Lecithin is naturally occurring in the human body and in certain foods. It is a popular additive due to its ability to preserve and emulsify (helps mix fats and water). It occurs naturally in soybeans, nuts, yeast, egg yolk, and is often added to chocolate, baked goods, margarine, ice cream, mayonnaise. It contains phosphatidylcholine, which is Lecithin in its naturally occurring form in the human body and in certain foods. Phosphatidylcholine is used to prevent and reverse dementia, improve cognitive function, increase human growth hormone (hGH) release, and to treat brain disorders such as damage from stroke.

It is derived from soy. Yes, I’ve often published material about the harmfulness of soy products. It poses several potential health risks, including allergies, hormone balance, low testosterone, and estrogen dominance. I have not found harmful associations between added lecithin and health risks. In fact, lecithin supplements have been available for years and it has been shown to decrease cholesterol, promote cardiovascular health, restore damaged livers and improve the brain’s memory function.

Lecithin intervenes with the body’s ability to form fat deposits and has aided in reversing the damage caused by coronary artery disease. By creating a slippery lining, it prevents large fat deposits from accumulating, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly when it once was clogged with fat deposits that would lead to blood clots. When it breaks down the body fat, not only does it prevent the fat from collecting in large deposits in our bodies, it then transports it to the liver and converts it into usable energy. Lecithin is also known to repair livers that have been damaged by abuse such as too much alcohol consumption.

Another reported benefit of lecithin is its ability to aid in memory function and learning. Many studies have been conducted where people reported higher retention in learning and ability to recall information with an increase of lecithin. Even patients with Alzheimer’s disease reported an improvement in memory and orientation.

Although lecithin has proven to reverse many diseases, it can also be used as a preventative source if the proper foods are consumed on a regular basis, or if supplementation is taken regularly. Unlike medications that are offered to reverse certain diseases, lecithin is not known to cause an extreme number of side effects, side effects that themselves require medication to rectify. The few minor reported side effects of lecithin when consumed in great quantity are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and sweating. However, no side effects were reported when taken in normal supplemental doses or through normal food consumption.

Lecithin supplements are produced from soybeans, meats and eggs and can be taken either as a liquid or as a capsule. You can find lecithin supplements at your local health food store or any market that carries vitamins and supplements. Lecithin is non-toxic and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It can be taken daily but dosage varies from product to product. However, if you consistently eat healthy, well-balanced meals, you probably do not need to supplement your diet.

It is difficult to find legitimate references that report on any negative effects of lecithin – regarless of its source. Until something pops up, I’ll contnue to ignore it and be happy that it is safe and so useful.