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(More customer reviews)IN A NUTSHELL: THE BEST VALUE FOR SUPPLEMENT GRADE LECITHIN
High quality Lecithin is constituted of 10-20% phosphatidyl choline [called PC]. This Swanson brand Lecithin Granules has 1.5 grams of PC per tablespoon, which is 6.5 grams. That means it has almost 23% PCs by weight which is very high and desirable.
SO WHAT ARE LECITHIN GRANULES GOOD FOR ANYWAY?
First, here's SWANSON's claims, "Add nutrition and flavor to your favorite foods with our Lecithin Granules. A great natural fat-emulsifier for healthy lipid balance and cardiovascular maintenance, lecithin is also an excellent source of phospholipids that play vital roles in brain and liver function."
Bear in mind the aforementioned claims by Swanson are probably true for the most part, but one needs to remember that they are promotional remarks used to sell a product.
HERE'S WHAT OBJECTIVE RESEARCH SUGGESTS:
According to recent scientific research Lecithin supplementation is Strongly Indicated for the following conditions and ailments;
-----*- High homocysteine [CARDIO-PROTECTIVE]
-----*- Liver cirrhosis
-----*- Prevention of Neural tube defects
-----*- Tardive dyskinesia
According to anecdotal evidence Lecithin Granules have been cited as helpful in the control or treatment of the following conditions and ailments;
-----*- Alzheimer's disease
-----*- Bipolar disorder
-----*- Gallbladder attacks
-----*- Hepatitis
-----*- High cholesterol
SO WHAT DOES IT DO IN THE HUMAN BODY? [source - HEALTHNOTES 2006]
"PC" functions as a supplier of choline, which is required for cell membrane integrity and to facilitate the movement of fats in and out of our cells. PC is also a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is needed for normal brain functioning, and is especially vital in infants. Whereas the human body can synthesize choline, additional amounts from the diet are considered essential under certain circumstances.
Because of its activity in the human brain, PC has been used in a number of preliminary studies for a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, with varying results and of course more study is needed.
FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
From my own experience from daily use of Lecithin Granules for almost 20 years, I have come to the following conclusions which are subjective and therefore in the realm of "anecdotal evidence".
Daily intake of Lecithin Granules may be partly responsible for the low cholesterol levels of both my spouse and I, and we believe that it "feels like" it improves our ability to concentrate and remember. In fact we are pretty sure about the memory enhancement effect more so than the cholesterol lowering because we can literally feel the effect of the Lecithin on our cognitive function. Again, this is anecdotal evidence.
CHOLINE AND INOSITOL DON'T GROW ON TREES: OR B-COMPLEX FORMULAS
You won't find much Choline or Inositol in your Multi-Vitamins or your diet. Relatively few vitamin supplements contain either B vitamin, [few B-complex formulas too] and when they do it is in non-therapeutic quantities, typically 25 or 50 mg per pill, whereas a tablespoon of this Lecithin has a combined total of about 2,400 mg.!
ABOUT BRANDS: WE PURCHASE THE SWANSON 3 LB. CONTAINER for $9.99 [nice reusable canister]
As far as content and quality goes, most major brands are generally about the same, but do vary considerably in price. To be sure of what you are getting check the label, and see what the content of Choline, Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphatidyl Inositol and Linoleic Acid. Since you may not be able to read the fine print on the label pictured on this site here are the specs for Swanson's Lecithin Granules per 6.5 gram tablespoon;
-----*- Choline 3 Grams [total - thats why it adds up to more than 6.5]
-----*- Phosphatidylcholine 1.5 grams
-----*- Phosphatidylethanolamine 1.3 Grams
-----*- Phosphatidyl Inositol .9 Grams
-----*- Linoleic Acid 1.9 Grams
HOW TO ADD LECITHIN TO YOUR DIET:
Add Lecithin Granules by the teaspoon or more to Yogurt, Cold or Hot Cereal, Soup or Stews, Salads, Eggs, or just about anything. The label suggests adding it to meatloaf, but I would think that the B-Vitamins Choline and Inositol would be sensitive to such a prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
WHAT DOES LECITHIN TASTE LIKE?
It sort of tastes slightly buttery and nutty, with a light flavor that is reminiscent of apple. It is added to candy bars, in fairly large quantities, as an emulsifier, so it can't be unpalatable.
THE BEST VALUE FOR SUPPLEMENT GRADE LECITHIN THAT I AM AWARE OF![I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY COMPANY OR PRODUCT]
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Lecithin Granules 16 oz (454 g) Granules
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