Lecithin is an important phospholipid needed by all living cells. Lecithin is produced within our own bodies, and can be found in the major organs: the heart, the liver, and the kidneys. Lecithin aids in maintaining our overall health and is utilized by every cell in our bodies. Though it is produced within our own bodies, we do not always consume enough of the foods that provide the nutrition needed to produce adequate amounts. Lecithin can be found in many foods such as: cabbage, cauliflower, garbanzo beans, soy beans, split peas, organic meat, seeds, nuts and eggs. Today’s average diet, however, does not provide enough lecithin to successfully protect or cells and allow lecithin to reap its benefits. As a result, lecithin supplementation is necessary for overall health and prevention of many conditions and diseases. Of its many benefits, lecithin has been proven to decrease cholesterol, promote cardiovascular health, restore damaged livers and improve the brain’s memory function.
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. By doing this, in the case of patients with high cholesterol, it decreases the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol across the intestinal wall, thus lowering total cholesterol, including LDL’s (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 cheaper 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. By creating a slippery lining, it 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 the body fat, not only does it prevent the fat from collecting in large deposits in our bodies, it 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.
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 either as a liquid or as a 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 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
