Lecithin is a complex organic substance that belongs to the group of phospholipids and, in fact, is represented by them. To appreciate the importance of this product for our body, you need to know this thing:
Lecithin is part of almost all cells of our body. The brain consists of 30% of it, the liver 50% (official figures in different sources may vary slightly). It also regulates nerve conduction (interaction between nerve cells) and promotes the regeneration of various tissues and organs.
But first things first.
Properties of lecithin
Lecithin is a very useful thing, as it has a number of extremely positive properties :
- Carries out the transport function of various vitamins and minerals throughout the body;
- Has strong antioxidant properties, neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals;
- Regulates the normal functioning of brain and spinal cord cells;
- Removes “bad” cholesterol from the body and thus prevents blockage of blood vessels;
- Helps fight excess weight, as it promotes the process of breaking down fat deposits and somewhat prevents their deposition in the body;
- Provides the strength of cell membranes, as it is a source of essential fatty acids;
- Ensures normal functioning of the liver, removes toxins from it and promotes its rapid regeneration;
- Increases the percentage of bile production;
- Ensures normal blood microcirculation in the body.
Interestingly, the components of lecithin, when interacting with vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid), are converted into a substance such as acetylcholine, which is the most important neurotransmitter in our brain. A lack of phospholipids can provoke quite serious problems with the nervous system and brain, for example, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and so on.
Also, it is thanks to lecithin that our liver functions normally and can fully perform its functions. Both soy and sunflower lecithin protect this organ and provide invaluable assistance in the liver’s fight against various pathogenic factors, as well as in the function of cleansing the body of waste and toxins.
Lecithin effectively protects the mucous membrane of our gastrointestinal tract, and therefore helps to normalize the condition of a patient with gastritis, ulcers or colitis.
Interestingly, even sperm motility in men depends on phospholipids. Consequently, lecithin plays a fairly important role for the functioning of the genitourinary system in both men and women. Often, when treating the problem of female or male infertility, specialists prescribe a course of lecithin to support the body.
From a beauty point of view, lecithin is very effective and significantly improves the condition of hair, skin and nails. Normalizes the water and fat balance of the scalp. So, for women, lecithin-based preparations are a fairly inexpensive way to always remain beautiful)) And for men too (in their case, handsome)))
Interesting fact. A fairly large number of cosmetic products contain lecithin, as it gently cares for the skin, moisturizes it, and restores the hair structure. Often, creators of care products combine lecithin with vitamins B6 or B3 in the product for greater effect and a more noticeable result, since lecithin is also an excellent conductor of vitamins in the body (this has already been mentioned earlier).
Lecithin is also actively used in industrial production; for example, you will definitely find it in the “composition” column on chocolate packaging!
APPLICATION
Dietary supplements with phosphatidylcholine are widely used in medicine, sports, cosmetology, and also as a general tonic.
In medicine
You can buy such supplements online to improve cognitive functions, since the active substance is a synergist for many nootropic (improves cerebral circulation) drugs. The latter stimulate brain receptors to produce acetylcholine, and lecithin is the main compound from which ACh is synthesized. Therefore, this combination is very effective in neurology. Supplements with this substance are widely used for neurological pathologies at any age, starting from birth.
Lecithin Granules
The content of phosphatidylcholine in the liver reaches 65%, so lecithin products always have a positive effect on the course of any liver pathologies.
The hepatoprotective function of the substance makes it possible to use it not only in gastroenterology, but also in dermatovenereology, since many skin diseases arise precisely against the background of liver dysfunction. In particular, the drug is used for:
- ichthyosis;
- psoriasis;
- lichen planus;
- neurodermatitis;
- eczema;
- hyperkeratosis, etc.
Under increased loads (in sports, at work)
The purchase of lecithin is common in sports - the product is used as a general tonic, for functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, as a hepatoprotector, to prevent fatty degeneration of the liver.
Since the connection provides nerve excitability and conduction and implements the neuromuscular signal, it cannot be avoided during periods of intense physical training. With constant exercise, a deficiency of phosphatidylcholine develops in the athlete’s body. Therefore, trainers who are well versed in sports nutrition recommend purchasing lecithin and consuming it during high-impact exercise.
Soya Lecithin
During periods of stress, emotional and intellectual overload, lecithin consumption increases. Therefore, timely intake of supplements with this substance helps to avoid the development of chronic fatigue syndrome and nervous exhaustion, relieves insomnia, depression, irritability, and restores neural connections and nerve fibers.
In cosmetology
It has a tonic and softening effect as part of local products, accelerates the regeneration and restoration of the skin when taken orally in the form of dietary supplements. As a supplement, it improves the nutrition of the skin, rids the body of toxins, which affects the functioning of the dermis and epidermis. Promotes deep penetration of fat-like compounds into the epidermal layers. Has antioxidant properties.
You can also purchase lecithin in order to improve the health of the scalp and hair - it is recommended by trichologists as a dietary supplement to improve the condition, structure and appearance of the hair.
Diseases treated with lecithin
Lecithin helps the body fight various diseases. For some problems it can be an excellent prevention. Here is a small list of diseases for which lecithin is prescribed by specialists:
- Hepatitis;
- Oncology;
- Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract;
- Cirrhosis and other liver problems;
- Various intoxications;
- Skin diseases;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Senile sclerosis;
- Nervous system problems;
- Children's hyperactivity;
- Problems of the cardiovascular system;
- Sleep disorders;
- Increased fatigue;
- Muscle weakness;
- Increased fragility of bones and joints;
- Vision problems;
- Caries;
- Immune system problems, etc.
