Lecithin
Type: Excipient
Lecithin is a type of lipid/fat that is needed by all body cells. Cell membranes, which regulate the transport nutrients in and out of the cells, are largely made of lecithin.
Lecithin consists mostly of the B vitamin choline. Lecithin is part water and part fat soluble. Thus it acts as an emulsifying agent in most food products.
Benefits of lecithin in the diet or as a supplement helps in cholesterol management by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol in blood. In turns, it improves cardiovascular health and manage the risk of having high blood pressure or heart diseases.
Another benefit of lecithin is as breastfeeding aid. Some recommends lecithin to prevent clog milk ducts that leads to sore, inflamed and engorged breasts (also known as mastitis). Lecithin may reduce the thickness of breast milk, making it easier to flow and less likely to clog milk ducts in breast. However, lecithin could not treat already clogged ducts or relieve the discomfort related to mastitis.
Most lecithin is derived from soybeans and some from egg yolks. Other sources of lecithin include brewer's yeast, grains, legumes, fish and wheat germ.
Are Free Radicals From The Sun And UV Rays Bad For Your Skin?
Do you have friends that are constantly hiding from the sun or never fail to carry an umbrella anywhere he/she goes, even on fair-weather days?
And you wonder - is being under the sun really that bad for our skin?
Ingredient Spotlight: White Kidney Bean
Why Antioxidants and Vegetables Matter More Than You Think
5 Skincare Tips For A Moon Goddess Glow
Can't Seem To Stop Bloating?
How Burned Out are You?
“Leave it to me, I can handle this!” This is what most would say, but how much one can manage before it’s too much?
Is The Sunshine Vitamin Really Enough?