Lecithin is an organic compound found in the cells of all living things. Although healthy human bodies produce adequate amounts of lecithin on a regular basis, there are benefits from taking a supplemental dose of liquid lecithin. The main source of liquid lecithin in the commercial market comes from soybeans. The medicinal component in lecithin is believed to be phosphatidylcholine.

Liver Function

In Germany, lecithin has been used to treat or prevent liver maladies including cirrhosis, hepatitis and fatty liver caused by diabetes. The federal German authority on food and drugs, the BGA (German Federal Health Administration), has authorized use of phosphatidylcholine for treating such liver conditions.

Cholesterol Reduction

"Lecithin seems to possess beneficial properties in reducing cholesterol levels and controlling or preventing atherosclerosis," according to Drugs.com. Lecithin acts as an emulsifier that helps to break down the lipid components of cholesterol, thus preventing cholesterol from building in arteries.

Weight Loss

Lecithin is believed to have a favorable effect on the metabolizing of fat, and is therefore a popular supplement for weight loss, according to Lecithin-Source.com. Lecithin helps to emulsify fats with water, allowing them to break down more easily and flush out of the body.

Neurological Function

Lecithin may benefit certain neurological conditions such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and bipolar disorder by promoting healthy brain function.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Phosphadylcholine has gained popularity as a supportive treatment in severe ulcerative colitis. "There may be an insufficient quantity of phosphatidylcholine in the mucus lining the colon in patients with ulcerative colitis," according to an article on the website of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Taking supplements of liquid lecithin may correct that deficiency, and many study participants have experienced dramatic results, allowing discontinuation of their regular ulcerative colitis medications, according to the article.

Source:

Complete Lecithin Information from Drugs.com

Lecithin and Cholesterol

Lecithin - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

More Information:

Preventing or Slowing Liver Damage in Drinkers: Use of Lecithin, SAM-e and Glutathione

Soy Lecithin