Lecithin - An Amazing Youth Element
Lecithin is the most abundant of the phospholipids. It is a fatty food substance, which serves as
a structural material for every cell in the body. It is an essential constituent of the human brain
and nervous system. It forms 30 per cent of the dry weight of the brain and 17 per cent of the
nervous system.
Lecithin is also an important component of the endocrine glands and the muscles of the heart
and kidneys. It makes up 73 per cent of the total liver fat. Nervous, mental or glandular
overactivity can consume lecithin faster than its replacement. This may render a person irritable
and exhausted. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to add lecithin to the diet, if the body’s own
supply decreases as in old age or working under stress.
Rich Sources
Lecithin is derived from the Greek Word, likithos, meaning egg yolk. Egg yolk is a rich source of
lecithin, and also a rich source of cholesterol. This combination makes it possible for the lecithin
to emulsify the cholesterol. Vegetable oils, whole grain cereals, soyabeans, liver and milk are
other rich sources of lecithin. The cells of the body are also capable of synthesizing it as needed,
if several of the B vitamins are present. Since these B vitamins are generally removed when
grains are refined, people who eat exclusively white flour products are lacking them.
Benefits
The action of lecithin on the heart is the most important of all its proved benefits. It achieved its
popularity initially in this area. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that tends to collect in the walls of
the arteries and veins, thus narrowing them. This may eventually lead to a fatal blood clot.
Scientific studies have shown that lecithin has the ability to break up cholesterol into small
particles which can be easily handled by the system. With sufficient intake of lecithin, cholesterol
cannot build up against the walls of the arteries and veins.
Like cholesterol, lecithin is continuously produced in the liver, passes into the intestine with bile
and is absorbed in the blood. It helps in the transportation of fats. It also helps the cells to
remove fats and cholesterol from the blood and to utilise them. It increases the production of bile
acids made from cholesterol, thereby reducing the amount in the blood. It will thus be seen that
cholesterol can cause trouble only if lecithin is lacking in the system.
All atheroscleroses or changs in the arterial walls are characterised by an increased of the blood
cholesterol and a decrease in lecithin. It has been shown that experimental heart disease,
produced by feeding cholesterol, could be prevented merely by giving a small quantity of lecithin.
Atherosclerosis has been produced in various species of animals by increasing the blood
cholesterol or decreasing the lecithin.
In normal health, when a diet high in fat is taken, there is tremendous increase in the production
of lecithin. This helps in changing the fat in the blood from large particles to smaller and smaller
ones. In case of atherosclerosis, however, the lecithin in the blood remains very low regardless
of the quantity of fat entering the blood. The result is that, the fat particles remain too large to be
able to pass through the arterial walls. A more serious situation can develop if there is lack of
lecithin in cells also.
Besides reducing the cholesterol level in the blood, there is mounting scientific evidence to
suggest several other benefits from lecithin. It has been suggested that its intake in sufficient
amounts can help rebuild those cells and organs which need it. Lecithin helps to maintain their
health once they are repaired. It may mean that a deficiency of lecithin in the diet may be one of
the causes of ageing and that its use may be beneficial in retar- ding the ageing process.
Edward R. Hewith in his book, The Years Between 75 and 90 says, " with older people the fats
remain high in the blood for from five to seven hours and in some cases as long as 20 hours,
thus giving the fats more time to become located in the tissues. If lecithin is given to older people
before a fatty meal, it has been found that the fats in the blood return to normal in a short time, in
the same way they do in younger people."
In some cases, the cosmetic effect of lecithin does as much for the mental outlook of persons as
it does for their physical well-being. It has been found to eliminate the yellow or yellow- brown
plaques on the skin or around the eyes caused by fatty deposits. It is a natural tranquilliser which
is beneficial in ner- vous exhaustion. It can produce great alertness in elderly people.
Some studies have indicated that lecithin increases the gamma globulin in the blood. This helps
fight infection. It provides an increased immunity against pneumonia. It has also been found to
lower blood pressure in some people. IN combination with vitamin E, it has proved helpful in
lowering the requirements of insulin in diabetics. It has also proved valuable in the treatment of
certain skin ailments, including acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Lecithin has been suggested as a sexual aid. It was used in Germany 30 years ago as a
restorative of sexual powers, for glandular exhaustion and nervous and mental disorders.
Seminal fluid is rich in lecithin. Because of its loss from the body, its need for men is regarded as
specially great. Its use is also considered valuable in minimising pre-menstrual and menopausal
tension.
Dr. N.A. Ferri, an eminent physician remarks - "Lecithin has a versatile function in life. It is an
extremely important factor in the digestion and oxidation of fats, thus creating more muscle and
glandular activity, resulting in greater body exertion and less fat accumulations. Lecithin is
essential not only for tissue integrity of the nervous and glandular system in all living cells, but
has been regarded as also the most effective generator and regenerator of great physical,
mental and glandular activity. Shattered nerves, depleted brain power, waning activity of vital
glands, find in lecithin, especially in the cellular structure of the nervous system and endocrine
glands a source of dynamic energy."
The best way to increase lecithin is to eat the same amount of fat as usual, but reduce animal fat
except that from fish. Oil may be used for cooking, seasoning and salad dressing. All
hydrogenated fats such as margarines, cooking fats, hydrogenated peanut butter and processed
cheese should be avoided as also foods prepared with them
