Lecithin

Lecithin is a fat-like substance called a phospholipid. It is produced daily by the liver if the diet is adequate. It's needed by every cell in the body and largely makes up cell membranes. Without it they would harden. This makes it ideal in preventing arteriosclerosis and assisting in protecting against cardiovascular disease.

Lecithin protects cells from oxidation, and helps make up the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. Using lecithin can improve brain function and has also been known to promote energy.

It is composed largely of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Lecithin aids in the absorption of thiamine by the liver and is needed to help repair the damage to the liver caused by alcoholism.

Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier and as such it enables fats such as cholesterol to be dispersed in water and removed from the body. Hence it also supports the circulatory system by preventing fatty buildup in the arteries and vital organs.

Recommended for

• Protects against damage to cells by oxidation.
• People taking niacin or nicotine acid for treatment of high-serum cholesterol and triglycerides need lecithin or choline supplements.

Unproven Benefits

• Helps protect against cardiovascular disease.
• Helps protect against memory loss.
• Helps prevent some diseases of the nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, abnormal facial movements including grimacing, sticking out tongue and sucking movements).
• Helps with Alzheimer's disease.
• Helps liver damage caused by alcoholism.
• Lowers cholesterol level.