lecithin

Lecithin Preparations

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:07:00 +0000

Lecithin is derived from soy and is available in capsule, liquid and granule form. Consumers should not use a synthetic form of the supplement (choline chloride), but should seek one that contains natural phosphatidyl choline.

Lecithin from soybeans generally contains about 76% phosphatidycholine. Studies of supplements sold in health food stores show that most contain minimal levels of pure lecithin. In fact, a person might get the same benefit from eating a handful of peanuts.

The American Heart Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University described lecithin supplements as "an expensive way of adding unsaturated fatty acids to the diet."

Lecithin General use

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Lecithin acts as an emulsifier and helps the body in the absorption of fats. A 1999 study indicates that soy lecithin improves the metabolism of cholesterol in the digestive system. Therefore, lecithin has been touted as a treatment for high cholesterol.

It has also been said to be a treatment for neurologic and liver disorders. Promoters claim that supplemental lecithin can be used to help lower cholesterol and deter memory loss. Some proponents of lecithin warn that the low fat and low cholesterol diets that many Americans follow may lower the amount of lecithin that we consume, creating a deficit and necessitating supplemental lecithin.

As Americans eat fewer eggs, meats, and dairy products, the amount of choline that they consume may be less than required. Choline is the key element in lecithin that researchers believe may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol and memory.

Lecithin has been identified as a possible resource for lowering blood cholesterol because of its reputation as a source of polyunsaturated fats. In addition, choline helps the liver metabolize fat and form lipoproteins. However, there is still scanty evidence to support the use of lecithin in lowering cholesterol.

Researchers in some studies have found a drop in cholesterol levels, while others have found no drop in cholesterol levels at all. A group of researchers from the Netherlands summarized findings in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found that many studies of the effects of lecithin had faulty methods, and the few good studies proved that lecithin was not effective in lowering cholesterol.

More recently, a group of American researchers solved part of the mystery concerning the fact that eggs, which are packed with cholesterol, don't impact people's cholesterol much if eaten in moderation. The reason seems to be the lecithin found in eggs that reduces cholesterol's absorption in the bloodstream.

Lecithin is also considered to be of possible benefit to brain function, and supporters claim that it may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Promoters indicate that the choline in lecithin may have the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and impact the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that facilitates brain function.

They claim that long-term use of lecithin as a dietary supplement could help minimize memory loss. However, studies on the use of lecithin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease have found that it has no marked benefit.

A Cure For Fatty Liver-Lecithin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:20:00 +0000

In today’s modern world, more and more children are obese. There are a lot of factors that brought these children into this body state.

The main culprit of this is their diet, which mainly consists of hydrogenated and processed fats like fried foods and super starchy ones.

This obesity may cause childhood diabetes, heart conditions, and sky high cholesterol numbers, and other health problems. As childhood obesity continues to be a major concern, these problems are alarming, and should be given serious consideration.

A medical issue is now emerging which could pose a more severe concern, the Fatty Liver Syndrome.

What is Fatty Liver Syndrome?

When doctors talk to you about NASH, which stands for Non-Alcoholic Steatorrhoeic Heptoses, or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), don’t be put off by these big terms. It is the same thing as fatty liver syndrome, which means that your liver is being invaded with exorbitant amounts of fat.

While fatty liver, or NASH, is very common in overweight persons over the age of 30, the syndrome has also been said to occur frequently among children in pre-pubescent years and above. As the name itself suggests, a fatty liver contains an excessive amount of fat. Because of this, normal healthy liver tissue is partly replaced with areas of unhealthy fat.

This in turn causes the liver to become slightly enlarged and heavier, and gives it a yellow greasy appearance. The liver is responsible for removing the toxins, dead cells, microorganisms, and fat from the blood stream. However, if you have fatty liver, instead of straining the blood of all harmful elements, it cannot do that anymore. This causes the blood stream to become overloaded with toxins and fat.

The Role of Lecithin in the Liver

Lecithin is a Phospholipid that is found in every single living cell. It is composed mainly of three types of Phospholipids: PhosphatidylCholine (PC), Phosphatidylinositol (PI), and Phosphatidylethanol (PE). As a major component of the cell membrane, Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, keeping the essential fatty acids apart from other molecules within the cell.

