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Used for decades as a cure for high cholesterol, lecithin granules contain all the phosphatides that are found naturally in cell membranes. Which phosphatides? Of course, the important ones. Each tablespoon of lecithin granules – that is, about 7.5 grams – has about 1700 mg of phosphatidyl choline (roughly 98%, more than most lecithin sold in powdered or pill form), 1000 mg of phosphatidyl inositol, and about 2,200 mg of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid. All these compound elements have specific functions that could contribute to the health of our body.
Let’s discuss each one of them.
Phosphatidyl Choline (PC)
Phosphatidyl Choline is perhaps the most important compound that can be found in lecithin granules, and no wonder, considering how PC is the active ingredient in lecithin.
The primary function of PC in lecithin granules is to break down fat deposits in the body. In fact, when you find lecithin granules sold in counters as an aid to weight loss, you know that the ingredient responsible is PC. Because of this amazing function of PC, lecithin granules are valuable not only in weight loss programs but also in the prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
When PC enters the body, it is immediately dissolved into choline, a substance that scientists have discovered as an essential nutrient, which means that we can’t live without it. To prove this, several studies have shown that within 30 days of a choline deficient diet, indications of liver problems will manifest.
Phosphatidyl Inositol (PI)
Unlike phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, or PI for short, is not purely a phospholipid. The substance contains alcohol, inositol, with a ring structure, which acts as a substrate for a huge number of enzymes involved in cell signaling – the process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus to another, such as when your stomach tells you brain that you are already full, or when the epidermis of your hand signals your brain that the pan is hot when you try to touch it.
The biochemical process of cell signalling is important because without it, you would have no idea how to react to danger. You wouldn’t know for instance that there is a fire somewhere when you smell smoke and therefore, won’t be able to take any precautions to avoid getting in harm’s way.
Other than playing a significant role in cell signaling, PI in lecithin granules also generally helps in maintaining the integrity of the cell structure, sharing much of PC’s functions.
Linoleic Acid (LA)
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid of the omega-6 family that is vital to human health. It is found in processed foods and in cooking oils as well as LA-containing supplements like lecithin granules. As soon as LA in lecithin granules enters the body, it is converted to GLA or gamma-linoleic acid, another omega-6 fatty acid that is needed for normal brain function, bone health, growth and development, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism, and maintenance of reproductive processes.
According to PowerPak, “The omega 6 LA comprises 7% to 9% of our caloric intake every day, while the omega 3 LNA makes up about 0.7% of energy. Therefore, it is estimated that the dietary ratio of LA to LNA ranges from 10 to 20:1.”
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Filed under: Lecithin