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LECITHIN
Lecithin has been used for many years as an
emulsifier in foods such as margarine, ice cream, mayonnaise and
chocolate. Pure lecithin is known as phosphatidyl choline but the
term lecithin usually refers to a larger group of substances which
include choline, inositol and free fatty acids.
The Benefits of Lecithin
Reduction of cholesterol levels-
as a preventative measure only small amounts are required but higher
doses may be needed to be effective in reducing high blood lipid
levels.
Gallstones-
lecithin can normalise the low phospholipid to cholesterol ratios
found in gallstone patients by increasing the ability of bile to
solubilise cholesterol.
Senile Dementia-
some patients with Alzheimers disease have shown improvement
regarding orientation, learning and memory with
lecithin supplementation.
Multiple
Sclerosis- lecithin and choline may help to slow down the
deterioration of myelinwhich covers the nerves.
Properties
Lecithin is a rich source of choline which the body
requires to make acetyl choline, a
neurotransmittel which is essential for normal nerve
function.
Phosphatidyl choline is a structural component of
cell membranes and is also an emulsifying component of bile.
Lecithin may reduce absorption of dietary cholesterol
and restrict reabsorption into the blood stream because it increases
the faecal excretion of neutral steroid molecules.
Centra-indications / Precautions
None reported
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