Lecithin, from the Greek word lekothikos meaning egg yolk, pertaining to the first source from which it was derived, is a mixture of lipids naturally occurring in plant and animal tissues. This lipid component is likewise synonymous with the term phosphotidylcholine, one of the major components of the cellular membranes. Commercially, lecithin supplement is designed to act as an emulsifier and can brought several salient benefits unto the human body when used as a healthy supplement.

Lecithin is usually found in foods that we eat such as in egg yolks, grains, fish, organic meats, legumes, peanuts and beans. In fact, most lecithin supplements marketed nowadays are derived from soy beans. As a supplement, lecithin comes in powder, granules and capsules designed to cater to differing health needs. Supplementing our diet with lecithin is crucial since we do not always consume an adequate amount of lecithin-containing foods. Lecithin aids in the achievement of an overall health status plus the benefit of preventing certain disease conditions.

Lecithin is largely distributed in the market as an aid in weight loss, mainly due to its inherent fat emulsifying ability. As an emulsifier, it helps to disperse fats much more easily. It is also an important component of very low density lipoproteins, the good cholesterol, which assists to equally distribute fats around the body. In connection with this, this supplement has been well thought-of as a cholesterol lowering agent to improve your overall cholesterol profile.

Furthermore, the choline and inositol component of lecithin can prevent the progression of arteriosclerosis, the precursor to most fatal heart diseases. Rather than building up plaques on the intimal layer of the vessels, lecithin allows for dispersion of fats upon mixture with water, thus, ensuring a better protection for the heart and the liver.

A recent study by the researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine indicated that lecithin helps the liver to function properly, which in turn can prevent cardiovascular diseases and even diabetes. It was found out that the administration of lecithin can influence production of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)-alpha, a substance found in the liver, which plays a key role in the metabolization of lipid and glucose. Through its phosphatidylcholine component that binds with the PPARs-alpha, lipids and glucose are regulated properly. PPARs are crucial in the lowering of cholesterol and triglycerides level.

It does not only cater to major cardiovascular risks, lecithin has also been found out to improve memory and mental cognition. As an excellent source of choline, lecithin can increase the levels of the brain’s major neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. One study conducted a research on the efficacy and tolerability of lecithin fluids in subjects affected by cognitive impairment. The placebo-controlled study demonstrated that a significant improvement in the cognitive parameters was noted. It was also reported that superior tolerability was common among the elderly subjects.

Aside from these major advantages, lecithin consumption are also well-known to reduce the severity of disease conditions such as gallstone formation, removal of toxins from our body, relief from arthritis, procurement of a healthy hair and skin, hearing loss associated with aging and overall advancement in the cell communication within our system in order to maintain internal homeostasis. Don’t be fooled by its seemingly low-profile display because the benefits of this supplement are those that warrant attention. Secure your own lecithin supplement now and witness in awe as it takes your health status and overall well-being to the next level.