Lecithin Granules Non-GMO - 454g (Bag)

NOW Lecithin Granules are dervied entirely from Non-Genetically Engineered (Non-GE) soybeans that have been Identity Preserved (IP). This guarantees that the soybeans are from seedstock that has been certified as Non-GE.

Lecithin is a naturally occurring compound found in all cells in nature, plant and animal. It plays a major role in almost all biological processes - including nerve transmission, breathing and energy production. The word lecithin is taken from the Greek Lekithos, which means "egg yolk". A fitting name for this essential nutrient, for the egg is considered a symbol of life, strength and fertility. Lecithin is important for all of these biological functions and more. Our brain is approximately 30% Lecithin. The insulating myelin sheaths that protect the brain, spine and thousands of miles of nerves in in your body are almost two-thirds Lecithin.

Lecithin is composed of many different components, including Choline, Inositol, Linoleic Acid, Phosphatidylserine, beneficial fatty acids and triglycerides. These valuable constituents of Lecithin are vital for the proper functioning of many metabolic processes. Lecithin contains essential phospholipids required by every living cell in our body. Lecithin acts as a lipid lowering agent, and aids in the absorption of fat soluable vitamins and improves the health of the nervous system.

Lecithin is an emulsifying agent that contains mostly Choline, the B vitamin, and smaller amounts of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid and Inositol. Emulsifying means that it makes fat soluble in water. Its emulsifying properties allow it to prevent fatty build-ups in the body, for example in the blood vessels and liver. Lecithin helps maintain cholesterol levels because it's healthy fats build HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is responsible for moving fat, from storage or plaques, into the liver where processing and excretion of fat occurs. By decreasing fatty build-up on arteries it helps to regulate blood pressure.

Lecithin is a large component of all cell membranes because it regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The choline it contains can cross the blood-brain barrier to produce brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that aid in memory - in particular acetylcholine. The protective coating of the brain and nerve cells are also composed of choline. In this respect lecithin helps to make the sheath (myelin) that surrounds the nerves that conduct messages from the brain to the muscles and organs of your body, performing a similar function to the insulation sheathing of electrical wires. If this protective sheath degenerates (as in MS), a "shorting out" of the message that the nerve is carrying occurs.

Lecithin has been used for cardiovascular disease, improving memory, repairing the liver, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes and other immune system disorders.

What are Phospholipids?

Phospholipids, of which the most common is lecithin, are important in the structure of all membranes. Because of their unique carbohydrate-fat structure they can move well in both fat and water, thus move easily in and out of cells.