This role of Lecithin is very important since fatty acids are so delicate that, when exposed to oxidation, they may become rancid, causing harm to the body. Lecithin is also present in bile, where it does what it always does – keeping fatty substances. Bile is a substance essential to digestion and produced by the liver to be stored in the gallbladder.

When lecithin is doing all it should in the bile, it eases digestion and helps your body absorb nutrients better. One component of Lecithin, Choline is an essential nutrient, just as fatty acids are. The body must depend on the foods that we eat in order to get adequate supply of Choline. The role of Choline in the body may be the key to overcoming fatty liver syndrome.

Scientists have found that Choline is essential for helping to turn fat into energy within the liver. By taking in more Choline, either as a stand-alone Choline supplement, or allow your own body to synthesize Lecithin supplement to Choline, you could help reverse the damage caused by Fatty Liver Syndrome.

Children should be healthy and strong, not obese and sickly. As we know, being overweight can cause a lot of damage to our health. You cannot just look at your child as he is gaining weight and do nothing. Parents play a vital role in ensuring that their kids eat only healthy foods and have enough exercises to avoid the consequences brought about by obesity such as the Fatty Liver Syndrome.

What happens if I miss a dose?/ I overdose?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:21:00 +0000

No information is available regarding a missed dose of lecithin. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a lecithin overdose are not known.

How should I take lecithin?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Do not take more of this product than is directed.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquid, and others) of lecithin at the same time,unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of lecithin.

Store lecithin as directed on the package. In general, lecithin should be protected from light and moisture.

Who should not take lecithin?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:08:00 +0000

Talk to your doctor before taking lecithin if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Lecithin may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take lecithin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Lecithin is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Do not take lecithin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

There is no information available regarding the use of lecithin by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

What is a lecithin?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:05:00 +0000

The use of lecithin in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable.

Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Lecithin is also known as lecithol, vitellin, kelecin, and granulestin. Lecithin is a naturally occurring substance found in beef liver, steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower, and oranges. Commercial lecithin products usually come from soybeans, egg yolk, or brain tissue.

Lecithin has been used in the treatment and/or prevention of high cholesterol levels, neurologic disorders, and liver ailments.

Lecithin has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of lecithin may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds.

There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Lecithin may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about lecithin?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Lecithin has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of lecithin may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

The Supplements Are Good For You

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:58:00 +0000

Although there is a strong body of opinion against the use of steroids in bodybuilding program, the issue of supplements is much less clear. What can you say about supplements and steroids, is that while both will surely support your ability to build muscle, steroids will do a much more aggressive, and although it may be desirable for some, it is important to recognize that you never get something for nothing. Let your body use its natural fuel that comes from the diet is a more stable means to improve your appearance. So where supplements come into the equation?

A surcharge, as its name implies, something that is added to food to refine how it helps you. Although the use of steroids will help you build muscle virtually independent of dietary supplements work by releasing the potential of additional food. There is also something to say about the psychological effects of weight training with steroids, in contrast to supplement your diet. People who use steroids are usually that they feel more focused, but it is usually at the expense of perspective, because they expect that steroids will work for them.

Nevertheless, there are people who mistakenly believe that dietary supplements should do the same work as steroids at a lower level, which is inaccurate, and others who genuinely believe they can replace the work of food. It is also dangerous because the supplements are just that - a supplement to a diet without good food is often worse than useless.

Boost Memory With Natural Vitamin Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:24:00 +0000

Generally, it is believed that increasing age brings about an increased likelihood of developing memory loss. The mildest form of this illness is called age-associated memory impairment. This is characterized by one's perception of his or her own memory loss and it is estimated that it is experienced by 40 percent of Americans over the age of sixty-five. Not all memory loss is attributable to aging, as occasional memory lapses are a natural normal part of life at almost any age, and are not likely to precede serious memory loss. With a proper diet, nutrition, and memory use, the memory should remain sharp and active well into one's nineties or beyond.

