Lecithin – Supporting Cell Functions, Heart Health & More!

Lecithin is a phospholipid required in the membranes of all living cells. Phospholipids serve a structural role in cell membranes, supporting cellular communication and nutrition by keeping membrane pathways open and healthy. When cell membranes aren’t functioning properly, cells can’t absorb nutrients or expel waste to stay healthy and communicate effectively.

Lecithin’s emulsifying activity is thought to support heart health by increasing cholesterol solubility, altering the composition of fat deposits to make them more easily expelled, and inhibiting plaque aggregation.

Lecithin also has exceptionally high inositol content. Inositol belongs to the B complex vitamin family and has been shown to enhance mood and support a positive mental outlook, among other health benefits like increasing insulin receptivity.

Great Source of Phosphatidylcholine

Lecithin provides a rich source of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine, which contains the essential nutrient choline. Choline is a micronutrient needed for nerve signaling, cholesterol transport, energy metabolism, and maintenance of cell membranes.

Choline is the precursor to acetylcholine, thought to be involved in memory. Acetylcholine is currently being studied in conjunction with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Phosphatidylcholine has also shown to support healthy liver function by increasing the liver’s ability to break down fat and expel it from the body. Low levels of lecithin and phosphatidylcholine have been associated with fatty livers.

More studies are currently being conducted as to lecithin’s efficacy in supporting brain function, heart health, and weight management.