What are phospholipids?
When talking about phospholipids, we must talk about cells and cell membranes. Because all organisms—animals, plants, and microorganisms—are composed of cells. The outer layer of the cell is called the cell membrane. Many organelles within the cell also have membrane structures. The main material that constitutes these membrane structures is phospholipids.
Phospholipid is a type of lipid that plays a decisive role in the normal metabolism and normal life activities of cells. The content of lecithin on the cell membrane directly affects the fluidity of the membrane, the position of proteins and receptors, and thus affects enzyme activity and The transport function of protein, the metabolism ability, self-healing ability, regeneration ability and overall vitality of human life are all inseparable from lecithin! Therefore, some people say: “Without phospholipids, there would be no complete cells.”
What are the foods rich in phospholipids?
Soybeans, mushrooms, egg yolks, walnuts, nuts, fish roe, chicken, duck, fish and animal offal, etc.
When people first discovered phospholipids, they were in egg yolks, so they were often called “lecithin”.
Later, it was discovered that soybeans are a richer and easier source of lecithin, a natural antibacterial agent for egg plastics. So now, whether it is used as an additive in industry or as a nutritional supplement or health care product, most of the lecithin is Soy lecithin extracted from soybeans is just called lecithin.
Why modern people are prone to lack of phospholipid intake
Because many modern people are worried about obesity, they intentionally eat less meat, especially fat meat, animal offal, eggs, etc.;
At the same time, modern food processing is exquisite, and refined oil, salad oil, etc. reduce the originally abundant lecithin;
Because lecithin is not heat-resistant, its activity is easily lost after exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, and the cooking method will also affect the intake;
Children and the elderly are more likely to have insufficient intake due to limited food choices and limited digestion and absorption capabilities;
Students are overburdened with study and use their brains too much, and white-collar life and workplace pressure are too great, all of which will consume a lot of lecithin and increase the demand.
At the same time, we all know that due to the increase of age, deterioration of living environment and the influence of bad living habits, a large number of free radicals are produced in the human body. Free radicals will directly oxidize the phospholipids on the cell membrane, causing damage to the cell membrane structure, thereby directly affecting the cells. Physiological functions. Some people liken phospholipid PC to “the building material of cell membrane”. Paying attention to the intake of phospholipid PC will have a positive impact on many of our body functions.
Understand the phospholipid family
The phospholipids we often talk about are the concept of a mixture, which includes a variety of phospholipid active ingredients composed of different structures and functions.
Among them are: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidyl inositol (PI), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidic acid (PA), etc. Generally speaking, lecithin actually refers to phosphatidylcholine (PC). Because it contains the largest amount of phospholipid functional groups, it can affect human health in many ways. Therefore, the content of phosphatidylcholine in the product It has become an important criterion for us to judge the quality differences of lecithin products.
The health effects of phospholipids
1. “The cornerstone of new life”
Phospholipid deficiency will affect sperm and egg quality and the formation of new life. Amniotic fluid is rich in phospholipids, and its concentration directly affects the normal development of fetal brain cells and tissues and organs, and is related to slow intrauterine growth and low birth weight.
The massive loss of phospholipids in mothers after childbirth is also related to insufficient breast milk secretion, slow postpartum uterine recovery, postpartum obesity, hair loss, skin wrinkles, and even postpartum depression.
The amniotic fluid in pregnant women contains a large amount of lecithin. 70% of human brain cells have already been formed in the mother. In order to promote the development of fetal brain cells, it is very important for pregnant women to supplement enough lecithin. Lecithin It can promote the growth and development of the brain’s nervous system and brain capacity. The US Food and Drug Administration stipulates that infant milk powder must add lecithin.
2. “Advanced Neurotrophin”
Brain nerve excitement relies on the transport of neurotransmitters (acetylcholine) between nerve cells. With this transmitter, feelings and memories are formed.
Phospholipids are important substances that make up the nerve myelin sheath, which can make the information transmission process more accurate and focus more.
The demand for phospholipids for fetal brain development is 2 to 3 times that of other tissues. The 7th Lecithin International Conference clearly stated: “Pregnant women taking an appropriate amount of lecithin is crucial for the intellectual development of infants and young children. ”
At the same time, experiments have proven that after students supplement lecithin in an appropriate amount, their memory improves by 25% compared to before taking it. Can reduce stress and make studying easier.
Memory and concentration decline by up to 50% in middle age. Mental work becomes overwhelming.
In old age, brain cells gradually decline, and the content of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine decreases even further. Phospholipids can activate brain cells, improve or even restore memory. It is helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Natural “vascular scavenger”
—-Lower blood lipids, improve hypertension, and prevent arteriosclerosis
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) itself is the main component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and plays a “scavenger” role in the cholesterol metabolism process.Use.
The molecular structure of PC contains good emulsification, which dissolves triglycerides and cholesterol plaques in the blood and blood vessel walls into fine particles, reduces the retention of fat in the inner walls of blood vessels, prevents damage to the intima of blood vessels caused by cholesterol, and increases blood flow. fluidity. Sufficient supply of phospholipids keeps blood vessels younger.
4. “Liver Protector”
—Enhance the detoxification function of the liver, eliminate fatty liver, resist alcoholic liver damage, and resolve gallstones.
The liver is the largest detoxification organ in the human body. Most of the detoxification function is performed on the cell membrane. The liver cell membrane is the most vulnerable part of the cell to be damaged. Once damaged, liver function will be affected. Clinical studies have proven that phospholipids are the primary nutrient for the liver and have a powerful effect in reducing free radical damage to the liver and promoting liver cell regeneration.
“Gallstone dissolving agent”
90% of gallstones are formed by cholesterol precipitation. Phospholipids can break down, digest and absorb excess cholesterol stones, keeping the cholesterol in bile in a liquid state. Ingesting a certain amount of lecithin every day can effectively prevent the formation of gallstones, slowly dissolve the formed gallstones, and restore the gallbladder to normal physiological functions.
“Regulating endocrine”
—-Promote the release of insulin from the pancreas and regulate endocrine disorders.