One big reason why people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. The life of the body is in the blood, as it literally feeds and nourishes every cell within our bodies. Only certain substances are allowed to pass from the bloodstream into the brain, thanks to the protective envelope that is known as the blood-brain barrier. If the blood is thick with cholesterol and triglycerides, the amount of nutrient-rich blood that can pass through the blood-brain barrier decreases. This can result in the brain becoming malnourished over time.

The functioning of the brain also depends upon substances that are referred to as neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that act as electrical switches in the brain and are responsible for all the functions of the body. If the brain does not have an adequate supply of neurotransmitters, or the nutrients to make them, it starts to develop something similar to a power failure or a short circuit. If you are trying to recall as specific fact or piece of information and your mind goes blank, it is likely that the above "short circuit" has occurred.

There are many other factors that are involved in the deterioration of the memory. One of the most important is exposure to free radicals, which can cause huge amounts of damage if the memory is unchecked. Alcoholics and drug addicts often suffer a great deal of memory loss, with alcoholics being notorious for huge memory gaps that occur even though they are conscious. Allergies, candidiasis, stress, thyroid disorders, and poor circulation to the brain can also contribute to memory loss, while hypoglycemia can play a role in memory loss as well, as the brain requires that the level of glucose in the blood fall within a specific narrow range. Wide swings in blood sugar levels affect brain function and memory.

The following nutrients are beneficial in dealing with and preventing memory loss: acetylcholine, boron, DMAE, garlic, huperzine A, lecithin granules, manganese, multivitamin and mineral complex, omega-3 fatty acid complex, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine, SOD, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, acetyl-l-carnitine, l-glutaine, l-tyrosine, coenzyme Q10, DHEA, DMG, melatonin, NADH, pregnenolone, RNA and DNA, Brahmi, ginkgo biloba, anise, blue cohosh, ginseng, gotu kola, and rosemary.

All of the above mentioned as well as formulas tailored to help improve memory can be found in capsule, table, or power forms. Remember, only look to name brands such as Solaray, Source Naturals and Natures Plus for quality products. Memory vitamins and herbs can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Darrell Miller - About the Author:
More information on vitamins and herbs is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Granulated Lecithin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:22:00 +0000

By: Damien Fowler

Used for decades as a treatment for high cholesterol, lecithin granules contain all the phosphatides that are found naturally in cell membranes. Which phosphatides? The important ones. Each tablespoon of lecithin granules - that is, about 7.5 grams - has about 1700 mg of phosphatidyl choline (roughly 98%, more than most lecithin sold in pill form or powdered), 1000 mg of phosphatidyl inositol, and about 2,200 mg of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid. All these compound elements have functions that could contribute to the health of our body.

Now, to discuss each one of them.

Phosphatidyl Choline (PC)

We start first with phosphatidyl Choline, which many will tell you, is perhaps the most important compound that can be found in lecithin granules, and no wonder, considering how PC is the active ingredient in lecithin.

The main function of PC in lecithin granules is to break down fat deposits in the body. In fact, when you see lecithin granules sold in counters as an aid to weight loss, you know that the ingredient responsible is PC. Because of this wonderful function of PC, lecithin granules are valuable not only in weight loss programs but also in the prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

When PC enters the body, it is immediately broken down into choline, a substance that scientists have discovered as an essential nutrient, which means that we can't live without it. To prove this, several studies have shown that within 30 days of a choline deficient diet, indications of liver problems will manifest.

Phosphatidyl Inositol (PI)

Unlike phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, or PI for brevity, is not purely a phospholipid. The substance contains an alcohol, inositol, with a ring structure, which acts as a substrate for a large number of enzymes involved in cell signaling - the process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus to another, such as when your stomach tells you brain that you are already full, or when the epidermis of your hand signals your brain that the pan is hot when you try to touch it.

The biochemical process of cell signaling is essential because without it, you would have no idea how to react to danger. You wouldn't know for instance that there is a fire somewhere when you smell smoke and hence, won't be able to take any precautions to avoid getting in harm's way.

Besides playing a significant role in cell signaling, PI in lecithin granules also generally aids in maintaining the integrity of the cell structure, sharing much of PC's functions.

