Lecithin aids in reversing or controlling some diseases. Today’s diet does not provide enough nutrients, so supplementation is necessary for lecithin to reap its benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of lecithin, it appears to be a promising nutrient with several potential health benefits (and risks).
The Benefits
Lecithin is a phospholipid that is important for all live cells to have. Lecithin is made by our bodies and can be found in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Lecithin generally keeps our health in good shape and is used by every cell in our bodies. Even though we make it in our own bodies, we don’t always eat enough of the foods that give us the nutrients we need to make enough.
Many foods, like cabbage, broccoli, garbanzo beans, soybeans, split peas, organic meat, seeds, nuts, and eggs, contain lecithin. The normal diet of today doesn’t give us enough lecithin to protect our cells and let lecithin work its magic. So, taking lecithin supplements is important for your overall health and to avoid many conditions and diseases. Lecithin has many benefits, but it has been shown to lower cholesterol, improve heart health, heal broken livers, and help the brain remember things better.
One way lecithin aids in preventing or reversing certain diseases and conditions is that since it is predominately comprised of fat itself, it adheres to our cell and nerve linings, forming a sheath, and prevents cholesterol and other fats from sticking. In patients with high cholesterol, doing this decreases the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol across the intestinal wall, thus lowering total cholesterol, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). With the reduction of blood cholesterol, research has also shown to reverse atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries.
Though there are pharmaceutical products on the market that control and aid in the control of these diseases, lecithin, is capable of doing this in a much more natural way and at a much lower price.
Similarly, lecithin intervenes with the body’s ability to form fat deposits and has aided in reversing the damage caused by coronary artery disease. Creating a slippery lining prevents large fat deposits from accumulating, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly when it once was clogged with fat deposits that would lead to blood clots. When it breaks down body fat, it prevents the fat from collecting in large deposits in our bodies and then transports it to the liver and converts it into usable energy.
Lecithin is also known to repair livers that have been damaged by abuse, such as too much alcohol consumption.
Another important benefit of lecithin is its ability to aid in memory function and learning. Many studies have been conducted where people reported higher retention in learning and ability to recall information with an increase of lecithin. Even patients with Alzheimer’s disease reported an improvement in memory and orientation.
The Risks
Although lecithin has proven to reverse many diseases, it can also be used as a preventative source if the proper foods are consumed on a regular basis or if supplementation is taken regularly. Unlike medications that are offered to reverse certain diseases, lecithin is not known to cause an extreme number of side effects, side effects that themselves require medication to rectify.
The few minor reported side effects of lecithin when consumed in great quantity are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and sweating. However, no side effects were reported when taken in normal supplemental doses or through normal food consumption.
Lecithin supplements are produced from soybeans, meats, and eggs and can be taken as a liquid or capsule. You can find lecithin supplements at your local health food store or any market that carries vitamins and supplements. Lecithin is non-toxic and is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It can be taken daily, but dosage varies from product to product. However, if you consistently eat healthy, well-balanced meals, you probably do not need to supplement your diet.