Lecithin is a group of chemical compounds naturally occurring in both plants and animals, and is responsible for the yellow pigmentation in egg yolk. It is rich in choline and phosphatidylcholine, all of which are precursors to acetylcholine, the only neurotransmitter present in all parts of the nervous system, and thus a subject of studies concerning disorders of the nervous system, including its purported role in the enhancement of cognitive functions like memory and intelligence.

Phosphatidylcholine was the first constituent of lecithin to be isolated, which, as early as the first half of the 19th century, was identified to be present in the blood, bile, brain tissue in human beings as well as in eggs, fish roe, and sheep brain. Due to its high solubility properties in water, oils, fats, and other organic solvents, lecithin has been used in the large-scale productions of most food and pharmaceutical products such as candies, low-fat mayonnaise, cocoa products as well as intravenous fat infusions and animal feed. Also, its emulsifying properties make an ideal ingredient in dough, which with the addition of lecithin increases in volume and mixes ingredients more evenly.

Cellular Health

The human body makes use of lecithin in many different ways, but readily incorporates phosphatidylcholine in cells, where it is one of the major phospholipids that make up the cell membranes. Hence, phosphatidylcholine is in fact an important component of cellular organisms and exist in all cells of the human body, protecting the interior of the cells from the outside environment and regulating the passage of nutrients and other substances into the cells.

Cholinergic Neurotransmission

Lecithin also plays a crucial role in the synthesis of acetylcholine, which is the exclusive neurotransmitter in certain parts of the nervous system apart from the fact that it is utilized by receptors in synaptic transmission elsewhere. The part of the nervous system that influences heart rate, respiration, digestion, and perspiration is entirely cholinergic, that is uses acetylcholine as its sole neurotransmitter. The same is true for the system involved in the voluntary movements of body parts such as the lower limbs when walking or the fingers when typing.

Memory-enhancing Activities

There has been a growing support for the use of lecithin in studies that find ways to enhance the memory as acetylcholine is active in the central nervous system as well. Especially upon waking up, acetylcholine is central to the activation of our sensory perception. Of special note is the evident utilization of cholinergic neurotransmission at times of concentration, leading to the belief that certain concentrations of acetylcholine in the human body contributes to attaining focused attention.

Impairment of cholinergic functions has been linked to mental retardation, notably in senility characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. While comprising up to 90 percent of cell membranes throughout infancy, the fact that choline and phosphatidylcholine become steadily less available in age has been associated to most diseases of the elderly. Since lecithin is completely absorbed by the body without any toxic effects, its consumption is recommendable.

You can find Lecithin rich in brain boosting elements at your local or internet vitamin store in capsules of bulk powder forms. Always choose name brands like Now Foods to ensure quality and purity of the product you buy for better health.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Lecithin, Acetylcholine, Good Neurotransmitter Foods, Brain Enhancing Foods