The primary benefits of sunflower lecithin include:
- Improving digestion
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Boosts brain function and memory
- Prevents fatty liver
- Promotes weight loss
- Supports phase 3 liver detoxification
Sunflower lecithin for cholesterol
One of the most well-known health benefits of sunflower lecithin is its ability to reduce cholesterol levels by increasing biliary secretion. Sunflower lecithin reduces excess LDL cholesterol, known as the bad cholesterol, and promotes the synthesis of HDL cholesterol, HDL is known as the good cholesterol.
In one study, 500 mg of soy lecithin was administered for two months. After two months, the results showed a reduction in total cholesterol by 42% and a decrease in LDL cholesterol by 56%.
The most significant reduction in cholesterol levels was observed after one month of taking 500 mg of soy lecithin. This study suggests that taking a soy lecithin supplement daily can be used to reduce cholesterol levels.
The soy lecithin capsules contained 22% phospholipids, 10% triacylglycerol, and 68% phosphatidylcholine.
Optimal PC by Seeking Health contains 800 mg of phospholipids derived from sunflower lecithin, including phosphatidylcholine.
The sunflower lecithin in Optimal PC is not genetically modified and is an alternative to soy lecithin. Many soy lecithin products are genetically modified, so be sure to read the labels on any soy or sunflower lecithin supplement.
High-quality soy or sunflower lecithin supplements will not be genetically modified.
Sunflower lecithin for improving gallbladder function and digestion
Phosphatidylcholine is a critical nutrient found in sunflower lecithin, which is essential for optimal gallbladder function.
The gallbladder is a primary organ involved in digestion as the gallbladder is responsible for storing and releasing bile for the emulsification of fats.
When there is a phosphatidylcholine deficiency, the bile becomes thick and sludgy. Vicious thick bile can result in fat malabsorption and trouble digesting fats.
Bile is also antimicrobial and essential for preventing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. When bile is too thick and not flowing from the gallbladder due to a phosphatidylcholine deficiency, bacteria can overgrow in the small intestine.
Sunflower lecithin contains phosphatidylcholine, which is essential for optimal fat digestion and preventing SIBO.
Fat malabsorption and SIBO are common digestive problems that can be improved by supplementing with sunflower lecithin.
Sunflower lecithin and ox bile were the two primary supplements I used to beat my SIBO symptoms.
Phosphatidylcholine is needed to make up every cell membrane in the body. The intestinal lining is replaced every few days and requires an ample supply of phosphatidylcholine to make healthy cells that line the GI tract.
Sunflower lecithin for fatty liver and weight loss
Another benefit of sunflower lecithin is it helps to transport fats out of the liver. Thus, helping to prevent fatty liver. When fats build up in the liver, insulin resistance develops.
A fatty liver and insulin resistance can lead to weight gain. Sunflower lecithin helps to promote weight loss by transporting fats out of the liver.
When the liver is healthy and free of fat build-up, there is ample storage available in the liver for incoming food to be stored. When there is storage available in the liver, the body doesn’t need to store incoming calories in fat cells. Fat storage in adipose tissue leads to weight gain.
Reversing fatty liver is essential for weight loss, and sunflower lecithin helps prevent excess fats from building up in the liver.
Here is a delicious green smoothie recipe for weight loss with sunflower lecithin powder in it. You can also learn how to make a smoothie for weight loss using sunflower lecithin.
The benefits of sunflower lecithin for liver detoxification
Sunflower lecithin is also a critical nutrient for liver detoxification as it promotes bile flow from the gallbladder. The liver detoxifies through a three-step process known as phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3 liver detox.
The liver dumps conjugated and bound toxins from phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification pathways into the bile.
The elimination of toxins out of the liver via the bile is known as phase 3 liver detoxification. The phase 3 liver detox pathway needs to be wide open with healthy bile that flows well so that toxins can get out of the liver.
The phosphatidylcholine in sunflower lecithin is crucial for keeping bile flowing smoothly out of the gallbladder.
Brain function and memory
Sunflower lecithin is rich in choline, which speeds up the creation and release of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a critical neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine carries signals across brain cells, which is necessary for optimal brain function. High choline consumption has been associated with healthier brain tissue.
People who have choline-rich diets were more likely to do well on memory and cognitive tests. Individuals with cognitive decline have been shown to have lower levels of acetylcholine.
Eating choline-rich foods is a fantastic way to boost brain function and memory through diet.
Improving gut health, lowering cholesterol, supporting optimal liver function, and boosting brain health are some of the primary health benefits of sunflower lecithin.
References:
Influence of Soy Lecithin Administration on Hypercholesterolemia
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