Q: WHAT IS A PHOSPHOLIPID?

 

A: A phospholipid is a substance that contains phosphorus in a phosphoryl group attached to one of the three carbons of a glycerol molecule. This carbon can also have other groups attached, such as choline (for phosphatidylcholine, or PC for short). The other two carbons can carry additional chemical groups of various kinds, such as fatty acids.

 

Q: WHAT IS LECITHIN?

 

A: Lecithin is the common term for a mixture of more than one phospholipid. Lecithin was one of, if not the, earliest “health food.” The clinical value of lecithin became apparent long before the value of its individual phospholipids was recognized.

 

 

Q: WHAT PHOSPHOLIPIDS ARE FOUND IN LECITHIN?

 

A: Phospholipids are the active ingredients in lecithin. The most clinically important of them are:

  . phosphatidyl choline (PC)

  . phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE)

  . phosphatidyl serine (PS)

  . phosphatidyl inositol (PI)

 

These phospholipids make a range of important contributions to the body. For one, they support the many signaling functions in our cells related to the outer cell membranes, which act as a “master switch.”  Through their “master switch” roles, phospholipids also play an important role in the conversion of food into cell nutrients. The following are just a few striking examples of their preventive and therapeutic actions.

Phospholipids are essential in the formation of chylomicrons and lipoproteins, tiny bloodborne structures required for the transport of fats and cholesterol between the digestive system and all the body’s  cells.  Dozens of clinical studies have shown that soy phospholipids can lower elevated blood cholesterol levels.  Two teaspoons a day of organic lecithin sprinkled on cereal  can provide an effective dose for a significant reduction of cholesterol levels.