It’s time to look at the nutrient Lecithin. When you go to the store to look at vitamins and supplements, is it hard to know which to choose? Are you unfamiliar with certain nutrients and what they do in your body?
Lecithin is an essential fatty acid. You may know more about omega-3’s because we hear a lot more about fish oil than we do about Lecithin. It’s worth your time to take a closer look at the benefits of Lecithin.
First, it is nature’s fat emulsifier – in more simple terms, a ‘fat gobbler’! It breaks down fats, cholesterol and triglycerides in your body.
Lecithin is also food for your brain and nerve cells.
Lecithin insulates your nerve fibers, protecting them; and improves nerve transmission in your body, memory and brain function. It helps lubricate joints and your intestinal lining; and is necessary for hormone production.
Your body can’t manufacture Lecithin on its own – it must come from your diet. Lecithin helps your body absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Choline is an integral component in a Lecithin supplement.
The National Academy of Sciences has established that choline is important in the diet because it supports brain, liver, cardiovascular, and reproductive health. Choline is a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in the transmission of messages in the brain and nervous system.
Your skin stays moist and subtle with adequate Lecithin in your body. Lecithin is a natural tranquilizer and a natural diuretic.
Nutrition Alert: Is Your Body Lacking Lecithin
Memory lapses
Poor sleep
Mental anxiety
Eczema & psoriasis
Gall bladder problems
Parkinson’s & Alzheimers
High cholesterol
Dry, brittle hair
Dry skin or scalp
MS, fibromyalgia
Menstrual, PMS & menopause concerns
Respiratory issues (asthma, allergies, hayfever, bronchitis, emphysema)
Diabetes
Gall stones
Cirrhosis
Benefits of Lecithin Supplements
Fat emulsifier – aids in redistribution of body fats
Weight loss
Essential to memory & brain function
Lowers LDL & raises HDL cholesterol
Protects liver
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Improves concentration
Here’s a Lecithin experiment to try (with Shaklee Lecithin):
Get 2 small jars. Place a spoon of shortening in each jar. Fill with enough water to cover shortening. To ONE jar add the contents of 3 or 4 Lecithin (pierce the softgel and squeeze out the contents). Replace lid and shake gently. Compare what happens in each jar over the next few days, weeks, or even months. The Lecithin begins to break down (or emulsify) the shortening, whereas, the shortening with no Lecithin stays intact.
More to know about essential fatty acids:
EFA’s protect all of these in your body: mitochondrial membranes in cells, the lysosomes membranes, the myelin sheath, and the synapse (nerve communication). Essential fatty acids are an integral component of all membranes that surround cells; and they protect against atherosclerosis and cancer. EFA’s help regulate gastric secretion, pancreatic functions and the release of pituitary hormones. They transport fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and are involved in the conversion of carotene to Vitamin A. Essential fatty acids surround, protect and hold internal organs in place, insulate your body and help preserve body heat. They prolong the process of digestion, giving a feeling of satiety, and provide a concentrated source of energy. Last, EFA’s act as a form of reserve fuel in your body.
Lecithin and Breastfeeding Moms
Another use of Lecithin is as a helpful natural supplement that can help prevent a blocked milk duct, or with recurrent plugged ducts. Our daughter successfully used Lecithin while breastfeeding and also while weaning when there can be problems including plugged milk ducts and chance of infection.
How do you take a Lecithin supplement?
It is best to divide doses with meals. I take the suggested serving of 6 softgels daily and divide them up taking 2 at a time, 3 times per day. The softgels are easy to swallow, though should you have trouble you can open them and add the contents to shakes or other liquids. You should not heat this oil in any way. When you take B-Complex along with Lecithin it improves the synthesis. I always take at least one B-Complex with every 2 Lecithin and if I am having any nerve related pain, I take 2 B-Complex tablets.
To learn more about Lecithin from the #1 Natural Nutrition brand Shaklee, visit: Lecithin. Two other essential fatty acids that are also essential for the brain and nerves are GLA Complex and OmegaGuard (fish oil).