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Memory Helper
In healthy individuals, lecithin can increase acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Because a decrease in acetylcholine is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, it has
been suggested that increased lecithin levels may increase this important neurotransmitter.
As a 2002 study reported in the Clinical Therapeutics journal,while patients with
mild to moderate dementia experienced improved memory with increased dietary choline,
it was not beneficial to patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have shown that choline is also needed for the normal development of the
brain during fetal growth. In an interesting animal study, when pregnant female
rodents were supplemented with choline, their offspring’s brain function changed,
resulting in lifelong memory enhancement. Thus, memory function in the aged offspring
was partially determined by what the mother ate during pregnancy.
Heart Health
Lecithin has been shown to help with cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol
and preventing atherosclerosis. Lecithin is an emulsifying agent, meaning that it
is able to suspend the fat and cholesterol that is travelling through the bloodstream
and stop it from attaching to the artery walls, thus preventing atherosclerosis.
Some studies demonstrate that soy-derived lecithin has significant effects on lowering
cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol, the good
cholesterol, in the blood.
Brain Function
There is evidence that bipolar disorder is associated with reduced choline in the
central nervous system. Supplementing with lecithin has been shown to result in
significant improvement and stabilization of mood during hypermanic phases; however
it has also been reported to depress mood, so its use for mood disorders should
be monitored by a qualified health practitioner.
Gallstone Prevention
Lecithin may play a role in preventing gallstones from forming. Studies have shown
that taking lecithin orally will increase the amount of lecithin in the bile, and
this can increase the ability to dissolve cholesterol.
Since gallstones are mostly composed of cholesterol, reducing excess cholesterol
may help to reduce the formation of gallstones. Unfortunately, lecithin has not
been shown to aid in dissolving gallstones after they have formed.
Weight Loss
Since lecithin is able to package fat in the bloodstream and eliminate it from the
body, it is often suggested that lecithin can help with weight loss, but this does
not mean that lecithin is able to flush out fat from our subcutaneous tissues. To
date, there is no clear evidence that lecithin aids in weight loss.
Getting Lecithin Lecithin is found naturally in such foods as egg yolk, soybeans,
grains, wheat germ, fish, and legumes. When the diet is not adequate, lecithin can
safely be consumed as a supplement; since it can be completely metabolized, it is
virtually nontoxic to humans. A standard dose of lecithin is one to three grams
per day.
Cautions
It is important to note that lecithin does have potential side effects and interactions
with medications; therefore it is recommended that you consult with a licensed health
care practitioner before taking lecithin.
Source: alive #311, September 2008
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