What is Lecithin and what Benefits does it offer?

Lecithin supplements are sometimes used as part of a beginner’s nootropic stack for a cheap source of choline.

The most commonly sold version of this compound is soy lecithin which is often used by vegetarians who do not naturally get enough choline in their diet.

Lecithin is also a more generic term used to designate any group of yellow-brownish fatty substances that occur in animal and plant tissues.

It is composed of a number of different chemicals including phosphoric acid, choline, fatty acids, glycerol, glycolipids, triglycerides, and phospholipids.

Lecithin as a compound was first isolated in 1846 from egg yolk and occurs naturally in blood, bile, human brain tissue, fish eggs, and even chicken and sheep brain. The compound is also often found in chocolate bars, ice cream, and even peanut butter where it functions as an emulsifier.

Lecithin also plays an important role in the breakdown and transportation of fats within the human body.

Lecithin

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Memory Function

Metabolism

How It Works:

• Natural source of Phosphatidyl Choline
• Provides nervous system support
• Promotes memory function & brain cell health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 35 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Lecithin Effects:

For individuals interested in using Lecithin as a brain supplement, the most important mechanism of action for this natural compound is as a precursor to acetylcholine.

The acetylcholine neurotransmitter is involved in many intellectual functions in the brain from reasoning to memory formation to the development of new connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Acetylcholine is synthesized from Choline, but an estimated 90% of the Western population is deficient in this essential nutrient.

Lecithin is actually converted into Choline and a number of other components within the liver. As a natural source of Choline, Lecithin is ideal for vegetarians and other people at risk of choline deficiency.

In addition to aiding in the production of Acetylcholine, this supplement also has a positive effect on brain cell help. Since the majority of the substances contained within Lecithin are actually lipids, or fats, they are utilized in the restoration of damage cell membranes in all areas of the body including the brain, heart, and other vital organs.

This also serves to keep cells protected against oxidation, aids in the digestion of fats, and facilitates cellular communication and the movement of wastes and nutrients.

Lecithin Benefits:

Lecithin is not the most powerful nootropic available, but it does offer benefits for people who may not be getting enough choline in their diet.

As the body breaks this substance down into Choline and Phosphatidylcholine, it serves to protect the health and proper functioning of your brain.

Using Lecithin defends against outcomes like memory loss and helps to ensure the overall efficiency of numerous cognitive processes. Many people take Lecithin to prevent memory loss due to old age.

Lecithin is also capable of promoting healthy weight loss. Since it hastens the breakdown of fats, there is evidence showing that it speed ups the metabolism. As a natural process, this makes it a safe alternative to drugs or other so-called diet pills. Lecithin has been used to treat high cholesterol levels for many decades.

It helps to control the flow of nutrients in and out of your cells and also prevents a buildup of fats in the walls of your heart, arteries, and brain. This is done by breaking down the existing fatty deposits and then providing a protective defense. In this regard, Lecithin boosts overall circulatory and cardiovascular health.

Since Lecithin is also vital for the transportation of fats throughout the body, it plays a significant role in maintaining liver health and function. Keeping fats dispersed in water even while they are still in the liver prevents them from accumulating.

Additionally, Lecithin functions as an anti-oxidant by controlling the flow of nutrients in and out of cells. It is able to flush out toxins and other poisons from the liver (as well as other vital organs) before they lead to harmful effects.

Lecithin Dosage:

Lecithin supplements come in a wide range of doses. There are capsules at 200, 500, and even 1,200 mg each. The most popular of these is the 1,200 mg capsules of Soy Lecithin. There are even a few powder formulations available which are typically cheaper and allow you to determine the appropriate dosage level for yourself.

Daily dosage ranges can be anywhere from 200 mg up to 4,800 mg depending on your dietary habits and choline needs.

Lecithin Side Effects:

Before buying this supplement, you should be aware that most Lecithin is derived from soy. Those people who are allergic to soy should look for an alternative choline source due to potential complications.

While this is supplement is very safe and generally very well-tolerated by healthy adults, there are a few side effects associated with its use. They include GI issues like diarrhea, rapid changes in weight (loss and/or gain), loss of appetite, skin rashes, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, low blood pressure, and blurred vision.

If any of these occur, immediately stop taking the supplement and seek medical guidance. Most likely there is either an adverse reaction or you have taken a dose that is way too high.

Lecithin Review:

If you do not currently receive enough choline from your diet, Lecithin can have a moderate cognitive enhancement effect. This supplement also has a number of benefits that relate to general health as well as neuroprotective properties.

For a beginner to the world of nootropics, the low cost of this compound and the high degree of safety makes it an attractive place to start. However, you will most likely find that the nootropic effects of this supplement are limited due to the low bioavailability of choline.

If you are looking for a good choline supplement to stack with Piracetam, Aniracetam or any other brain boosting compound, you will see better results from Choline Bitartrate powder. Ideally, you should use one of the higher quality acetylcholine supplements such as Alpha GPC, Citicoline or Centrophenoxine/Meclofenoxate instead of Lecithin.

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