| Lecithins make up a category of fatty substances that can be found in egg yolk and plant and animal tissues; one of the most common sources is soy beans, though. They have applications as an emulsifier in a variety of industrial settings, but when taken as a dietary supplement they have several health benefits.
By far, the most common nutritional use of lecithin is to break down fats within the body, using the active components of choline and inositol. This nutrient occurs naturally within the body, helping cells bring in other nutrients and send out wastes. Its emulsifying properties have also made it popular for patients trying to prevent fat and LDL cholesterol from building up in cardiac walls and blood vessels.
Another organ that benefits from lecithin’s ability to break down fats is the liver. Often, fats that do not break down in the digestive process collect in the liver, causing damage that can lead to cirrhosis. Also, the soy version of lecithin is frequently used to help with weight loss, because it breaks down fats before the body can absorb them.
Pregnant women often take lecithin to help ensure proper fetal development and to stay healthy throughout pregnancy; a theory awaiting verification suggests that lecithin can contribute to the well-being of breast cells. Men often take lecithin supplements to enhance the amount of semen that they produce – while this might seem odd, semen actually contains a high percentage of this substance.
Lecithin’s ability to emulsify substances can also help prevent the growth of gallstones. Some benefits that have been suggested, but which are still awaiting verification with research, include treatments for cardiac conditions, psychosis, and some forms of cancer, as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Some athletes claim that lecithin has increased their endurance levels.
If you want to obtain lecithin from your diet, there are many different foods that will work. Vegetables include split peas, green beans, cauliflower and cabbage; protein sources include chicpeas, lentils, calf liver, eggs, fish, soybeans, and legumes. Manufacturers often also add lecithin to dairy desserts, chocolate bars, mayonnaise and margarine.
Lecithin also comes in supplement form – both synthetic and natural. Typical capsule dosage for adults is one 1,200 milligram capsule prior to each meal. You can also buy egg lecithin and soy lecithin products to incorporate into your diet. |
