Sunflower Lecithin Powder: side effects

What are the possible side effects of sunflower lecithin powder?

Introduction

Lecithin is the common name for phosphatidylcholine, a fat that is an important component of every cell in the body.

Furthermore, in humans, it is the main phospholipid (phospholipids are fatty acids with phosphate groups attached at the end) circulating in plasma as well as a principal component of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Also, it is vital in the body’s capacity to utilize fat-soluble vitamins D, A, K, and E.

It is extracted from the sunflower, then the seed is dehydrated and then separated into oil (it is produced in a similar way to virgin olive oil), gum, and solids.

It is used in foods as a thickening agent and emulsifier, and homogenizing liquid mixtures. However, for health benefits, it is recommended to be consumed as a supplement.

Health benefits of sunflower lecithin powder

Natural remedy for arthritis

More than 50 million people in the United States now suffer from arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arthritis is a degenerative and painful disorder that is marked by inflammation of the joints which causes pain and stiffness.

In addition to pain and stiffness, some frequent symptoms include redness and swelling around the joint.

This supplement helps lubricate your affected joints throughout your body.

Heals cuts and scrapes

The idea of loading up your open wounds with drugs can seem a little sketchy.

When applied directly to the wound, this supplement can improve your body’s ability to heal and speed up the release of cytokines, a large group of proteins that are secreted by particular cells of the immune system.

In addition, it contains oleic acid, which also promotes healing by helping the body release cytokines.

Neurodegenerative disease protection

More than 600 disorders afflict the nervous system.

This supplement may help the nervous system to function better due to its abundant content of fatty acids.

Furthermore, the health benefits of these fatty acids on the brain are promising to people who may be suffering from neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

According to studies, it is beneficial to take 6,000-7,000 mg of this supplement daily when dealing with this type of disorder.

In addition, it is involved in producing acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is an essential body chemical that transfers nerve signals from one nerve ending to another.

Acetylcholine is critical for the everyday functioning of the brain, especially in the areas of learning, movement, sleep quality, and memory.

Lowers LDL cholesterol

High LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, a cause of heart attacks. Another adverse effect of high LDL cholesterol is a progressive hardening of the artery walls and narrowing of arteries, a serious condition named atherosclerosis.

Thus, it is crucial to maintain low levels of LDL cholesterol in order to potentially reduce your risk of developing life-threatening diseases.

Just like other emulsifiers, this supplement is an important body component that can be used to eliminate excess body fats, including excess triglycerides and cholesterol, from the bloodstream.

It may also improve the circulation of the blood, which could be beneficial for preventing the formation of blood clots. That is why it is an excellent dietary supplement to be used regularly.

Fights free radical damage

Free radicals (molecules, usually of oxygen, which have lost an electron) are behind almost every known disorder, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart, and Parkinson’s disease.

They are also strongly associated with aging diseases and skin problems.

This beneficial supplement contains one of the most potent antioxidants, known as phosphatidylcholine which fights free radicals.

No phytoestrogen content

This supplement contains no phytoestrogens. Goods high in estrogen can have adverse effects on your health by destroying your hormone balance.

For instance, men who are experiencing low testosterone, usually have elevated levels of estrogen.

It provides a great source of choline

Choline, an organic and water-soluble compound, is a macronutrient that’s crucial for normal brain development, liver function, muscle movement, nerve function, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and supporting good energy levels.

Boosts your immune system

Your immune system is a complex network of tissues, cells, and organs that work in synergy to protect us against germs.

Lecithin helps our body to recognize these “foreign” invaders and boosts the immune system by coating our red blood cells.

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Side Effects of Sunflower Lecithin Powder

This supplement has no known adverse effects and is generally recognized as safe. However, normal doses for sensitive individuals may cause gastrointestinal problems, like – diarrhea, stomachache, loose stools, and nausea.

There is also a form of lecithin produced from soybeans. Some associated side effects include diarrhea, bloating, nausea, mild skin rashes, and stomach pain.

There are also claims regarding the side effects of its phytoestrogen content (not the same as estrogen).

These compounds have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties, and according to recent studies, they possess health benefits, especially for women.

However, dairy milk accounts for approximately 80% of estrogen consumed in the human diet.

The hormones in dairy products have the potential to reduce fertility and increase the risk of prostate cancer.

More importantly, the level of estrogen could be problematic for children by increasing sexual maturation in young girls and delaying sexual maturation in young boys.

Image source – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunflower-sunflower-field-flowers-3550693/

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Sources

http://www.jbc.org/content/206/1/443.full.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11358109
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524299/