Linoleic Acid (LA)

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid of the omega-6 family that is important to human health. It is found in cooking oils and processed foods as well as LA-containing supplements like lecithin granules. Once LA in lecithin granules enters the body, it is converted to GLA or gamma-linoleic acid, another omega-6 fatty acid that is needed for normal brain function, growth and development, bone health, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism, and maintenance of reproductive processes.

According to PowerPak, "The omega 6 LA comprises 7% to 9% of our daily caloric intake, while the omega 3 LNA makes up about 0.7% of energy. It is therefore estimated that the dietary ration of LA to LNA ranges from 10 to 20:1."

About the Author
Learn about pectoral muscle pain, perforated colon and other information at the Health And Nutrition Tips site.

The Benefits Of Soy Bean Lecithin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 10:20:00 +0000

By: Jill Sabato

“Soy bean is good for the health.” We’ve all heard this line before, spoken like a mantra, and with good reason because there is more to soy beans than just being a good source of protein. Soy beans contain isoflavones, gensitein, daidzen, and a generous amount of antioxidants. All these substances contribute the bean’s health-promoting goodness.

There is, however, one compound found soy bean that is generating much interest from the scientific and medical circles. That compound is soy bean lecithin, or if you prefer, phosphatidylcholine (PC). It is a kind of lipid that is found in all cells of all living organisms in the world. It forms a major component of the cell membrane, alongside cholesterol and glyceride.

So if this lecithin substance can be found in every cell, then we already have it right? Why do we need alternate sources such as soy bean lecithin? The answer is simple: because this compound is so vital to our body that we cannot afford to have inadequate supply.

Soy bean lecithin was first discovered in the 1930s when the compound was extracted from sludge, a by product of soybean oil processing. Of course, decades before that, lecithin was already found in egg yolk and most of the commercial lecithin sold in the market that time was egg lecithin.

But then with the emergence of soy bean lecithin, a shift also occurred. Lecithin that is derived from plant, such as soy bean lecithin, is regarded as safer to use than those extracted from animals since animal lecithin is often excreted by the kidney, which contains toxins and other harmful substances. As such, soy bean lecithin came to replace egg lecithin as being the major source of this compound.

Soy bean lecithin is composed of three types of phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylehtanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI). The most important is phosphatidylcholine which, when synthesized, becomes choline, an essential nutrient that is desperately needed by the body.

Phosphatidylcholine contributes to the structural integrity of the cell. Being a major component of the cell membrane, it also helps facilitate the movement of fluids in and out of the cell as well as eases cell signaling or communication. It is particularly important in such vital organs as the liver and the brain. Choline helps synthesize acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for much of our cognitive functions. Because of this unique function of choline, many scientists believe that supplementing our choline supply by taking soy lecithin may aid in brain related disorders, including dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and many others.

In the liver, the function of phosphatidylcholine is that of an emulsifying agent. It is found in the bile where it keeps the essential fatty acids, stabilizing them and protecting them from the harmful toxins also contained in the bile.

Phosphatidylcholine also helps disperse cholesterol in the blood to keep them from sticking to the walls of the arteries. In so doing, it may have a positive effect on the thickening of the arteries, a condition commonly known as atherosclerosis, and help prevent the symptoms of high blood pressure.

About the Author
Read about how to grow potatoes and how to make mashed potatoes at the Fruits And Vegetables website.

Vegetarian Sources of Lecithin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:18:00 +0000

The way people eat today is a far cry from the way people used to eat. Before, we're usually happy with foods that are rich in fats and oils. We didn't care about the amount of calories we consume in a day or how high the cholesterol in our blood is going to get if we eat this kind of food or that. However, current trends in diet have changed our general outlook about food. Instead of just taking a liberal attitude about the kind of foods we consume, most of us have become more careful, to the point that some have even turned to vegetarianism and all its health and philosophical connotations.

