Lecithin

What is Lecithin?

Lecithin is an essential fat that is vital to the cells of the body as well as widely used and distributed in egg yolk, animal tissues, and other plants. This fatty substance otherwise known as lecithin is naturally found in plants and produced in the human body too. It can be consumed from animal and plant sources as well as from supplements. The human body requires the essential fat to function properly, thus contributing to the overall health of the body.

What does Lecithin do? What is it used for?

Lecithin is converted into a substance that allows nerves to communicate with one another through impulses. It is taken as a medicine and is also used in the manufacturing of other medicines as well. Studies show that lecithin is used in the treatment of elderly patients with memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It is also used for treating liver disease; gallbladder disease; high cholesterol; some kinds of depression; eczema; and even anxiety. Some doctors and dermatologists encourage their patients to apply lecithin to the skin as a moisturizer. Now on the other hand, lecithin can often be seen as an emulsifier and a food additive that is used to keep certain ingredients from separating out like lipsticks, margarine, and creams, as well as an element in some eye medications to make sure the medicine remains in contact with the cornea of the eye.

Where is Lecithin found?

Lecithin is naturally found in the cells of all living organisms and in many vegetable and animal sources, including steak, beef liver, peanuts, eggs, oranges, and cauliflower. Other sources for lecithin come from egg yolk, soybeans, and even brain tissue.

What happens when someone has a Lecithin deficiency?

If someone is Lecithin deficient, they can have a host of problems including but not limited to; sluggish memory, intolerance to certain types of fats, digestive problems, nausea, muscle and joint problems. An added benefit of ingesting lecithin is that it helps to aid in weight loss by removing fat from your liver as part of normal fat metabolism while it helps to maintain healthy nerve cells. However, vegans or vegetarians may be at risk for lecithin deficiency, because many of the best dietary sources are derived from animal products such as fish, milk, and meat. But you can also get lecithin from peanuts and vegetables.

Helpful food sources, supplements and additional benefits of Lecithin

A great fact to know is; the name Lecithin, originated from a Greek word that refers to egg yolk. So it, of course, would naturally be found in the foods that we eat, such as soybeans, egg yolk, wheat germ, grains, fish, yeast, peanuts, and legumes. It can be purchased in other forms like powder and capsules from a variety of stores and is often sold as a weight loss supplement. Lecithin is even said to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances) / AI (Adequate Intake)

Not established