Lecithin, Pros and Cons... read carefully!
LESS-A-THIN
Lecithin is good for you. How good? Each tablespoon (7.5 grams) of lecithin granules contains about 1700 mg of phosphatidyl choline, 1000 mg of phosphatidyl inositol, and about 2,200 mg of essential fatty acids as linoleic acid. It also contains the valuable fish-oil-like, omega-3 linolenic acid. It is the rule, not the exception, for one or more of these valuable substances to be undersupplied by our daily diet.
Lecithin tastes crummy. How crummy? Well, the lecithin that is available in capsules is the most popular. These are sold at health food stores and are admittedly convenient, but are also expensive. In order to get even one tablespoon of lecithin, you would have to take eight to twelve capsules! Since a normal supplemental dose is three or more tablespoons daily, that's a lot of capsules to swallow.
Much less costly is liquid lecithin. A taste for liquid lecithin has to be acquired, shall we say. It is easier to take if you first coat the spoon with milk or molasses. After taking liquid lecithin, it is wise to have a "chaser" of any dairy product or, again, molasses. Beef and sheep brains are also an excellent source of lecithin, but don't expect me to recommend them.
Probably the best way to get a lot of lecithin easily is to take lecithin GRANULES. Stir the granules quickly into juice or milk. They won't dissolve, but rather will drift about as you drink. Lecithin granules can also be used as a topping on any cold food. Ice cream comes to mind. Also, they are not bad if stirred into yogurt. If you put lecithin granules on hot food, they will melt and you will then have liquid lecithin.
If that "brains" comment a while back is still bothering you, please bear in mind that all supplemental forms of lecithin are made from soy beans. An alternate non-soy source is egg yolk. Generally, maximum benefit is obtained when you eat the yolk lightly cooked (such as in a soft-boiled egg).
By the way, the correct pronunciation of LECITHIN is "LESS-A-THIN. This is easy to remember because you are probably less-a-thin then you used-to-be.
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10040,00.html
… In addition to its value for memory and mental function, studies suggest that lecithin alters the membranes of cells in a manner that inhibits the entry of viruses. Lecithin works by increasing the cell membrane ratio of phosphatidylcholine/ phosphatidylethanolamine to cholesterol, increasing the fluidity of the cell membrane, making it harder for viruses to penetrate. Lecithin’s ability to reduce cholesterol in cell membranes may also prevent cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis.
http://www.health-marketplace.com/Lecithin-B-5.htm
Lecithin has received widespread attention recently for its speculative treatment of many diseases and obesity. It has even been marketed as a product for those whom want to get rid of a little excess fat and improve muscle endurance. There is no proven evidence that suggests lecithin supplements have any effect in these areas, although studies continue to search for lecithin's role in these areas. Lecithin supplements at this time are not recommended for anyone, except for people taking niacin. Any diet or supplement that promises a quick fix to weight loss either has no scientific proof, and/or is probably a serious health risk. Lecithin supplements for weight loss fit into both of these categories. The more we search for answers, the more we come back to the same solution. The only safe, proven way to loose weight is through a healthy, low-fat diet with regular exercise. All the lecithin one needs for proper biological functioning is supplied in a healthy diet and by our own cell.
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/LECITHIN_SUPPLEMENT.htm