When it comes to brain-nourishing nutrients, we are familiar with Fish Oil, Ginkgo, and Vitamin B, but in fact, there is one substance that is very important for the brain, which is “Lecithin” which some people may not be familiar with, or some people have heard the name but do not know what its benefits are. Let’s get to know more about what lecithin is and how it is beneficial for the body.
Getting to know Lecithin
Lecithin is a natural substance composed of phosphorus, fatty acids, and vitamins in the B vitamin group. It also contains an important substance called “Phospholipid,” which is essential for the functioning of all systems in the body, especially the brain and nervous system, which are the command centers and control the operations of various systems in the body. According to scientific research by Adelle Davis, a US nutritionist, a healthy person’s brain contains up to 30% of its weight in lecithin, making lecithin very important for our brains.
Lecithin and the Brain
When the body receives lecithin, it converts lecithin into a substance called “Choline,” and choline is synthesized by nerve cells into a substance called “Acetylcholine.” This substance goes to nourish nerve cells, helping in transmitting information between each brain cell and between the brain and the operation to different parts of the body, aiding in transmitting information and feelings so that they can behave according to the needs of the brain, which is related to everyday life.
Lecithin Prevents Dementia
Lecithin helps care for the brain and nervous system functions, nourishes the brain, memory, and learning efficiency, making it less likely to forget things easily. If the brain lacks this substance, symptoms of forgetfulness may occur, including the deterioration of learning and memory abilities or even developing dementia.
The amount of Lecithin the body needs
If you want your brain to perform well, you need to receive 1,200 – 2,400 grams of brain-nourishing lecithin per day.
Foods Containing Lecithin
Lecithin is found in eggs, soybeans, sunflower seeds, liver, brewer’s yeast (a yeast cultivated specifically for use as a supplement, which provides a variety of comprehensive nutrition). However, cooking methods such as boiling, frying, grilling, which involve heat, may destroy lecithin. Therefore, eating food alone may not be sufficient. Taking dietary supplements (Supplements) or natural lecithin supplements is another option to help the body get enough lecithin.
Lecithin is Essential for the Brain of all Ages
Lecithin is a natural substance needed by people of all genders and ages, from children who need lecithin for cell development, memory enhancement, and learning, to working adults who use their brain a lot, stay up late, work hard, along with high stress. Lecithin is considered an essential energy source for the brain, and for the elderly, it helps prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.
Currently, lecithin is used to treat patients with impaired memory and nervous system. Taking 25 grams of lecithin daily for several months continuously has been shown to improve conditions, and studies in early-stage dementia patients found that receiving choline from lecithin for 6 months helps improve memory and creates a more relaxed feeling, or taking lecithin along with treatment medications improves memory abilities.
Lecithin and its Various Benefits
Facilitates the absorption of vitamins into the body
Taking lecithin helps the body to efficiently absorb and utilize fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, increases antioxidants, slows down cell degeneration, resulting in improved immunity and overall health.
Helps in the formation of cell membranes
The body uses lecithin in creating membranes of various cells such as blood cells, muscle cells, skin cells and cells of different organs, and lecithin is also one component in creating molecules that are important for the body such as certain hormones, enzymes, some types of immune systems, blood clotting, to enhance the efficiency of internal body functions.
“Lecithin” is crucial for the brain and body, particularly the brain. When it is compromised, other body systems may suffer. Therefore, taking care of oneself, looking for things that supplement the body and brain, preparing them for daily work and life activities is an important matter that should not be overlooked.
