HEALTH INFORMATION AND TIPS

Posts Tagged ‘Lecithin’

What is lecithin? Lecithin is an important substance found in certain foods that has apparent heart-protective properties as well as other qualities that enhance health. It is the most abundant phospholipid in the body, and it is found in high amounts in our brain and nervous system.

Lecithin also comprises the majority of the structural material that in the liver. As a supplement, lecithin is used to protect the cardiovascular system, facilitate fat metabolism and improve reproductive function. It is also said to relieve the pain of arthritis, improve muscle endurance and enhance physical energy. Not only that, lecithin helps hair and skin stay healthy, and it improves communication among cells in the body.
Lecithin is another name for phosphatidyl choline, a component of fat molecules found in our cell membranes and in the cell walls of plants. It is present in soybeans, sunflower seeds and grape seeds. It is also found in egg yolks and fish. In fact the name lecithin comes from the Greek word for egg yolk. Lecithin is produced in supplement form, and it is actually a combination of molecules that include phosphatidyl choline as well as other substances, such as triglycerides, sterols and glycolipids. Most of the health benefits of lecithin are due to the presence of choline in the molecule. The choline prevents the buildup of bad cholesterol along our blood flow.
Lecithin is available in capsule and powder form and is sometimes mixed into health drinks or sprinkled on salads. It is often touted as an aid to weight loss because of its ability to lower cholesterol levels and improve fat metabolism. When choline works to improve fat metabolism, a variety of positive effects occur in addition to weight loss and lowered cholesterol levels.  We know that overweight was big health problem in our society today. Overweight has been associated with other health problems, so we can see how lecithin can have an effect on many aspects of health easily. For example, the risk of stroke decreases when cholesterol levels are low because blood clots that can lead to stroke are less likely to form. There are no known side effects or drug interactions with lecithin, though some people do experience stomach upset when taking capsules, but you must know that it is minor case. Since lecithin is a substance found in many foods, it is classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the Food and Drug Administration. So we can conclude that lecithin has many benefits and meet safety criterias.