Lecithin. Supplements containing lecithin are said to provide a number of health advantages, including better digestion and decreased cholesterol. However, if you have a soy or egg allergy, you might want to stay away from it. It is a material that occurs naturally in your body’s tissues. It has many industrial and medicinal applications and is composed of fatty acids.
LECITHIN
It suspends fats and oils and prevents them from combining with other substances because it functions as an emulsifier. Eggs and soybeans are the main sources of lecithin. Additionally, peanuts, liver, and wheat germ contain it. Lecithin is produced industrially as a food ingredient. For instance, soybean oil and boiling water are combined to make soy lecithin.
1. Decreased Cholesterol and Heart Disease Risk
Soy-based lecithin may increase “good” HDL cholesterol while decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol. A lower risk of cardiovascular disease and less fatty plaque accumulation in your arteries can result from lower LDL cholesterol, while HDL cholesterol lowers the chance of blockages by assisting in the removal of LDL cholesterol and plaque to the liver for processing.
2. Unobstructed Ducts for Nursing
Breastfeeding mothers may be able to avoid clogged ducts by taking it. In addition to causing pain and discomfort, this illness may result in redness or swelling where the obstruction is located. Mastitis, a condition where a backlog of milk causes aches and fevers in nursing mothers, or an infection can result from a blocked breast duct.
3. Proper Brain Function
Lecithin, which contains choline, a nutrient essential to brain function, has been the subject of research into its potential to alleviate dementia symptoms and other memory issues. One study did yield noteworthy findings. Other research and studies, however, have shown conflicting results that indicate lecithin supplementation has no beneficial effects on dementia. Though further research is required to understand whether lecithin can aid with memory issues, experts have not ruled it out.
4. Good Skin
It is a common ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products. When used as a moisturizer, it effectively reduces flakiness. According to studies, up to 15% doses are safe to apply topically.
5. Aid with Ulcerative Colitis Management
The lipid molecule phosphatidylcholine, which is found in it, is a component of the intestinal mucus barrier, which shields the gut lining. The intestinal mucus barrier of patients with ulcerative colitis, a kind of inflammatory bowel disease, has less phosphatidylcholine. Supplements containing lecithin may help ulcerative colitis sufferers by restoring the intestinal mucous membrane and lowering inflammation.
6. Supports Nursing Parents and Infants
IT’s phosphatidylcholine is also a strong supply of choline, a nutrient required for metabolism, immunological response, and cellular health. Because it promotes fetal and infant brain development, it is particularly crucial during pregnancy and lactation. Breast milk for prematurely born babies may have more lecithin.
Summary
Foods like liver, soybeans, and egg yolks naturally contain a class of lipids called lecithin. As a dietary supplement, it can also be consumed. Supplementing with lecithin may ease ulcerative colitis symptoms, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. Additionally, they supply choline, a nutrient that is vital for the health of cells and the brain system.