Our cells need it. Our tissues need it. Our muscles need it. In fact, our whole body needs it. So what is it about lecithin benefits that our body craves? Especially when lecithin is apparently no more just another type of lipid, and lipid, if you don’t know yet, is just another term for “fat.” Yes, that’s shocked right there, and there’s dumbfounded, along with a whispered: “So fat can be good for the body, too?”
The answer is an absolute YES! But before we drop our jaws completely at that shocking news, let’s discuss what lecithin is, shall we? And while we do that, why not include in our discussion the lecithin benefits that make this type of fat so uniquely good for the body?
Lecithin, the Good Fat
Depending on who you’re talking with, lecithin can have two different meanings. Commercially, the term refers to a complex mixture of neutral and polar lipids that is popularly used as an emulsifier and/or lubricant. In biochemistry, it refers to phosphatidylcholine (PC), a phospholipid compound comprised of glycerol, two fatty acids (linoleic acid and inositol), a phosphate group and choline (a type of B vitamin).
Lecithin is typically found in the cell membrane or cell walls of every single living cell of an organism, whether plant or animal in origin. As you may already know, the cell membranes or cell walls are a semi-permeable layer that is responsible for regulating the passage of nutrients into and out of cells. Lecithin forms one of the major components of this membrane. In addition, lecithin is also a major component in the protective sheaths that surround the brain, muscles, and nerve cells.
Although lecithin is essentially a lipid, it is also partially soluble in water due to its phosphate group. This unique structure of the compound contributes to one of its lecithin benefits, which is to act as an emulsifying agent, making it a convenient ingredient to use in many processed foods.
Lecithin for Health
While there is little doubt that lecithin is indeed a powerful emulsifier, there is more to lecithin benefits than that. For decades, people have been touting that treatment for high cholesterol is one of the many lecithin benefits.
There is little evidence to support this claim, mostly because when the studies conducted were largely unreported. Still, these claims about lecithin benefits on high cholesterol may have something to do with the fact that lecithin, specifically phosphatidylcholine, appears to have the ability to disperse cholesterol in the blood, thus keeping them from sticking to the walls of our arteries. In doing this, lecithin may also help prevent atherosclerosis.
Another one of the lecithin benefits is that it displays potential as a remedy for various psychological and neurological diseases, such as Tourette’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). The claim is based on the significant role that lecithin plays in nerve cell signaling as well as in synthesizing important neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, without which many of our cognitive functions could be impaired.
Posted by admin in Health
Benefits of Lecithin
... is Greek for "egg yolk." It was given that name because lecithin was actually first discovered in 1805 when the French scientist Maurice Gobley isolated the compound from an egg yolk. Lecithin is a great emulsifier. Since its discovery, it has been widely marketed in the commercial sector as an emulsifier used mainly in the food industry as well as an ingredient in products such as paints and pharmaceuticals. For years, people got their source of lecithin from egg yolk. Then in the mid 1930s, lecithin was recovered from Lecithin Benefits the waste products of soybean processing, a discovery that changed the whole face of commercial lecithin. Today, most of the commercial lecithin we find sold in the market come from soybeans. Lecithin - Its Benefits 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...
Benefits of Soy Lecithin
... even used in the pharmaceutical industry as well as various other industries that produce materials such as paint, textile, to name a few. On the other hand, if talking about the benefits of soy lecithin inside the body, then we have to take into account the role that phosphatidylcholine plays in the living cell. As a phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine is a major component of the cell membrane, along with cholesterol and triglyceride. It helps keep the cells and its various organelles apart from each other and facilitates many of its basic functions, including cellular signaling. In addition, it contributes to the cell's structural integrity and helps keep harmful microbes from entering the healthy living cell. Phosphatidylcholine plays a significant role in the liver functions as well as the brain. In fact, one of the benefits of soy lecithin is to keep the fatty...
Health Lecithin
... the body, whether that body is plant or animal in origin. Scientists say that the health lecithin functions encompass everything that pertains to life, e.g., breathing, metabolism, energy production and transport, and nerve function. Many studies have shown the health lecithin benefits include the following: * Improve memory * Normalize reproductive health * Lower risks of cancer * Increase physical performance * And enhance liver and heart health. However, these health lecithin benefits are but the tip of the iceberg. As more and more researchers are focusing much of their Lecithin Benefits time and energy on investigating the compound, more and more of the health lecithin benefits may be uncovered. Where Lecithin Comes From Lecithin is found in many of the foods we have for our daily diet. However, if you...