The thing with vegetarians is that they do not get to consume those nutrients that are normally found only in animal products. Since they do not eat meat, vegetarians often restrict their diet to foods like: macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, cheese pizza, eggplant parmesan, vegetable soup, pancakes, oatmeal, grilled cheese, bean tacos and burritos, vegetable lo mein, French toast, French fries, vegetable pot pie, fruit shakes, bread, yogurt, cheese lasagna, peanut butter and jam, fruit salad, corn flakes, lentils, bulgur, and other non-meat products. One such nutrient that vegetarians hold a danger of inadequate intake is lecithin.

What is Lecithin?

A phospholipid sometimes referred to as phosphatidylcholine, lecithin is most often found in foods that are rich in fats and oils, such as organ meat, red meat, whole eggs, whole milk with cream, dairy cream, and liver. However, while these foods are rich in lecithin, vegetarians and some health-conscious consumers often turn away from them. Not only are these foods rich in fats and calories, they are also animal products which vegetarians want to avoid.

Lecithin is an important nutrient that our body needs. It is a major component of our cell membranes and helps keep the liver to function normally, particularly in the metabolism of fat by bile, an enzyme secreted by the liver. A component of lecithin, choline, is also an essential nutrient. "Essential" because our body can only get its supply of choline from the foods that we eat. There have been studies conducted wherein a deficiency in choline led to the occurrence of symptoms commonly associated with liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Alternative Sources of Lecithin

Considering how important lecithin is, vegetarians therefore need to find their own alternative source of this valuable nutrient. The good news is that lecithin is fairly common and is found in most foods that we eat whether it is plant in origin or animal. One good source of lecithin is soy food, consumption of which has increased since its beneficial effects were discovered decades ago. Supplementation is also another alternative path that vegetarians can take. A lot of drug companies are starting to market lecithin granules vegetarian to help people get their adequate supply of this nutrient even without eating a lot of lecithin-rich foods.

Most experts say that out of all supplemental forms of lecithin, lecithin granules vegetarian is the best. Unlike other forms, lecithin granules vegetarian is versatile and can be consumed directly or be added as an ingredient to food recipes.

Lecithin granules vegetarian are 97% pure phospholipids, which are essential to the structural integrity of the cell membrane. Lecithin granules vegetarian are often referred to as oil-free lecithin because all the natural oils have already been removed.

Damien Fowler - About the Author:
Want to find out about roundworm symptoms, side effects of stress and other information? Get tips from the Health And Nutrition Tips website.

Linoleic Acid (LA) - Lecithin Granules

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:09:00 +0000

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid of the omega-6 family that is important to human health. It is found in cooking oils and processed foods as well as LA-containing supplements like lecithin granules. Once LA in lecithin granules enters the body, it is converted to GLA or gamma-linoleic acid, another omega-6 fatty acid that is needed for normal brain function, growth and development, bone health, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism, and maintenance of reproductive processes.

According to PowerPak, “The omega 6 LA comprises 7% to 9% of our daily caloric intake, while the omega 3 LNA makes up about 0.7% of energy. It is therefore estimated that the dietary ration of LA to LNA ranges from 10 to 20:1.”

Phosphatidyl Inositol (PI) - Lecithin Granules

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:08:00 +0000

Unlike phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, or PI for brevity, is not purely a phospholipid. The substance contains an alcohol, inositol, with a ring structure, which acts as a substrate for a large number of enzymes involved in cell signaling – the process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus to another, such as when your stomach tells you brain that you are already full, or when the epidermis of your hand signals your brain that the pan is hot when you try to touch it.

The biochemical process of cell signaling is essential because without it, you would have no idea how to react to danger. You wouldn’t know for instance that there is a fire somewhere when you smell smoke and hence, won’t be able to take any precautions to avoid getting in harm’s way.

Besides playing a significant role in cell signaling, PI in lecithin granules also generally aids in maintaining the integrity of the cell structure, sharing much of PC’s functions.

Phosphatidyl Choline (PC) - Lecithin Granules

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 10:07:00 +0000

We start first with phosphatidyl Choline, which many will tell you, is perhaps the most important compound that can be found in lecithin granules, and no wonder, considering how PC is the active ingredient in lecithin.

