In a nutshell, research shows that a lecithin-rich diet can help raise good cholesterol and decrease bad cholesterol while promoting liver function.
The Benefits of a Lecithin-Rich Diet
Lecithin is a natural emulsifier found in many common foods, but it has recently gained attention for its potential health benefits.
Today, we will discuss the science behind these claims and share some tips on how to incorporate more lecithin into your diet.
The Benefits of a Lecithin-Rich Diet
What is Lecithin?
Lecithin is a type of fat molecule commonly found in many plant- and animal-based foods, including eggs, legumes, nuts, grains and soybeans. Since it acts as an emulsifier, it helps keep fats from separating out of food mixtures—and can also be found as an ingredient in many processed foods like chocolate bars. But, processed foods counterbalance with the benefits that quality foods offer.
What a Lecithin-Rich Diet Supports
Healthy Cholesterol
The primary benefit associated with lecithin consumption is its ability to raise good HDL cholesterol while decreasing harmful LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. This is possible because the choline content in lecithin helps reduce the body’s production of bad cholesterol. (Learn more about cholesterol.)
Liver Function
Additionally, the choline in lecithin supports liver function by aiding in the detoxification of pollutants and promoting fat metabolism. This makes it easier for your body to break down fats and flush them out through urine or stool rather than storing them as excess weight on your body or clogging up your arteries.
The human liver is a remarkable organ with the ability to heal itself and lecithin is one of its great helpers.
Lecithin brings about a powerful healing dynamic for the liver, helping to restore function, promote cell regeneration and ward off fatty liver.
It’s no wonder lecithin has been used in medical and nutritive circles for years — it works wonders, allowing us to keep the many critical tasks performed by our liver functioning smoothly.
So, if you’re looking for something to give your liver a little l♥ve, lecithin should be your go-to.
Healthy Skin
Lecithin is a true superhero when it comes to healthy skin.
Not only does lecithin possess the magical ability to protect against UV exposure which leads to skin aging, but lecithin can also offer additional advantages when combined with other special ingredients.
The combination of lecithin and bioactive compounds can act as a dynamic duo in reducing visible signs of skin aging, delivering superior anti-aging results that are greater than lecithin alone could ever achieve.
So make sure you include lecithin in your morning or nighttime skincare routine for maximal protection and an added youth boost!
More benefits of Lecithin-Rich Diet
- Lecithin’s ability to promote hair growth is the reason why hair care experts recommend it for naturally thin hair.
- Research reveals lecithin helps to regenerate brain cells and improve memory, speech and motor functions.
How to Incorporate More Lecithin into Your Diet
There are several ways you can add lecithin to your diet. You can get it naturally from foods like eggs, legumes, nuts, grains and soybeans or from supplements, such as sunflower lecithin powder or liquid phosphatidylcholine capsules (which contain high concentrations of choline).
Additionally, you can make smoothies with ingredients like flaxseed meal that are high in both omega-3 fatty acids and choline/lecithin content.
Finally, if you’re looking for convenience you can purchase pre-made snacks that contain high levels of both omega-3 fatty acids and choline/lecithin content like granola bars or nutrition bars made with flaxseed meal or other similar ingredients.
A well balanced diet should always be at the forefront when discussing health related topics; however incorporating certain key ingredients into your daily routine may improve overall well being over time.
According to research conducted on natural emulsifiers like lecithins, which again are rich sources of choline, have shown positive results when it comes to reducing harmful LDL cholesterol while simultaneously increasing good HDL cholesterol aiding liver function by aiding in the detoxification process.
It offers other benefits as well, such as improved fat metabolism making it easier for our bodies to break down fat allowing us to flush them out effectively preventing unwanted weight gain or clogging up our arteries .
With all this being said there are various ways you can incorporate more lecithins into your diet primarily from natural sources, such as avoiding processed foods. Instead opt for more organic options such as eggs , legumes ,nuts ,grains & soybeans.
Another option may be supplements such as sunflower leciths powder & liquid phosphatidylcholine capsules containing higher concentrations of Cholines and finally pre-made snacks containing higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids & Cholines/Leciths.
Precautions and potential side effects
First, let me stress FOOD over supplements, i.e. a Lecithin-Rich Diet. With that said…
Taking lecithin as a supplement can have many potential benefits, though it’s important to be aware of the cautions and possible side effects that come with using lecithin too.
Lecithin supplementation has been linked to increased cholesterol levels in some people
They may cause nausea and/or skin issues.
Lecithin supplements should be taken with healthy fat sources like fish oil and olive oil.
It’s also important to note lecithin interacts with certain drugs, so it’s critical to consult your doctor if you are taking lecithin along with any medications.
Though lecithin does carry some risk factors, when taken responsibly it can be an incredible supplement for people looking to reap its many benefits.