A few months ago, I blogged about my forgetfulness and how I saw my physician who prescribed gingko and advised me to go for further tests in the event that there was no improvement. Well, the truth is I kept forgetting to eat my gingko tablets as I had to remember my:
- Remifemin
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Omega 3+6
- Lecithin
- Multi-vitamins etc
Those of you who have been reading my blog for some time would know that I love to research particular topics everyday. After reading volumes of information on hair fall, forgetfulness and hot flushes, I came to the conclusion that I had to buy choline, without really understanding its chemical properties. Happily, I walked into the pharmacy near my place and consulted the young pharmacist one who advised me to take Evening Primrose Oil, Omega 3+6 and Lecithin for my peri-menopausal symptoms. The pharmacist told me that choline cannot be purchased per se but sourced from various types of food (CHECK HERE) and that the most often available choline supplement is lecithin which can curb hair fall and improve memory.
At one stage, I felt like a radiator on a cold winter's night for my hot flushes were so unbearable. Worse still, on some nights, I had hot and then cold flushes. All the above medication plus VCO and black cohosh (good but very expensive) have helped me to live normally again with reduced episodes of hot flushes, rashes, mood swings, dry skin and allergies. I read extensively on lecithin etc and seriously believe that lecithin is something which most of us (especially the older ones) must take.
At one stage, I felt like a radiator on a cold winter's night for my hot flushes were so unbearable. Worse still, on some nights, I had hot and then cold flushes. All the above medication plus VCO and black cohosh (good but very expensive) have helped me to live normally again with reduced episodes of hot flushes, rashes, mood swings, dry skin and allergies. I read extensively on lecithin etc and seriously believe that lecithin is something which most of us (especially the older ones) must take.
Lecithin is a fatty substance found in animal and plant based foods, such as: eggs, liver, soy, wheat germ and peanuts. Our body manufactures lecithin as well. Certain processed food products like ice cream, chocolate, margarine, make use of lecithin too etc.
Lecithin is an excellent source of choline (vitamin B), in the form of phosphatidylcholine. In the body, phosphatidylcholine breaks down in to choline.
The health benefits of lecithin are:
- Aids in liver functioning
- Prevents gall stones from occurring
- Relives heart burn and acidity
- Boosts memory power
- Chocolate contains
- Lecithin
- Protects the heart
Soybean is a wonderful source of plant based lecithin. When you take soy lecithin, your body obtains choline from it. Lecithin and choline play a vital role in governing the functioning of every cell in your body. Soybean, tofu, soy milk, soy curd, miso, etc., will provide you lecithin in abundance.
- Soybean Lecithin or Soya Lecithin
Lecithin and Cholesterol : Lecithin for the Heart
Lecithin found in most plant sources help lower serum cholesterol levels appreciably. Lecithin decreases LDL (low density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) and maintains normal levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein). Thus, lecithin supplementation can ward off cardiovascular disorders successfully.
How to Improve Memory? Enhance Memory with Lecithin Supplements
Lecithin is a powerful nerve building nutrient that greatly improves memory. Lecithin is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, managing twitches and jerks and preventing neural tube defects.
Lecithin rich foods, consumed on a regular basis, keep your mind agile and active, enhance memory considerably, boost concentration levels and stave off degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Liver Detoxification with Lecithin: Improving Liver Function
Lecithin is particularly useful I treating gall bladder and liver disorders. Lecithin is a key component of bile; and low levels of lecithin trigger gall stone formation. Taking lecithin supplements can prevent and treat gall stone successfully.
Lecithin is often called a liver strengthening nutrient. It prevents build up of fats within the liver, improves flow of fats and cholesterol through the liver and gall bladder and helps the liver in the process of detoxification. Hepatitis, cirrhosis and gall stones are effectively treated with lecithin supplementation.
Lecithin Granules and Lecithin Dosage: Lecithin Side Effects
Lecithin is available in the form of granules, which need to be taken with meals to enhance absorption. The dose is 1 teaspoon of the granules, twice daily. The nutrient is also available in the form of capsules (2 capsules to be taken daily), or tablets or liquid.
Granular lecithin has a nutty taste and can be sprinkles over food or added to drinks.
High doses cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and sweating.
Another site HERE said:
What Are the Benefits of Lecithin?
Lecithin is claimed to be helpful for a variety of different uses. Some of the possible benefits of lecithin include the treatment of the following conditions:
- Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)
- Bipolar disorder
- High cholesterol
- Eczema
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (a group of symptoms, such as uncontrollable body movements, caused by some medications)
- Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) due to IV feeding
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver disease
- Anxiety
- Dry skin (when applied to the skin).
Lecithin is sometimes claimed to increase semen production in men and to aid in weight loss. There is little evidence to suggest that lecithin really works for most of these uses (see Does Lecithin Work?).
When used as a food or medication additive, lecithin typically serves as an emulsifier or a stabilizer. In these situations, lecithin is not considered to be a dietary supplement and is usually used in fairly small amounts.
How Does Lecithin Work?
Lecithin contains a mixture of different compounds, such as fatty acids, triglycerides, carbohydrates, and phospholipids. Lecithin contains choline, a compound that the body can use to make acetylcholine, an important brain chemical that is low in people with Alzheimer's disease. Because lecithin is a complex mixture of different compounds, it is not entirely clear how it might work.
Lecithin contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which could potentially cause negative effects for heart health.
If you have the time, check out THIS SITE for more benefits and risks of lecithin.
You may want to check out the Winston-Salem Journal which documented the testimonies of some who have been taking lecithin for over 30 years!
Of course, don't forget Wikipedia's entry on Lecithin HERE.
My hair fall is under control without the use of expensive shampoos/conditioners, my memory is better and hopefully, my fats can be dissolved faster with more exercise :-).
Whatever the case, please read up as much as you can on Lecithin before you make a decision. I am merely sharing from my personal experiences and also other information I collected from various sites.
Years ago, when I attended my friend's dad's 90th birthday, I met an elderly gentleman in his late 80's who also knew my father. When I marvelled at his mental agility, energy and exuberance, he told me that health is wealth but most chase after wealth when they are young to earn as much as they can without realizing that failure to take care of our health means our wealth will have to be used when we are older, to take care of our health!
Here are some inspirational quotes about health. Take care and take Lecithin!!!
" Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity."
~John F. Kennedy ~
"The higher your energy levels, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results."
-- Anthony Robbins ~
"To insure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life."
~ William Londen ~
"Breathing correctly is the key to better fitness, muscle strength, stamina and athletic endurance."
~ Dr. Michael Yessis ~
cin2tan biniku is always ill bcos she is 'sedate & sane' ...besides those FREE herbs & plants macam 'misai kucin , black-face-general, ginger, garlic, sour fruit leaves .....' she takes ALL sorts of direct-sale products .......!
NOW the latest one is the 'DARK GREEN pills " !!
SIGHS ...IF only had ADAM refused to donate his bone !!
ps : i have suggested 'urine' & she said aku gila one !