Lethicin is Lecithin | Benefits, Treatment, Side Effects and Dosages

Lecithin is a fatty substance produced in the liver that works as an emulsifier in the body. It is a phospholipid and is comprised primarily of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol.

Lecithin is a building block in cell membranes as it works to protect cells from oxidation. It prevents the cells from hardening. Lecithin also makes up the majority of the protective sheaths surrounding the brain and nervous system. Lecithin acts as an emulsifier that helps the circulatory system transport fats and nutrients easily and smoothly. Lecithin helps prevent plaque and fat from sticking to the arterial walls. It has also been found to help lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increase levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

Lecithin can be a valuable supplement to support cardiovascular health, circulatory health, and proper nervous system function.

Choline is one of the key ingredients (10-20%) in lecithin. Research has shown that choline has some very positive effects in the human body. Choline works to produce a natural chemical in the body called acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that transmits messages from nerve cells to other cells in the body. This action has been found to have great potential in helping to treat or diminish the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The choline comprising lecithin also helps to promote healthy liver function as it prevents fat accumulation in the liver. Animal and human studies have revealed that diets deficient of choline or lecithin often resulted in cirrhosis and liver dysfunction. Choline works to prevent fatty deposits and blocks fibers from developing in the liver. This action is important because extra fat and liver fibers can lead to liver damage.

Lecithin is found in most over the counter medications and cosmetics as it stops the ingredients from separating from each other. It also enhances absorption into the skin. Lecithin can be used topically to treat sunburns, minor skin irritations, scrapes, and to soften dry skin.

Benefits of Lecithin

• cardiovascular health
• liver and cell function
• fat transport and fat metabolism
• cell communication
• improvement in memory, learning and reaction time
• healthy hair and skin

Side Effects

Lecithin is considered primarily safe as it is completely metabolized in the body and is non-toxic. However, when taken in large doses, lecithin could cause gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, weight gain, a rash, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and/or a "fishy" body odor. A safe dose of lecithin is considered to be 10-30 grams per day.

Ways to Supplement with Lecithin

Lecithin is widely found in egg yolk or soy beans. Outside of supplementation, egg yolks provide the best source of lecithin when eaten slightly cooked as a soft boiled egg. Most commercial lecithin products are made of soy lecithin.

There are multiple ways you can supplement with lecithin. Many people take lecithin capsules. This can be fairly easy and offers a way to avoid the unpleasant taste of liquid lecithin. However, in order to achieve 1 to 3 tablespoons of lecithin per day, you would usually have to take 8 to 12 capsules each day. Lecithin capsules can be more expensive and this is a lot of capsules to take every day. Liquid lecithin is less costly but the taste can be unpleasant. It is recommended that you coat the spoon with milk or molasses before taking the lecithin and then follow it with a dairy product or molasses to help get the taste out of your mouth.

One of the easiest ways to get a good supply of lecithin each day is to take lecithin granules. You can sprinkle the granules in any cold food or drink. They do not taste bad in ice cream, yogurt, milk, or water. They do not dissolve, but are easily swallowed. Do not use lecithin granules in hot food as they will melt and become liquid lecithin.

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