To live our most healthy lives, it is sometimes necessary to supplement a healthy diet with other minerals, vitamins, or nutrients. These types of supplements can help us to address specific health issues in a natural way.
Lecithin is one such supplement which can provide an array of health benefits. This quick guide will provide you with more information on this supplement, when it should be used, and how to incorporate it into your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
What Is Lecithin?
Lecithin is a group of fatty substances. These substances are found in both plant and animal tissue. It is necessary for many biological functions of the human body.
Lecithin supplements have been used for years to treat conditions such as high cholesterol, digestive issues, breastfeeding issues, and other health issues.
What Makes Lecithin So Great?
Many of the health benefits of Lecithin can be attributed to the chemical phosphatidylcholine also known as PC. This chemical compound derived from soybeans, sunflowers, and other sources is believed to have many health benefits.
What Are the Health Benefits of Lecithin?
The research on Lecithin health benefits is not complete. As more research is done, health care providers and health enthusiasts learn more about how to incorporate this supplement into a healthy lifestyle. Today, there are some noted health benefits according to the research that has been completed.
Cholesterol Control- Diets that are strong in lecithin have a direct connection with good HDL cholesterol levels. The substance is also believed to lower bad LDL levels as well. This is a very important type of health benefit for individuals who suffer from high cholesterol. Finding all natural ways to control cholesterol levels is important for long term heart health, and recovery from cardiac events.
Immune Function- A healthy, strong immune system is crucial to overall health. When the immune system is weak or compromised, it is difficult for the body to stay healthy for any length of time.
Recent studies have found that those who suffer from diabetes, especially benefited from lecithin supplementation to increase immune function.
Digestion- Maintaining a health digestive system is foundational to long term health. The digestive system keeps toxins from building up in the body, increases energy levels, and some believe can also help improve mental health as well.
When there are digestive issues working against you, it can be difficult to maintain the health and energy levels you want.
Lecithin can assist with digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Disease. Digestion improves because of the emulsifying activity that lecithin enacts within the digestive tract.
Improved Cognitive Function- Keeping cognitive function healthy as we age is an important part of health and quality of life. Cognitive function begins to decline as we age, and this can be further complicated through poor diet and lack of proper nutrients.
Once such nutrient is choline. Choline plays an important part in brain development and memory. Because lecithin has large amounts of choline, this is a wonderful supplement to add to assist with cognitive function, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other neurological disorders.
Breastfeeding- Lecithin is also very beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding carries with it its own special types of challenges. One such challenge is the development of clogged milk ducts. This is a common breast-feeding issue, and, in some cases, it can discourage mothers from continuing to breast feed. A clogged milk duct can be both painful and frustrating as the milk cannot pass through and the baby will not receive the nutrition it needs.
Lecithin can be used to treat this problem. The Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation calls for 1200mg of lecithin as an all-natural way to prevent clogged milk ducts. If left untreated, a clogged milk duct can turn into a more serious problem called mastitis.
Other benefits include improved gall bladder function, help in liver disease treatment, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and skin conditions.
It is important, however, to remember, that lecithin should never be used instead of treatments recommended by your doctor. You should discuss lecithin with your doctor and find out what will work best for you.
Are There Any Risks to Taking Lecithin?
Before starting any type of supplements, it is important to get all of the facts concerning risks and side effects. This information will help you make a well-informed decision concerning your health.
You should know that lecithin is recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, you should still do your research to ensure that the lecithin you are using is sourced properly and you are purchasing from a reliable company.
As with any supplement, there can be adverse reactions in some people. Adverse reactions can include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach issues
- Increased salivation
- Feeling too full
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their doctor before starting any type of supplements.
What Is the Best Way to Get Lecithin?
The best and safest way to get more lecithin into your diet is through food. Lecithin is found in many foods.
- Red meat
- Organ meat
- Seafood
- Eggs
- Green vegetables cooked (Brussel sprouts, broccoli)
- Legumes, soybeans, kidney beans, black beans, and other types of beans
It is important to note that when lecithin is derived from food sources, it does not present any health risks. It would be impossible to consume too much lecithin through food sources. This is why it is always best to start with food sources if you want to increase the amount of lecithin in your diet for health benefits.
What Is the Dosage for Supplements?
If you do choose to use lecithin supplements, you need to be aware of safe dosage guidelines. Remember, lecithin is not a medication, and it is not regulated by the FDA, so there are no set dosage standards. However, through research, scientists have determined that the following dosage information is safe. Lecithin supplementation should not exceed 5,000 mg per day.
To get more detailed information concerning dosage, you should consult with your doctor.
For more information and a detailed review on living a healthy life with lecithin, contact National Lecithin today.