Lecithins(from the Greek word for “yolk”) form a group of chemical compounds that belong to the fat-like substances. They are also known as phosphatidylcholines (PC) andform groups of fatty acids, glycerin, phosphoric acid andCholineIn everyday life, “lecithin” refers to a nutrient that can be obtained from foods such as soy, eggs and liver, but also from food supplements.
What functions does lecithin have?
Lecithin is involved in fat metabolism and plays a role in the synthesis and distribution of lipids (anabolic lipid metabolism) as well as in the conversion and degradation of lipids (catabolic lipid metabolism). Simply put:Lecithin supports fat burningIn addition, the substance, as a component of the cell membrane, stabilizes the body cells andsupports the brain and nerve cellsin their activity, including by converting them into acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter in your nervous system. Since lecithin also ensures that excess cholesterol is removed from the blood vessels,it prevents cardiovascular diseasesLecithin also has positive effects on liver diseases and the chronic inflammation of the colon, ulcerative colitis.
Use of lecithin
If your body's need for vital substances is met, the organism canPhospholipidsHowever, if your nerve cells do not have enough lecithin available, mental abilities such asMemory, but also theReaction speedEspecially older people resort to dietary supplements containing lecithin,to support their grey cellsBut younger people also buy lecithin preparationsin phases of greater physical or mental stress. Such products usually come from soybeans and are available as powder, granules, pills or in drinking ampoules.
Which foods contain lecithin?
Significant amounts of lecithin and its component choline are found inEggs, cheese, milk, fish and beef liverVegetarians and vegans can meet their lecithin requirements bySoya, wheat germ, oil seeds, yeast, nuts, lupins and pulsessuch as peas. However, it is not only the amount of lecithin that a food or preparation contains that is important, but alsowhether the lecithin contains saturated or unsaturated fatty acidsOnly the latter promote the biological effect of the substance. High-quality preparations made from soy fulfill this condition.
Am I lacking lecithin?
Are you older than 55 years?
Are you pregnant or exposed to other major physical and/or mental stress in your everyday life?
Are you vegetarian or vegan?
Even at one of these points, aadditional supply of high-quality lecithin and choline preparations is usefulbe.
