Journalists of the Russian international information agency «Novosti» asked me for help in preparing a material on the topic «Lecithin: types, benefits and harms, peculiarities of ingestion». I prepared an expert commentary and also helped to check the material prepared by journalists for errors and inaccuracies.
So, lecithin performs not one but several functions in the human body. Firstly, it is one of the main structural components of cells (of which cell membranes are composed), helping to renew and «repair» them.
That is, it is the building material for many organs and tissues, primarily the brain and nervous system in general, as well as the liver.
It also helps to deliver to the cells all the necessary nutrients (vitamins, etc.), and also contains a component that promotes the formation of acetylcholine — an important neurotransmitter that affects the function of the brain.
In addition, lecithin plays a role in metabolism, has antioxidant properties (that is, can fight free radicals).
It is thought that people may need an increased intake of lecithin during periods of serious intellectual activity and during intense sports.
These properties are equally important for men and women, but for women lecithin is also important because it participates in the production of female hormones and can be used to prevent many «female» diseases (including some quite serious). By the way, lecithin in men also has a positive effect on the reproductive system.
Consumption of products rich in lecithin can also benefit children who are experiencing serious mental or psychological stress. For example, younger pupils, for whom the first years at school are often an ordeal and a source of considerable stress.
Olga Dekker, nutritionist, member of the National Society of Dietitians and Nutritionists and the European Association for the Study of Obesity