For years, lecithin has been known as a wonder food. Its medical benefits are so numerous that it has been the subject of several studies. So what is lecithin? What are its benefits? In this article, we will uncover the mystery behind lecithin and what makes it a wonder food.
Lecithin is an emulsifying substance, having positive effects on persons combating atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver, gall stones, psoriasis, eczema, scleroderma, anxiety, tremors, and brain aging. It is mainly made up of a compound called phosphatidylcholine, which is one of a group of fat soluble phospholipids within the compound. In chemistry, the word lecithin is even used interchangeably with phosphatidylcholine, though most commercial lecithins (especially those derived from soybean) contain only about 20% of the compound.
The chemical substance lecithin is found in all living organisms, specifically comprising the cell membrane and other membranes of organelles inside the cell itself. It is also a major component of the myelin sheath, which is the thin covering that envelopes brain neurons and our nerves.
The unique structure of lecithin plays a role in the protection of our body from the destructive effects of oxidation. It also helps in the digestive processes through the action of bile which contains lecithin produced by the liver. There have been studies that show how lecithin could also have positive effects on persons with high blood cholesterol level, appearing to lower it.
Lecithin has been studied particularly for role in degenerative diseases. Because of its being a major component in the structure of myelin sheath and nerve cells, scientists believe that lecithin side effects include a possible cure for conditions involving cognition, or those that affect the mental processes used to acquire, maintain, retrieve, and utilize information.
One example is dementia, which is a mental condition that may be due to stroke. It has been observed that people who suffer from this condition often have a low level of a natural chemical known as acetylcholine. One of the chemical compounds found in lecithin is acetylcholine. This compound is actually a neurotransmitter that affects the muscles and memory. One of the lecithin side effects of supplements is, the symptoms of dementia may be improved by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the body.
Another example of the wonders of lecithin side effects is its ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. A small study of individuals with normal or mildly elevated cholesterol levels showed that lecithin supplementation decreased both the absorption of cholesterol from foods and the production of low density lipoproteins or LDL cholesterol (the “bad” type of cholesterol).
So where can you get lecithin? Lecithin is present in foods that we commonly consume such as eggyolks, soybeans, sunflower, grape seed, wheat germ, and many others. With these various sources of lecithin, it is not likely that you are going to run out of it. Besides, lecithin is not an essential nutrient so having less of it won’t have bad effects on you.
But with the above-mentioned benefits of lecithin, it is still wise to invest and make sure you have the right amount of lecithin in your diet. Though, the lack of it will not give you any harm, having it will give you much more benefits. So just like you make sure that you have enough proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, also make sure you have enough lecithin.
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