Lecithin is a fat that is essential for the building of the body cells. It is one of the important components of the cell membrane. Lecithin plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the cells, transporting fat molecules, transmitting signals, and is used as an energy source for cellular mechanisms. Lecithin attracts both fat and water. Lecithin is produced by all animal cells and plant cells. It is made from glycerol and two fatty acids (phosphate and choline). Organ meats, red meat, seafood, eggs, cooked green vegetables, legumes, cheese, and plant-based oil are rich sources of essential lecithin.
Lecithin has several health benefits and industrial uses. Lecithin is used to treat memory disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. It is also used to treat liver disease, gall blabber disease, anxiety, depression, high cholesterol, and eczema. Lecithin can be used as a moisturizer as well. Lecithin may also be used as an ingredient in eye medications to help keep the medicine in contact with the cornea of the eye. Commercial lecithin is used in numerous industrial and food applications. It is the most important byproduct of edible oil because of its functionality and industrial utility. Lecithin can also be used as a food additive to prevent certain ingredients from separating and smoothen out food texture.
What are the health benefits of lecithin?
The benefits of lecithin include:
- Helps balance the body’s pH levels and plays an important role in reducing cholesterol.
- Promotes optimal brain development and influences memory formation and sleep quality later in life.
- Promotes weight loss and removes toxins out of the body.
- Aids in proper nerve function and muscle contraction by normalizing the body acetylcholine production.
- Prevents the formation of gallstones, liver, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia symptoms.
- Promotes good sleep and prevents depression, anxiety, etc.
- Keeps the skin healthy and retains moisture.