Then in the mid 1930s, lecithin was recovered from the waste products of soybean processing, a discovery that changed the whole outlook of commercial lecithin. Today, most of the commercial lecithin we find in the market is sourced from soybeans.
Sources
Lecithin are produced in certain amounts throughout the major organs of the body (such as the heart, liver and kidney) and transports throughout the nervous and circulatory systems. It can thus be found in the 75 trillion cells in our body, including the 15 billion nerve cells of the brain and the protective sheath at a concentration of about 17-31%.
Lecithin comprises four vital components - unsaturated fatty acids, choline, glycerols and phospholipids.
The precursor of lecithin – choline is an ‘essential‘ nutrient which bodies cannot manufacture and have to derive externally from food sources, including soy, beef liver, steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower and oranges, where B vitamins, phosphoric acid, linoleic acid and inositol are also found.
Functions
Choline is a neurotransmitter that sends messages to and from the brain and is necessary for the proper functioning of the liver and gallbladder.
Benefits
1. Aging and overall health
Phospholipid (fat-based) enhances the body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K and is a key building block of cell membranes – to stay semi-permeable and non-hardened, and facilitate the movement of fluids inside and outside the cell. Hence, it is useful in the prevention of aging and various diseases, as well as maintenance of health and beauty.
2. Metabolic and cardiovascular health
As a component of bile, lecithin keeps fats emulsified. You have noticed how fats work under certain conditions. When exposed to low temperature, they tend to turn white and go into a semi-solid state. Conversely, when exposed to high temperature, they turn completely liquid. Imagine what would happen to the body if our fats or lipids, are subject to the slightest change in temperature. That is why one of the benefits of lecithin is its emulsifying action – keeping fats properly balanced and maintained.
By coating on the cell membranes it can act as a protective wall or sheath throughout the body to protect and strengthen the linings and prevent detrimental debris from sticking. The lubrication provided creates a slippery lining on which it is difficult for large, fatty deposits to specific regions of the body, which are then transported to the liver to be metabolized and converted to energy. At the same time, choline helps to transport both cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to other parts of the body where they are needed. As such, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides are reduced, and good cholesterol (HDL) is increased. Both choline and folate can convert homocysteine into less harmful substances, which otherwise contribute to the development of heart and blood vessel diseases as well.
Improved circulation can be observed to help in preventing blood clots and maintaining the health of vital organs. Those who wish to lose weight can include lecithin in their diet too.
3. Liver health
Choline is known to be effective against fatty liver and impaired liver condition. Research showed that a lack of choline in mice caused a rapid accumulation of fats in their liver cells within 2-3 hours, which in turn led to the inflammation and swelling of the liver. After treated with lecithin, drastic improvement was seen and the condition of the liver returned to normal. It can also fix up liver damage caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or other toxins.
4. Mental health
Choline is crucial for nerve functioning, including aiding in nerve signaling and maintaining the membranes of brain cells and thus plays an essential part in brain development and growth.
When our body is short of choline, our brain function is impaired and can lead to the deterioration of memory and learning ability. Thus, the benefits are promising to patients suffering from various psychological and neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Note that improved memory and recall is a sign of a brain's overall standard of health.
5. Endocrine health
Owing to hormonal imbalance and changes in metabolism, most women will experience uncomfortable symptoms such as depression, backache, hot flush etc. Lecithin helps to regulate hormonal secretion, thus alleviating symptoms of menopause.
6. Healthy pregnancy
Pregnant women need much more choline than others as this macronutrient is rapidly used by fetuses whilst their brains, cell structures and nerve channels are forming. Some studies have shown that high choline consumption result in a child's better chance of later having healthy, sharp brain functioning and a lower risk of brain abnormalities. On the contrary, choline deficient can cause neural tube defects and developmental problems.
Breastfeeding is most ideal for infants, as it provides the essential nutrients most needed for rapid developmental growth. Kids who are breast-fed tend to have better immunity, lessen allergic reaction and lower rate of new-born diseases like lung and intestinal disorder. Feeding mums who increase
Lecithin intake during the lactation period sees higher production of breast milk as it reduces blockages of the milk duct, breast congestion and inflammation. This way it alleviates the pressure inflicted and soothe the breasts feeding process. A direct benefit for such mums is contraction of uterus, faster post-delivery recovery and lower incidence risk of breast cancer.
Not to be missed given that lecithin is a vital nutrient to promote infant's mental and nerve development, it is added to most infant formulas.
Frequency of use
+ Lecithin can be used as a tool to help the body recover from previously identified conditions or shortcomings, as well as for preventive purposes. Individuals with a history of any neurological or cardiovascular condition may take lecithin as a supplement to lessen their chances of a recurring issue.
+ Dosage can be increased with choline deficiency symptoms such as low energy levels, memory loss, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, muscle aches, nerve damage and mood changes.
+ As choline is present in animal products, vegetarians are more prone to experience a deficiency. Given the fact that folate and choline take on complementary roles, obtaining more folate from foods like leafy green vegetables and certain grains can compensate for the reduced intake of choline.
+ For more consistent results, it can be supplemented on a regular basis. Recommended daily dosage of choline as follows:
Infants & babies - 125-150 mg
Kids ages 1-8: 150-250 mg
Teens ages 8-13: 250-375 mg
Ladies above age 14: 425-550 mg
Men above age 14: 550 mg
+ Excessive dosage is not fatal but can cause some negative reactions including nausea, bloating, constipation, skin rashes, abdominal pain and other digestive problems.
Viva corner
VIVA Biolecithin is formulated based on scientific grounds and contains large amount of lecithin precursors that boost the body to naturally produce the purest form of lecithin. Easy to take, the powder can be sprinkled onto soup, porridge, cereals, salad or other food.
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