When it comes to lecithin, most people ask, “What is it good for”? It sounds like just another supplement you’ll never need. You might, however, be surprised to know that if you have had liver problems or been pregnant at some of your life, this substance led to your recovery and improved your health. Although it is naturally manufactured by the liver, you still need to eat food high in lecithin to get an adequate dose your body needs to function at its best.
What is lecithin?
Lecithin is a substance that is produced by the liver to ensure the organ functions properly. It can also be found in plants and animals. It plays a significant role in synthesizing vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, D, E and K. It is also essential for cell production and health because it assists cells to receive the nutrients they need.
What are the benefits of lecithin?
Lecithin deficiency affects liver function. If the liver does not produce enough of this substance, it cannot clean your body of toxins, produce proteins or process the nutrients you receive from the food you eat. Relying on your body to create it is not enough. You need a great diet of food high in lecithin to avoid liver disorders like fatty liver disease, inflammation, cirrhosis and hepatitis. These liver disorders can cause uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain, tiredness, nausea, weight loss, itchiness, insomnia, hair loss, heart palpitations and dizziness.
In pregnant women, lack of lecithin can disrupt the transmission of nutrients from mother to baby.
What foods are high in lecithin?
You don’t have to look far to find food high in lecithin. You can find the substance in vegetables and legumes like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, beans and most leafy veggies. Eggs, cheese, yoghurt, milk and other dairy products are also healthy sources of lecithin and many other useful nutrients.
Soy is considered as one of the top sources of lecithin. You can enjoy cereal with soy milk or garnish salad with soy cheese. Soy beans make a wonderful and healthy side dish.
Lean cuts of meat are essential to your lecithin diet. Animal liver in general is loaded with lecithin and regular servings can boost liver function.
Try to keep foods as fresh and natural as possible. Instead of frying, grill, boil or bake food.
What are the worst foods for the liver?
Fatty, high-sugar fast foods should be off the menu if you want to care for your liver. So should alcoholic beverages and salty foods. Consuming too much alcohol leads to toxics accumulating in the blood and when the liver has trouble detoxifying your blood, it can be detrimental to your health. High levels of sodium force the liver to work harder than it should and can lead to conditions like high blood pressure.
Taking supplements
Complement your diet with lecithin supplements if you are diagnosed with deficiency by your doctor. If you are not diagnosed, stick to the lecithin in your diet until you receive professional advice.
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