A fat-like substance known as ‘phospholipid’, lecithin is produced by the liver and can be found in the heart, liver and the kidneys. This article talks about the numerous benefits of lecithin and its different uses.
Foods such as cabbage, soy beans, chickpeas, split peas, cauliflower, organic meat, seeds, nuts and eggs are some rich sources of lecithin. As the average diet of people is not sufficient to make up for the required quantity of it in the body, its supplementation has become necessary for good health and well-being.
How Does Lecithin Benefit the Body
☞ The ability of lecithin to break cholesterol into smaller particles is the key to its function that prevents several chronic heart diseases. The process of breaking up of the cholesterol into smaller amounts prevents it from building up against the wall of the arteries thus, the cholesterol can be handled by the system with ease. Under normal circumstances fats and the ‘bad’ cholesterol that get accumulated in the blood causes ill effects in the body. Adequate intake of lecithin helps in removing these deposits from the blood. Most of the heart diseases are a result of increased amount of blood cholesterol and decreased amount of lecithin. So, such diseases can be countered by taking small amounts of lecithin on a daily basis.
☞ Lecithin is also linked with preventing the onset of gallstones and improving gallbladder function and health.
☞ Lecithin helps in treating problems or illnesses related to the functions of the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia and dementia.
☞ Other benefits include treatment of conditions such as:
- Bipolar disorder
- Eczema
- Fatty liver
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Anxiety
- Dry skin
It is important to take note of the fact that expecting or nursing mothers should seek professional advice, before including the supplement in their diet. Some research reveals that intake of lecithin ensures healthy pregnancy and development in the infant. According to some other studies, this product forms an important ingredient in breast enhancing supplements, as it is known to add to the proper functioning of breast cells.
☞ Health benefits of lecithin also involve the improvement of the quality and quantity of semen. Consuming soy lecithin improves prostate secretions making it high in volume and amount.
☞ Healthy hair growth is governed by the amount of protein in the hair, and lecithin mainly supports and enhances the required amount of protein for hair growth. In this way, it not only improves hair growth, but also enhances its texture making it strong and shiny.
Lecithin Side Effects
Along with the numerous benefits, there are certain possible side effects of lecithin. These may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Loss of appetite
- Rashes
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Sweating
- Headache
- Unpleasant body odor
- Bad breath
Note: The above side effects are less likely to occur when the administration of lecithin is kept to its required amount of dosages.
Apart from the food sources rich in lecithin, as mentioned in the beginning, its supplements can be found in local health food stores. These dietary supplements have also been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and is non-toxic in nature. As mentioned earlier, in order to prevent the onset of any side effects, the consumption should be followed according to the prescribed dosages.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