What is Lecithin
... legumes, yeast, peanuts, etc. The compound can also be found as supplement sold to the public. Lecithin capsules, powder, or granules are sold in many food and drug stores, often marketed as weight loss promoting supplements for dieters and weight loss enthusiasts. In addition to that, lecithin is also taken in a pill form or mixed into health shakes. What is lecithin's claim to health? The following are some of the many health claims that lecithin is said to have: * Lecithin Benefits Cardiovascular health * Liver and cell function * Fat transport and fat metabolism * Reproduction and child development * Treatment for gallstones * Improvement in memory, learning and reaction time * Healthy hair and skin * Cell communication * Physical performance and...
Soy Lecithin Allergens
... keep fats in the bile and protect liver cells from the ravages of Lecithin Benefits oxidation. Other studies also showed that choline may play a significant role in the synthesis of an important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This led others to believe that lecithin may help improve the cognitive functions of the brain, even going so far as to help enhance our memories. But while there are quite a number of studies that seem to show evidence of the benefits of lecithin, there is little in the way to show a real connection between improved conditions and the taking of lecithin supplements. Instead, what doctors have observed is a concerning number of reports of soy lecithin allergens. Soy Allergy In line with the increasing use of soy products today, soy lecithin allergens also arose and allergic reactions arose. It was in the early 1980s that Stuart Berger, MD, labeled soy...
Soya Lecithin
... texture to dressings and other creamy products. It also used in chocolates and coatings and to counteract spattering during frying. In addition, soya lecithin boasts of a unique lipid molecular structure which makes it idea for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and various industrial uses such as paints, textiles, lubricants, and waxes. But while soya lecithin has many functional benefits, recent studies have been focusing on its Lecithin Benefits purported health benefits. There is no arguing that lecithin, or more accurately phosphatidylcholine plays a significant role in the cell. It contributes to its structural integrity, facilitate the movement of fluids in and out, and eases cell communication. Its presence and its perceived role in brain functioning has led many scientists to surmise that lecithin may aid in brain-related...
Lecithin Effects
... cell membrane or outer covering of our cells. "Without lecithin, nothing would survive, because you wouldn't be able to separate the Lecithin Benefits various compartments within cells, nor would you be able to separate cells from each other," he further adds. Lecithin Effects and Choline The word lecithin actually has several different meanings. The generic term refers to lecithin, the compound of lipid and phosphate acid mixtures used in the commercial food industry. However, in chemistry, biochemistry, and other similar sciences, the term takes on a whole different meaning. Often, lecithin is used synonymously with choline, kelecin, lecithol, soy lecithin, vegilecithin, vitrellin, and phosphatidylcholine. Strictly speaking though, choline is actually just a component of lecithin - a major one, that is. Out of the many chemicals found in lecithin, the most important and the most studied is choline. For years,...
Facts about Lecithin
... acid (PA). Now, since lecithin is present in the cells of Lecithin Benefits all living organisms, you must think and believe that it is an essential nutrient. Certainly, that is what the adverts have been telling us. However, the facts about lecithin will tell you that the substance actually comes from the diet and is only synthesized in the body. Therefore, it is not an essential nutrient, although it may have some beneficial effects. As a phospholipid, the facts about lecithin will indicate that the substance is a major component in cell membranes. Lipids make the cell membrane semi-permeable - that is, it allows some substances in while keeping other substances out. With its main component of choline, lecithin facilitates the movement of fats in and out of cells, as well as ions, wastes, and nutrients. Besides providing protection around the cells, the facts about lecithin will also tell you...
Lecithin Sources
... with the lecithin sources themselves. Before World War II, people were in the habit of eating large amounts of organ meats, red meats, whole eggs, whole milk with cream, dairy cream, and liver, all of which are excellent lecithin sources. But what makes these foods such excellent lecithin sources also make people turn away from them. That's because these foods are often very rich Lecithin Benefits in fats and calories, which in today's diet-conscious community may pose several negative health effects. If eating these lecithin sources is a concern for most people, then getting alternative sources, such as supplements may be the solution to look for. According to the USDA, particularly its Economic Research Service, the average American consumed 12 fewer pounds of red meat in 1996 than 20 years ago. In addition to that, it was also found that the average American, even with all the varied uses of lecithin, consume only about 3 g/day of the compound. To maintain adequate supply of lecithin in the body, we need...
