin is an essential component in the cell membrane. One of the benefits of lecithin is to maintain the integrity of cell membranes, helping facilitate the movement of fluids inside and outside the cell.
The following are some of the many health benefits that lecithin is said to have
* Improve memory
* Normalize reproductive health
* And enhance liver and heart health.
* Cardiovascular health
* Fat transport and fat metabolism
* Lower risks of cancer
* Increase physical performance
* Healthy hair and skin
* Cell communication
* Treatment for gallstones
* Improvement in memory, learning and reaction time
* Relief of arthritis
SIDE EFFECTS OF LECITHIN
When consumed as recommended, no serious side effects are reported. Higher doses of lecithin supplements may cause gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, a rash and headache, nausea, vomiting and/or dizziness.
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