What is Lecithin? Health benefits of lecithin

Lecithin is common in nature and is known for its many uses in health and beauty care. So what is lecithin? What are the effects? How to add lecithin? Let's find out through the following article.

Learn all about lecithin including its health benefits and how to use it. How you can supplement this active ingredient and who needs this supplement will be answered in the article below.

What is Lecithin?

Lecithin (alpha-phosphatidylcholine) is a nutrient. Lecithin is not a single substance but a group of chemicals belonging to the phospholipid class. The importance of phospholipids is to build cell membranes and is important for the normal functioning of the brain, blood, nerves and other tissues in the body. 

Lecithin is found in many foods such as egg yolks, soy or animal sources. In addition to being used as a fat supplement, lecithin is also used for many purposes such as the production of eye drops, as an emulsifier in food or as a skin moisturizer. 

As a supplement for the body, supporting the treatment of many diseases such as lowering cholesterol , treating neurological and liver disorders,...

Health benefits of lecithin

When lecithin enters the body, it breaks down into a substance called choline , which is used by the body for processes such as fat transport, metabolism, facilitating the transmission of nerves in the body. brain, building cell membranes. Choline is not easily produced by the body and is usually obtained through food. 

Reduce bad cholesterol in blood

One study showed that a daily supplement of soy lecithin in 500mg tablets reduced total bad cholesterol in the blood by 42%. After two months of using lecithin, there was a 56.15% reduction in bad cholesterol. So with a daily capsule of soy lecithin is effective in supporting the reduction of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Supplementing with soy lecithin helps reduce bad cholesterol in the blood

Improve the digestive system

Lecithin has been tested in people with ulcerative colitis to test its digestibility. The emulsifier lecithin contributes to a chain reaction that improves mucus in the intestines for easier digestion and protects the sensitive lining. Even if you don't have ulcerative colitis, consider taking lecithin to help prevent irritable bowel syndrome or another condition that affects your digestive system. 

Improve immune system

Soy lecithin supplements may boost immune system function, especially in people with diabetes. A Brazilian study in rats found that daily lecithin supplementation increased macrophage activity by 29%. Macrophages are white blood cells that destroy bacteria and cancer cells as well as other foreign substances in the body, thereby strengthening the immune system .

Raise awareness

Choline is a component of lecithin, which plays a role in brain development and improves memory. It doesn't stop there, research has shown that lecithin can be beneficial for people with neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease , and other forms of dementia.

Supporting mothers while breastfeeding

Some women during breastfeeding may have blocked milk ducts , when breast milk does not flow through the milk ducts, causing pain, difficulty breastfeeding, and can also lead to mastitis, infection. breast tissue. 

To prevent mastitis and difficulty breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Canada recommends that mothers at risk of blocked milk ducts take 1,200 mg of lecithin four times a day for prevention. However, lecithin is not effective in treating people who already have blocked milk ducts.

Supplementing lecithin for nursing mothers to avoid blocked milk ducts

What are the side effects of lecithin?

Lecithin has been recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe when used in appropriate amounts. It is best to get lecithin from food because this is a safe source of lecithin for health. The FDA does not control the safety or purity of dietary supplements, so think carefully before using them. Especially for people with high cholesterol or a history of heart disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking lecithin supplements because it can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, ...

In case of contraindications:

• Pregnant and nursing women should use lecithin in food rather than in supplements because there isn't enough information to know if lecithin is safe when taken in large amounts during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. suck or not. 
• People allergic to eggs or soy: Lecithin may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to eggs or soy.

Food source of lecithin

You can supplement lecithin for your body through natural foods. Lecithin is found in animal and plant sources such as animal organs, beef, seafood, eggs, legumes such as soybeans, black beans, etc.

Lecithin is usually found in animal sources such as beef, offal, etc.

Hopefully, this article can provide you with useful information for you to better understand what lecithin is , the effects of lecithin on the body and possible side effects when using lecithin. The best way to supplement lecithin is through foods or functional food supplements from reputable, quality brands to help keep the body healthy.