Lecithin Side Effects
... that you eat, like eggs (yolks), soybeans, sunflower, grape seed, wheat germ, to name a Lecithin Benefits few. Lecithin has been the subject of various extensive research studies, particularly concerning its 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 due to stroke. It has been observed that people who suffer form 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. The lecithin side effects of supplements, the symptoms of dementia may be improved by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the body. Another example of...
Liquid Lecithin
... more if needed. What is essential however is the synthesized form of liquid lecithin, which is choline. Our bodies derive choline from phosphatidylcholine component in liquid lecithin. To maintain cell membrane integrity and facilitate the movement of fats in and out of cells, as well as ions, wastes, and nutrients, we need a constant supply of choline. In addition, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine needs choline for its normal functions. Due to liquid lecithin's choline make up, the compound has been touted as a memory enhancer by improving cognitive function. Another benefit of liquid lecithin is to increase the rate at which fat is burned to produce energy for the body. Lecithin is contained in the bile, which is a kind of substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder necessary for digestion. As an emulsifier, the function of liquid lecithin is to separate the fatty acids in the bile and protect them from the ravages of oxidation. The compound also helps keep the liver cells healthy so they can continue doing their function...
Organic Lecithin
... because animal lecithins are often excreted through the kidneys which may contain toxins and harmful substances, whereas you will never face that kind of danger with organic lecithins from plants. As a result, majority of the organic lecithin sold commercially in the market consist of soybean lecithin. Besides being used in foods that we generally consume, organic lecithin has also expanded its function to include animal feeds, cosmetics, paints, and metal tape. The Lecithin Benefits compound is even available as a supplement in capsules, pills, or granules. Effects and Benefits There are several functional effects associated with lecithin. First, it is an emulsifier, capable of keeping oils from separating and keeping fat molecules dispersed in food products. This ability of organic lecithin to keep essential oils and disperse fats is the basis of...
Lecithin China
... helps Lecithin Benefits prevent product spoilage, extending shelf life in the marketplace. Lecithin China is also handy around the industry kitchens where it is utilized in improving mixing and speed crystallization. As one of the few emulsifiers in the market considered by the US Food and Drug Administration as Generally Regarded As Safe for use, lecithin China is also used to prevent "weeping," stop spattering, and lumping and sticking during cooking. Besides the commercial food industry, many industries also benefit from lecithin China. For instance, it is used in cosmetics as a product that could soften the skin and help other ingredients penetrate the skin barrier. Health Benefits Lecithin China has been used for many years as a treatment for a variety of illnesses. It has been said to remedy conditions, such as atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, liver cirrhosis, gall stones, psoriasis, eczema, scleroderma, anxiety, tremors and brain aging. A leading purveyor of lecithin China since the 1920s, Dr. A. A. Horvath claims that the compound may be...
Structure of Lecithin
... they need arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid to synthesize fatty acids from their precursors. Structure of Lecithin: Soy Markedly different from egg yolk lecithin, the structure of lecithin derived from soy actually consists of three types of phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI). Since soy lecithin is obtained in the process of degumming crude soy oil, it contains minimal amounts of hydratable compounds (1.8%), comprised primarily of phosphatides. After going through the synthesizing process, the resulting structure of lecithin is 30-35% crude soy oil and 65-70% phosphatides. Oil can then also be removed completely with the addition of acetone. In the structure of lecithin derived from soy, the phosphatides consist of glycerides, which are the basic components of soy oil. However, instead of one fatty acid radical, this has been replaced with phosphoric acid. Now, this is different in the case of pure or chemical lecithin or phosphatidylcholine, where the phosphoric acid is further esterified with choline. But commercially, the structure of lecithin is mostly fatty acids, with roughly...
Lecithin Weight Loss
... scientific community use to refer to lecithin. Lecithin, the Emulsifier One of the many functions of lecithin is emulsifying fats. In the body, lecithin is present in bile, a digestive substance produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder to aid in digestion. It is critical for the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine and serves as a major route for eliminating cholesterol. The presence of lecithin in bile is primarily to keep the fatty acids from mixing with other organic molecules also found in bile, such as bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and bilirubin. By acting as an emulsifying agent, lecithin ensures that bile does all its functions smoothly. Lecithin, the Aid to Fat-Burning Another function of lecithin is to help burn fat. When you eat fatty foods, the fat gets deposited in the liver, which will then break it down so the...