Supports Brain And Memory
Research shows that lecithin is able to improve memory and protect against the breakdown of nerve cells and Alzheimers. This is partly due to the fact that lecithin is a rich source of choline and thus the nerve messenger acetylcholine in the brain increases. Acetylcholine is important for good concentration and memory function.
Learn more about how to enhance your cognitive functions naturally in this article.
Potential Health Benefits Of Lecithin
Regulations set manufacturing standards for lecithin supplements but dont guarantee that theyre safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before using lecithin supplements, and discuss better-studied alternatives to meet your goals.
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Why Should I Take Lecithin
Lecithin has a lot and different health benefits, which is vital for the body.
It serves as an emulsifier, and this implies that it suspends the oils and fats, and keeps them from other substances.
Lecithin can help in treating high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, and can help in breasting feeding and many others.
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Soy Lecithin Vs Sunflower Lecithin
These are both viable sources of the compound lecithin. But what are the differences between soy lecithin vs. sunflower lecithin? Soy lecithin is extracted from soybean oil.
This means that it will most likely be genetically modified. More people in the world have soy allergies. The intake of soy can increase estrogen levels which may cause unwanted changes in your body.
Sunflower lecithin does not have estrogen and is a reasonably uncommon allergy. You can also find more non-genetically modified sunflowers than you can find soybeans.
This is due to the high demand for soybeans. The benefits of sunflower lecithin and soy lecithin are similar, but sunflower is the best way to go.
The Bottom Line When It Comes To The Risks And Benefits Of Lecithin Supplementation
Here is what we know about lecithin:
- The phospholipid phosphatidylcholine is the major dietary source of choline, an essential nutrient that is part of the B-complex vitamin family. Choline has various metabolic roles, ranging from its critical involvement in lipid metabolism and cell-membrane structure to its role as a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
- Red meat, processed meats, and egg yolk contain high levels of lecithin.
- Gut flora metabolizes phosphatidylcholine into three metabolites that show up at high concentrations in people who have had a heart attack or a stroke. They are choline, betaine, and trimethylamine. We metabolize those bacterial metabolites into TMAO, a known atherogenic substance.
- A large 4,000-patient study over 3 years showed a significant correlation between TMAO levels and cardiac events and stroke.
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Who Should Take Lecithin
Lecithin helps to reduce cholesterol, and that has always been the major reason why people seem to consume it.
Also, we are aware individuals with various conditions believe there are many other health benefits of Lecithin. However, most of those benefits havent been scientifically proven as yet.
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Forget About Taking Lecithin For Your Memory
DOES IT WORK:Lecithin and Alzheimers disease
LECITHIN IS a fatty substance found throughout our bodies and in some foods. It is made up primarily of phospholipids, compounds found in all living organisms. These are the major component of cell membranes which allow cells to remain separated from one another. Lecithin is therefore crucial to the normal functioning of all living organisms.
Our livers normally make sufficient lecithin on a daily basis. Commercially, lecithin can be extracted from egg yolks or soy beans. The name lecithin comes from the Greek word for egg yoke. It is widely used in foods as a natural emulsifier to prevent the separation of fatty components from water-soluble components.
However, there is a growing interest in using lecithin as a dietary supplement, which led one of our readers to ask about its value.
Evidence from studies
Lecithin is crucial for the health of membranes and also plays a role as an antioxidant. This has led to claims that it helps both to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and to prevent dementia and Alzheimers disease.
The claims about cardiovascular disease relate to laboratory studies that show that lecithin has antioxidant properties, and thus can be generally beneficial for health. In addition, some studies showed that animals fed diets rich in lecithin had reduced blood cholesterol levels.
Very few studies have been conducted in humans, and the benefits have not been clear-cut.
Problematic aspects
Recommendations
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Correlations Among Dietary Lipids
Daily intake of cholesterol correlated with daily intake of lecithin . Because there was wide variation in the age of the subjects and both males and females were included in this study, we expected wide variation in food intake. The correlation between daily intakes of lecithin and cholesterol may reflect only the quantitative difference in food intake . Therefore, the intakes of lecithin and cholesterol per kg of food were also compared . Intakes of lecithin and cholesterol correlated strongly when the data were adjusted for food intake .
Correlations between daily cholesterol and SFA intakes in all subjects, without and with adjustment of food intake to 1 kg/d.
Heart Health And Cholesterol
Lecithin is especially good for the health of your heart. It can help both prevent and reverse damage from coronary disease.
Lecithin is essentially a fat emulsifier which the body can use to rid the excess fats from your bloodstream.
These excess fats include cholesterol and triglycerides meaning that it will help you to reduce and control your cholesterol levels.
This task is accomplished largely because of the linoleic acid contained in high concentrations in sunflower lecithin. Only olive oil can boast similar levels of linoleic acid while soy lecithin has very little of it.
