Lecithin (also known as alpha-phosphatidylcholine) is a naturally occurring nutrient, found in foods that we consume in our day to day life. It is also sold as a dietary supplement. Lecithin is not a single substance, but it is a group of chemicals belonging to compounds called phospholipids.
Phospholipid, a type of fat that helps in maintaining the integrity of cells and are required for the normal functioning of the brain, liver, nerves, and other vital organs.
Lecithin is a type of fat which is found naturally in many foods that are essential to human health. It can also be taken as a supplement or used as moisturizer, to moisturize your skin. There are different types of lecithin according to its source, like soy lecithin, egg lecithin, and sunflower lecithin, among others
Lecithin is found in green vegetables, red meat, and eggs. Its not only taken as a supplement, but it is also used in the manufacture of eye drops, skin moisturizers, and food emulsifiers (agents that keep ingredients from separating).
FOOD SOURCES
Lecithin is found in many whole foods, such as:
HEALTH BENEFITS OF LECITHIN
When eaten, lecithin is broken down into a substance called choline which our body uses to transport fat , regulate metabolism, maintain the structural integrity of body cells, and facilitate nerve transmissions (by synthesizing a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine)
Choline is not produced by the body, most of it is obtained from the foods we eat in our day to day life.
IT CAN EASE TIREDNESS
Lecithin can reduce feelings of tiredness and weakness, lecithin increases energy and reduces tiredness in women going through the menopause.
LOWERS CHOLESTEROL AND REDUCES RISK OF HEART DISEASES
Lecithin which is mainly made from soy reduces "bad"LDL cholesterol and also increases "good" HDL cholesterol. Less LDL cholesterol means less fatty plaque buildup in our arteries and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and HDL cholesterol helps to carry away LDL cholesterol and plaque to the liver for processing, and therefore reduces the risk of blockages.
CLEARS DUCTS IN BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
Consuming Lecithin in our regular diet can help reduce the thickness of the breast milk, making a clog less likely.
HEALTHY BRAIN FUNCTION/ ENHANCED COGNETIVE FUNCTIONS
Choline, a component of phosphatidylcholine, plays important role in brain development and helps in improving memory.
HEALTHY SKIN
BETTER DIGESTION
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects many people all around the world. Lecithin helps to reduce digestive distress in those with the ulcerative colitis.
Emulsifying activity of lecithin improves mucus in the intestine, protecting the gastrointestinal lining. This could be because the lecithin contains phosphatidylcholine, which is also a component of mucus.
People with ulcerative colitis have 70 percent less PC than people with other forms of IBD or those without the disease.