Lecithin-based cosmetics
Homemade products are safe and inexpensive. However, not everyone manages to keep the proportions correctly. Also, a self-brewed product is short-lived; over time, bacteria begin to multiply in it. Lecithin can be contained in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical creams. The best products with phospholipids:
Anti-stress night cream Hydra Zen Neurocalm Nuit, Lancome . The product is intended for any skin type. The composition contains plant extracts of rose, peony and moringa, which gives the cream a pleasant aroma and a pinkish tint. Active components act on skin imperfections at night, soothe and moisturize. In the morning, the skin looks fresh: bruises and swelling disappear, the oval of the face is tightened. Thanks to lecithin, it intensively moisturizes and nourishes, eliminates traces of stress and a busy day, leaving the skin rested and restored.
Antioxidant cream with Vitamin E for the face Librederm . The cream contains two main active ingredients: vitamin E and lecithin. They are aimed at restoring the water-lipid balance, retaining moisture in the inner layers of the epidermis and provoking the regeneration of skin cells. The product has a convenient dispenser, is easy to apply and is quickly absorbed. Recommended for use as a makeup base. The cream fights flaking and dry skin, regulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Therefore, it is suitable for owners of dry and oily skin.
Anti-aging care for normal and combination skin Redermic C, La Roche-Posay . This pharmaceutical product is intended for application to the area around the eyes. Contains vitamin C, lecithin, retinol, hyaluronic acid, thermal water. Each of the components is designed to eliminate age-related skin problems: wrinkles, dullness, dryness, dark circles under the eyes. The texture of the cream is light, gel-like, absorbed in 1 minute.
Children's sunscreen aqua cream Ambre Solaire Expert protection, SPF 50, Garnier . The product is intended to protect the skin from active sun exposure, hypoallergenic, without fragrances and dyes. The main advantages of the cream: waterproof, suitable for sensitive children's skin, contains lecithin, salicylic acid and SPF 50. Soothes the skin in case of burns.
The pharmacy also offers a large number of ointments containing lecithin: Beppanten, Levomekol, Sintomycin. Their action is aimed at eliminating inflammation, allergic rashes, wrinkles, and age spots. Phospholipids allow active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin and achieve a quick effect.
Lecithin and children
This product is very important for the health of the child, since phospholipids take a fairly active part in the formation of the central nervous system and musculoskeletal system of children .
As a rule, this product enters the child’s body along with mother’s milk. If this type of feeding is unavailable for some reason, the doctor prescribes the necessary procedures to replenish phospholipids artificially. in fact, it is precisely because of this that lecithin is included in infant formula for complementary feeding.
For school-age children, phospholipids are also necessary, as they increase memory abilities and concentration, and relieve symptoms of fatigue. And this contributes to productive learning and excellent creative success.
But, unfortunately, we get a small amount of lecithin with food, so from time to time we need additional stimulation with the help of drugs.
How do you know if your skin lacks lecithin?
Poor nutrition, age, and vitamin deficiency lead to changes in appearance. Insufficient production of your own lecithin affects the condition of the skin. You need a care product with phospholipins if you notice the following symptoms:
- dry skin, peeling, appearance of wrinkles, changes in facial contours;
- skin sensitivity;
- feeling of tightness, thinning of the upper layer of the dermis;
- acne;
- the appearance of pigmentation.
If you notice any of the listed signs, then it will definitely be useful for you to learn about the best care products for combination skin that will allow you to maintain a matte appearance.
A tired look and drooping eyelids are a signal to buy eye and face cream. If you do not know which product is best to use, consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist. In addition to pharmaceutical products, you can make your own nourishing cream or mask.
Lecithin combined with vitamin D3
Both of these substances together:
- Prevents the development of rickets in children;
- Prevents harmful cells, including cancer cells, from multiplying;
- Increases skeletal strength and muscle strength;
- Normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- Increase blood clotting;
- Regulate various metabolic processes in the body;
- Increase immunity;
- Prevents bone fractures;
- Increases the body's ability to regenerate;
- Regulate sugar levels in the body;
- Removes the body from a state of chronic fatigue;
- Prevents the development of various diseases (which were described above);
- Reduce inflammation.
Benefits of the substance for the human body
Lecithin is one of the most important substances necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. Half of the liver consists of it, and one third of the brain tissue; the substance allows tissue restoration at the cellular level. Main beneficial properties:
- Normalization of the nervous system, ensuring brain activity;
- Stabilization of the functioning of the digestive, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal systems;
- Activation of metabolic processes, participation in detoxification of the body, removal of toxins and excess water, weight loss;
- Participates in the formation and development of the fetal nervous system, ensures full brain activity, improves the child’s intellectual abilities in the future;
- Provides a stable state of psycho-emotional state, increases stress resistance, allows you to resist depressive states and neuroses;
- Lecithin is actively used in cosmetology. Such demand is determined by the abilities of the substance included in the composition, the active element - phosphatidylcholine. It smoothes the skin, makes it soft and soft. Medium and small wrinkles are smoothed out, deep wrinkles become less noticeable.
Inflammation and allergic rashes are relieved. Excessive oiliness or excessive dryness is eliminated, the skin returns freshness and healthy color
You can learn more about the effect of a substance on the human body from the article.