The main function of PC in lecithin granules is to break down fat deposits in the body. In fact, when you see lecithin granules sold in counters as an aid to weight loss, you know that the ingredient responsible is PC. Because of this wonderful function of PC, lecithin granules are valuable not only in weight loss programs but also in the prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

When PC enters the body, it is immediately broken down into choline, a substance that scientists have discovered as an essential nutrient, which means that we can’t live without it. To prove this, several studies have shown that within 30 days of a choline deficient diet, indications of liver problems will manifest.

Lecithin - The Good Fat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:05:00 +0000

Depending on who you’re talking with, lecithin can have two different meanings. Commercially, the term refers to a complex mixture of neutral and polar lipids that is popularly used as an emulsifier and/or lubricant. In biochemistry, it refers to phosphatidylcholine (PC), a phospholipid compound comprised of glycerol, two fatty acids (linoleic acid and inositol), a phosphate group and choline (a type of B vitamin).

Lecithin is typically found in the cell membrane or cell walls of every single living cell of an organism, whether plant or animal in origin. As you may already know, the cell membranes or cell walls are a semi-permeable layer that is responsible for regulating the passage of nutrients into and out of cells. Lecithin forms one of the major components of this membrane. In addition, lecithin is also a major component in the protective sheaths that surround the brain, muscles, and nerve cells.

Although lecithin is essentially a lipid, it is also partially soluble in water due to its phosphate group. This unique structure of the compound contributes to one of its lecithin benefits, which is to act as an emulsifying agent, making it a convenient ingredient to use in many processed foods.

Soy Lecithin: Why they are good?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:04:00 +0000

The food industry uses soy lecithin for a variety of purposes. As an emulsifier, the substance helps promote solidity in margarine and give consistent texture to dressings and other creamy products. It is also used in chocolates and coatings and to counteract spattering during frying. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has tagged lecithin as one of the few emulsifiers that is safe for use by consumers.

But while soy lecithin is more popular for its emulsifying properties, it has more to offer. Its unique lipid molecular structure makes it useful for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. In addition, it is also utilized for a variety of industrial purposes, including paints, textiles, lubricants, and waxes.

Lecithin is also considered as having beneficial effects to our health. The substance actually contains three types of phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphotidylinositol (PI). Phosphatidylcholine contains the element choline, which is essential to every living cell in the body and is one of the main components of cell membranes. It seems majority of the health claims about soy lecithin may have something to do with the fact that it is an excellent source of choline.

Alternative Sources of Lecithin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:56:00 +0000

Considering how important lecithin is, vegetarians therefore need to find their own alternative source of this valuable nutrient. The good news is that lecithin is fairly common and is found in most foods that we eat whether it is plant in origin or animal. One good source of lecithin is soy food, consumption of which has increased since its beneficial effects were discovered decades ago. Supplementation is also another alternative path that vegetarians can take. A lot of drug companies are starting to market lecithin granules vegetarian to help people get their adequate supply of this nutrient even without eating a lot of lecithin-rich foods.

Most experts say that out of all supplemental forms of lecithin, lecithin granules vegetarian is the best. Unlike other forms, lecithin granules vegetarian is versatile and can be consumed directly or be added as an ingredient to food recipes.

Lecithin granules vegetarian are 97% pure phospholipids, which are essential to the structural integrity of the cell membrane. Lecithin granules vegetarian are often referred to as oil-free lecithin because all the natural oils have already been removed.

Lecithin: Functions of Choline

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:55:00 +0000

The benefits seem to be attributed to the presence of choline. As a lipotropic substance, choline functions as an agent in the body’s metabolism, giving aid in the digestion of fats. To put it simply, choline helps in burning fat that gets stored in tissues, thereby acting as an agent to support weight loss.

The more choline you have in your body, the faster your fat metabolism becomes, and the lower your blood cholesterol level goes. As you probably know, a large number of health problems are due to high levels of blood cholesterol levels, which actually leads to a congestion of blood vessels. The condition therefore results in the likely occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.

The intake of lecithin may help you avoid this thing from happening to you. As it supports fat metabolism and has been shown to aid in bringing down cholesterol levels, lecithin can protect you against heart attacks and strokes.

