Lecithin Help for Cholesterol

The liver produces lecithin, and it is found in the cells and organs of every person. Lecithin has a specific function in the body to emulsify fats. When it is found in the liver, lecithin processes fat, and when it is in the bloodstream, it keeps fat from building up on artery walls. Those with high cholesterol can benefit from lecithin supplements to reduce blood levels of cholesterol.

Food Sources of Lecithin

• Adding more lecithin to your diet will help improve your body's ability to metabolize fat and reduce your cholesterol levels. Soybeans are the greatest source of lecithin, and it is the major source of lecithin that is used in food products on the market. Lecithin from soybeans is used in a variety of food items, such as margarine and chocolate. Red meat and eggs are other sources of lecithin in the diet. Unfortunately, these foods also contain a great amount of cholesterol as well.
  Lecithin is a source of choline, which is found in every cell in the body. Lecithin and choline are an important part of cardiovascular health because of their ability to metabolize fat.

Lecithin Supplementation

• One of the problems with trying to get lecithin into the body with dietary means is the foods that contain it are high in fat and cholesterol. These are the very problems that many people are trying to reduce. Lecithin supplements are another method for getting it into the body.

  When choosing a lecithin supplement, it is essential that you find a source that is fresh and contained in a container that is oxygen free. Lecithin can become rancid even when it is in dry form. Refrigerate lecithin supplements to keep them fresher longer.

  A healthy amount of choline and lecithin supplementation is between 5g and 20g a day. Supplementation is important for those who have cut down on high-fat red meat, eggs and other fatty foods that contain the nutrient. Supplementation ensures that we are getting enough lecithin and choline in our diets for optimal health.

Reducing Consumed Cholesterol

• Adding lecithin supplements to your diet to lower blood cholesterol levels is a step toward good cardiovascular health. It is also important to reduce the amount of cholesterol that is consumed in the diet as well. Red meat, eggs, pork, veal and organ meats are high-cholesterol foods. It is also important to recognize that cholesterol is a necessary part of the body for healthy functioning.

  Some of the foods that are high in cholesterol are also sources of other nutrients that the body needs to function properly. Protein, essential fatty acids and carbohydrates, are important to our continued good health.

  A well-balanced diet that keeps cholesterol consumption at normal levels is the best approach to cardiovascular health. Having your cholesterol levels checked frequently to determine if you are falling within normal ranges is the best way to determine if your diet is sufficiently reduced in cholesterol for good health.