Sunflower lecithin supplementation improves blood circulation which can help prevent blood clots and other complaints.
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Natural Sources Of Lecithin
According to measurements, our diet today contains only one-third of the amount of phosphatidylcholine compared to the beginning of the last century. Rich sources of lecithin are eggs , soybeans, beef, and peanuts. Leafy vegetables, potatoes, and fruit contain little lecithin.
Generally, animal products contain more lecithin, such as fish and liver. Many people take lecithin preparations, which are mainly made from soy.
Most lecithin comes from soybeans. This form can act like herbal estrogen , which is not always desirable. Lecithin can also be extracted from soya via a chemical solvent such as hexane. This hexane can then remain as a residue, albeit in very small amounts.
To avoid this, it is necessary to use organic lecithin, as chemical substances are not desirable in the biological food chain. Some people are allergic to soy and should not consume this type of lecithin. Soy is often genetically modified, so when choosing soy lecithin, you should always opt for non-GMO products.
Can Lecithin Cause Low Blood Pressure
Lecithin can lower blood pressure. The content of linoleic acid in sunflower Lecithin assists in breaking accumulated excess fats in the body like cholesterol and triglycerides. When there is a high level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body, they invade the arterial walls and cause arteriosclerosis. Individuals with arteriosclerosis can have high blood pressure since their arteries are thickened. They also have increased chances of health attack or stroke. Daily intake of recommended Lecithin will assist in gradually unclogging the arteries and reduce blood pressure.
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Natural Remedies For High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an organic lipid molecule that helps regulate what passes through animal cell membranes and is necessary for the creation of vitamin D, bile, and steroid hormones.
Our bodies naturally produce cholesterol , and we obtain the rest we need through our food we need our cholesterol to stay healthy. It’s important to know that cholesterol is categorized into two groups: high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins .
High cholesterol levels, especially elevated LDL levels, have become a central health concern – though whether or not that particular focus on our health is entirely well-founded is now up for debate. High cholesterol blood levels can leave fatty deposits in your arteries and cause heart disease. Nevertheless, health tips from the Earth Clinic community can help you find ways to lower your cholesterol levels naturally.
How To Avoid It
People with severe allergies to soy products or those who are sensitive to soy lecithin should avoid foods made with the ingredient. For those who dont experience side effects from eating the emulsifier but want to avoid consuming GMO foods, opt for choosing only organic foods with soy lecithin on the label.
Some products are made with other types of emulsifiers that can be considered safer ingredients. Sunflower lecithin is a good alternative, and egg yolks can have a similar effect in food products.
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Supplements contain vitamins and minerals that enable you to easily ingest goodness. One pill has been shown to lower “bad” cholesterol. What is it?
Scientists from the Department of Pharmacy at Camilo Castelo Branco University, in Brazil, investigated a certain supplement’s effects on cholesterol.
They recruited 30 volunteers who had previously been diagnosed with high cholesterol.
Those who took part in the experiment were between the ages of 58 and 70 years old.
Who Shouldnt Take Lecithin
People who take herbal or other medicines such as health supplements and those with allergies should discuss with their doctors before using Lecithin.
Pregnant women are not advised to use Lecithin without any sort of medical advice.
Generally, Lecithin is not recommended for pregnant women. Breast-feeding mothers also are not advised to use Lecithin without the doctors recommendation.
It is not yet clear if children can use this supplement, but they should not be given any herbal or health supplement without the doctors approval too.
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Sunflower Lecithin: 10 Health Benefits And Side Effects You Should Know
Sunflower lecithin benefits your body in many ways. It can help you improve blood circulation, manage cholesterol levels, improve nervous system and many more.
Your body is made up of trillions of cells and each has its own function. These cells are surrounded by a semi-permeable membrane.
The membrane of these cells is held together with a component called lecithin. But what is lecithin? Lecithin is a yellowish or brown compound which is present in plants and animals.
Lecithin has become a favorite supplement to improve cholesterol levels, improve functions of the nervous system, and help the circulatory system.
Sunflower lecithin and soy are well-known lecithin supplements. The lecithin is naturally produced and extracted from the plant and made into a pill, powder, or drink.
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Health Benefits Of Sunflower Lecithin
Lecithin is essential to your body. Sunflower lecithin is rich in choline and other essential fatty acids such as phosphatidylinositol , and some people take it as a supplement.
Lecithin supplements have been shown to help with acne and improve liver function. Some also use it for improving cholesterol levels, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
So while soy lecithin is really just an empty additive, sunflower lecithin has positive health benefits while also holding our cookies together and keeping them soft and delicious! Are you ready to dive into some guilt-free, healthy cookies? We have a variety of delicious flavors to choose from including chocolate chocolate chunk, almond chocolate chunk, peanut butter chocolate chunk and more! Shop our full cookie collection today!
