Lecithin, found in egg yolks and soybeans, is sold as a dietary supplement for various ailments. Studies are inconclusive on its correlation to cholesterol reduction, but it has been shown to improve cognitive abilities. Other benefits, such as weight loss and skin healing, are far-fetched.
Lecithin is a naturally occurring fat-soluble compound found in egg yolks and soybeans, and is also sold on its own in the dietary supplements section for various ailments and conditions. There is a correlation between lecithin and cholesterol reduction, but studies are inconclusive as to whether lecithin provides a significant benefit. Many lecithin supplements, which are typically derived from soy, claim a link between lecithin and cholesterol reduction. In addition to the weak evidence supporting the link between lecithin and cholesterol, lecithin has been conclusively shown to improve cognitive abilities.
The connection between lecithin and cholesterol reduction lies in the chemical structure of lecithin, which is made up primarily of fatty acids. These fatty acids have been shown to help certain lipids and steroids such as cholesterol maintain a fluid-like pace and help move cholesterol out of the bloodstream and out of the body. Although lecithin has been shown to be beneficial in moving low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, out of the body, studies have not been conclusive or even widely studied. Many manufacturers try to profit from studies showing a correlation between lecithin and cholesterol by using the connection in the marketing of dietary supplements.
Other benefits that have been linked to lecithin include weight loss and skin healing, however these theories are far more far-fetched than lowering cholesterol. Since lecithin supposedly aids in the movement of cholesterol out of the body, lecithin is proposed to do the same for body fat in adipose tissue. These theories may fail when the caloric content of lecithin is analyzed, since its fat contributes too many calories to fully link its consumption with successful and lasting weight loss. It’s also not clear how lecithin might improve skin healing, but it may be due to the fact that the fats in lecithin help nourish the skin and underlying tissues.
In addition to the loose connections between lecithin and cholesterol, there is a benefit that has gained more support in the scientific field. Cognitive abilities can be strengthened with the use of lecithin, and it has been shown to be somewhat helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This disease causes a decrease in a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, and lecithin has been shown to increase the production of this natural neurotransmitter. If LDL decreases while taking this supplement to boost cognitive abilities, it should be viewed as a positive side effect, but not necessarily a direct cause.
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