Lecithin – Its Composition and Functions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:52:00 +0000

In biochemistry, lecithin is often used synonymously with another term, phosphatidylcholine, which is actually one of the three main types of phospholipids found in the phosphatide fraction isolated from either egg yolk or soy beans. On the other hand, the lecithin used by many food manufacturers is a mixture of these phospholipids in oil, 20% to 90% of which is phosphatidylcholine.

One of the many reasons why lecithin is powerful is because of the presence of phosphatidylcholine. Lecithin that contains this substance is produced from vegetable, animal and microbial sources, but mainly from vegetable sources, the most important sources of which are soybean, sunflower, and grape seed.

In 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration named lecithin as GRAS, or Generally Regarded as Safe, making it one of the few emulsifiers currently sold in the market as such. This is because compared with its synthetic alternatives, lecithin can be totally biodegraded and metabolized. In addition, lecithin is powerful since it is already an integral part of biological membranes, making it virtually non-toxic. Other emulsifiers can only be excreted via the kidneys so they may contain impurities.

Phosphatidylcholine is a mixture of differently substituted sn-glycerol-3-phosphatidylcholine backbones. Chemically, its structure is utterly variable and dependent on fatty acid substitution. Another reason that lecithin is powerful is its role in protecting fatty acids from the damages caused by oxidation.

An essential nutrient, fatty acids are highly vulnerable but greatly needed by the body. They are polyunsaturated fats and are a vital pat of each molecule. By keeping these fatty acids from becoming damaged due to oxidation, phosphatidylcholine or lecithin stabilizes them, keeping them away from harmful substances.

Lecithin is powerful because of its unique structure. It is both fat loving for the fatty acids (lipophilic) and hydrophobic, meaning it will always be moving away from areas with lots of water. This tendency of lecithin to move away from watery areas and towards areas with lots of fats is the reason why lecithin is powerful, especially when it comes to protecting fatty acids. In moving towards the fatty acids and moving away from the watery areas, lecithin molecules form a ring around the fatty acid molecule that keeps it away from oxidation-causing molecules.

How Lecithin China is produced

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:51:00 +0000

Lecithin China is one of the most important derivatives of soybean processing. The crude soy oil contains an average of 1.8% hydratable compounds, primarily lecithin phosphatides. Through a process called “degumming,” the sludge (the gummy material) is separated from the crude soy oil by the use of a centrifuge.

The result is a lecithin China and water emulsion containing 25-50% water, which may be bleached typically with hydrogen peroxide in order to reduce its color from brown or beige to light yellow. Some manufacturers add fluidizing additives such as soy oil, fatty acids, or calcium chloride to the product in order to reduce the viscosity to that of honey and prevent it, on cooling, from becoming a highly plastic solid. Lastly, the lecithin China product is film or batch dried to reduce the moisture to as little as 1%.

Lecithin Emulsifier

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 09:51:00 +0000

Lecithin is an emulsifier naturally occurring in various foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, sunflower, grape seed, wheat germ, flour, etc. It is technically a phospholipid that is present in every living cell in both the plant and animal kingdoms.

Now, as a phospholipid, the compound is closely related with triglycerides, and in fact, one of its chemical components is triglycerides, but whereas triglycerides have three fatty acids, lecithin only has two, plus a phosphate and choline group. As a result, the other name for lecithin is phosphatidylcholine.

One of the various functions of lecithin is to keep cholesterol in line. Its ability to emulsify oils and hold them in solution plays a major role in preventing gall stone formation. Together with bile and bile salts, it comprises the three major constituents of bile. Bile is mostly made up of fats, which lecithin keeps in liquid form in order to prevent gall stones from forming. On the other hand, cholesterol holds a delicate balance with the bile salts. If the balance is tipped on either side, the result could stone formation. By keeping cholesterol in check, lecithin helps prevent stone formation.

As a component of the enzyme lecithin cholesterol acyltranferase, the compound is said to help in the metabolism of cholesterol to it’s by products. As mentioned earlier, this substance is also called phosphatidylcholine and is an excellent source of choline. Much of the medical benefits of lecithin, particularly on high cholesterol-related conditions have been attributed to the presence of choline.