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Everything You Need To Know About Lecithin
Lecithin supplements can also be used to treat high cholesterol and digestive issues, and to prevent clogged milk ducts, during breast-feeding.
One of the main components of lecithin, phosphatidylcholine , may be responsible for some of lecithins reported health benefits.
Fast facts on lecithin:
- Most lecithin supplements are made from soybeans.
- Lecithin supplements are used to treat several medical conditions and health issues, but research on their effectiveness is limited.
- There are no well-documented interactions between lecithin and any medications, drugs, or medical conditions.
- People with allergies to eggs or soy should check the source of the lecithin in their supplements and food before consuming.
- Types
- Lecithin granules
- Lecithin may help to lower bad LDL cholesterol.
- Although lecithin occurs naturally in many foods, lecithin supplements are typically derived from eggs, soy, or sunflower seeds. Lecithin is also obtained from canola, cottonseed, or animal fats.
Soy is one of the most widely-grown crops in the United States, and 94 percent of it is genetically modified. Soy is a cost-effective source of lecithin. Chemicals, including acetone and hexane, are used to extract the lecithin from soybean oil.
Is There Really Lecithin In Your Lecithin Supplement
You probably assume that when you take lecithin supplements, you are actually getting lecithin. However, as is the case with many nutritional supplements, commercial preparations vary widely in the amount the substance that is actually in their product.
Why such variability? Because the suppliers of supplements were exempted by Congress from adhering to any standards of manufacture, purity, or claims of benefits. How this came about is emblematic of our broken political system, but dont get me going on this.
Only a fraction of commercial lecithin is made up of the real thing. So, what makes up the rest? The answer: fatty acids!
Not exactly the stuff to help in weight reduction, cardiovascular health, or good liver function. In fact, theoretically, they could work against all those potentially wonderful benefits.
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This Terminal Metabolite Tmao Is A Known Atherogenic Substance
That means it is involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation.
None of the metabolites appeared in the blood after the gut flora was wiped out with an antibiotic. Could it be that the gut flora in people with cardiovascular disease is different in some way from that of healthy people? We dont know, but we do know that the physiological state of a person can determine the gut flora. For instance, the gut flora of obese people is markedly different from that of the non-obese.
Based on this study alone, we still cant tell if these lecithin metabolites are causative factors, or whether they are just markers of the disease. This is because correlative studies can show only correlations, not cause and effect.
Cholesterol Esterification By Lcat
LCAT is synthesized in the liver. After secretion, LCAT either binds to lipoproteins or is present in a lipid-free form in plasma . LCAT synthesizes the majority of cholesteryl esters in plasma by transferring a fatty acid from lecithin to the 3-hydroxyl group of cholesterol. LCAT maintains the unesterified-cholesterol gradient between peripheral cells and HDL. Efflux of FC from cells occurs by passive diffusion of FC between cellular membranes and acceptors and by mechanisms facilitated by ABCs and scavenger receptor BI. In the presence of LCAT, the bidirectional movement of cholesterol between cells and HDL results in net cholesterol efflux therefore, LCAT plays a central role in the initial steps of RCT . Although LCAT activity is not essential for the transformation of preβ-1 HDL into α-mobility HDL, it is necessary for the maturation of HDL from the small, lipid-poor α-4 to larger HDL particles . This concept is supported by data obtained from LCAT-deficient subjects who have only preβ-1 and α-4 HDL particles .
Clay F. Semenkovich, … Ira J. Goldberg, in, 2016
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Does Sunflower Lecithin Increase Milk Supply
Yes, the best sunflower lecithin for breastfeeding increases the flow of milk for mothers. Its most especially beneficial when the ducts are blocked, and the flow of milk in the breast reduces due to obstruction. Majorly a hard lump in the breast, also known as milk stasis, is the cause of blocked ducts, which sometimes causes soreness or redness.
What the sunflower lecithin does is boost the polyunsaturated fatty acid in the milk and reducing its thickness for free flow. Be it sunflower lecithin powder or the liquid form, using this meal supplement can give nutritional value that enhances breastfeeding.
Sunflower Lecithin And Breastfeeding
According to some experts, lecithin is a potential solution to plugged breast ducts, which is a common issue in breastfeeding moms. The recommended dose for dealing with plugged breast ducts is 1200 mgs to be taken at intervals four times each day.
According to the Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation, lecithin can help decrease your breast milks viscosity. They speculate that this helps reduce the risk of milk clogging the milk ducts in the breast.
They speculate that lecithin may decrease the viscosity of your breast milk, making it less likely to clog milk ducts in your breast.
However,lecithin is not seen as a treatment for clogged breast ducts, rather it can help prevent them from occurring. the best treatments for the condition include :
- Massage
- Draining the breasts thoroughly
- Extra pumping when necessary
Sunflower lecithin supplements are generally regarded as safe for lactating women but you should consult your doctor or health provider if you are concerned.
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