In one study, laboratory rats were given a choline free diet. By the end of the study, all of the test subjects developed liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Other studies, conducted on both humans and animals, also showed how choline supplementation help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Though the study results showed only slight reduction of cholesterol, it was enough proof for many drug manufacturers to market the substance as a supplement that could aid in weight loss.

Today, commercial lecithin as a supplement for persons with high cholesterol is available in pellet or granule form. It can also be taken in as a pill or powder.

The Role of Lecithin in the Liver

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 09:50:00 +0000

Lecithin is a phospholipid that is found in every single living cell. It is composed mainly of three types of phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylethanol (PE). As a major component of the cell membrane, lecithin acts as an emulsifier, keeping the essential fatty acids apart from other molecules within the cell. This role of lecithin is very important since fatty acids are so delicate that when exposed to oxidation, they may become rancid, causing harm to the body.

Lecithin is also present in bile where it does what it always does – keeping fatty substances. The bile is a substance essential to digestion and produced by the liver to be stored in the gallbladder. When lecithin is doing all it should in the bile, it eases digestion and helps your body absorb nutrients better.

One component of lecithin, choline is an essential nutrient, just as fatty acids are. The body must depend on the foods that we eat in order to get adequate supply of choline. The role of choline in the body may be the key to overcoming fatty liver syndrome. Scientists have found that choline is essential for helping to turn fat into energy within the liver. By taking in more choline, either as a standalone choline supplement or allow your own body to synthesize lecithin supplement to choline, you could help reverse the damage caused by fatty liver syndrome.

Lecithin and Soy Allergies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:42:00 +0000

Lecithin was first discovered in 1850 when French scientist Maurice Gobley worked in his lab and eventually succeeded in separating the emulsifier-like fatty compound found in egg yolk. Naming the compound after the Greek word for "egg yolk", lekithos, the first commercially available lecithin was mostly derived from egg yolk, until the 1930s when the use of soy products in processed foods arose.

The compound lecithin was discovered in the by product of soybean processing. After the soybeans were processed and its oils extracted, the liquid waste that is left is made to under go a "degumming" process in order to separate its lecithin content. Since then, most of the lecithin sold in the market today are derived from soya.

Soy lecithin is said to contain many benefits that help improve overall lecithin. The presence of lecithin in every cell of the human body as a major component of the cell membrane has led many scientists to conduct investigations on the role of lecithin in the normal bodily processes.

It was found that a component of lecithin, phosphatidylcholine and its synthesized form, choline, are vital to liver health in that they help keep fats in the bile and protect liver cells from the ravages of oxidation.

Other studies also showed that choline may play a significant role in the synthesis of an important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This led others to believe that lecithin may help improve the cognitive functions of the brain, even going so far as to help enhance our memories.

But while there are quite a number of studies that seem to show evidence of the benefits of lecithin, there is little in the way to show a real connection between improved conditions and the taking of lecithin supplements. Instead, what doctors have observed is a concerning number of reports of soy lecithin allergens.

Soy Allergy

In line with the increasing use of soy products today, soy lecithin allergens also arose and allergic reactions arose. It was in the early 1980s that Stuart Berger, MD, labeled soy lecithin allergens as one of the top seven allergens - sometimes known as the "sinister seven." Besides soy lecithin allergens, other allergens that are considered part of the "sinister seven" are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, fin fish, and wheat.

Allergies are a result of an oversensitized immune system that once exposed to a certain type of allergen, such as soy lecithin allergens, reacts by producing vast amounts of antibodies, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). This results in reactions which may include coughing, sneezing, runny hose, hives, diarrhea, facial swelling, shortness of breath, a swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, lowered blood pressure, excessive perspiration, fainting, anaphylactic shock, or even death.

There are also delayed allergic reactions to soy lecithin allergens. While the reactions of this kind are less dramatic, they are even more common. Instead of producing the antibody immunoglobulin E, the immune system produces immunoglobulins A, G, or M (IgA, IgG, or IgM) instead, causing conditions to reactions to occur anywhere from two hours to days after exposure to soy lecithin allergens.

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