Sunflower lecithin, a fatty substance in sunflower seeds, may benefit health by supporting the digestive system, lowering cholesterol, supporting heart and brain health, and more.
Some people take lecithin supplements to support the lecithin that the body naturally produces. The supplements are derived from various foods, including sunflower seeds.
Lecithin from sunflower seeds has numerous possible health benefits, from managing cholesterol levels to improving heart health.
You may wish to speak with a doctor for information about the possible benefits of sunflower lecithin based on your individual circumstances and health requirements.
Read on for more information about the possible health benefits of sunflower lecithin.
Lecithin may help support the digestive system.
According to a 2021 meta-analysis, the phosphatidylcholine present in topical lecithin could be beneficial for improving quality of life for people with ulcerative colitis.
Phosphatidylcholine is a type of phospholipid, which is a type of fat. The meta-analysis suggests that 30% phosphatidylcholine-containing lecithin could help reduce inflammation. This could be beneficial for ulcerative colitis and other conditions where there is inflammation in the digestive tract.
More research is necessary to determine the possible benefits of sunflower lecithin on the digestive system, specifically.
In general, lecithin can help lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol. It can also help increase high density lipoprotein (HDH) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol.
However, it is unclear whether sunflower lecithin specifically offers more or less benefit on cholesterol than other types of lecithin.
You can speak with a doctor about ways to manage their cholesterol, including whether increasing dietary intake of lecithin or taking lecithin supplements may help.
As lecithin may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels, this may then help support heart health.
LDL cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis, where fat builds up in the arteries. This increases the risk of conditions such as:
While sunflower lecithin may help manage cholesterol levels, other steps are usually necessary for lowering LDL cholesterol.
You can speak with their doctor for advice on how to manage their cholesterol, including whether sunflower lecithin may be beneficial.
While more studies into sunflower lecithin are necessary, some findings indicate that lecithin could help improve brain health.
Some 2014 research found that phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine derived from soy lecithin helped improve memory and cognition in elderly individuals.
Those with Alzheimer’s disease who took the supplements short-term experienced a stabilizing effect on their daily functioning and emotional state.
Longer-term studies can help improve understanding of the possible benefits of lecithin on brain health.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Anybody with a sunflower allergy should not take lecithin from sunflower seeds.
It’s best to contact a doctor if you’re considering taking lecithin supplements. Your doctor can advise on the safety of the supplements for you and what strength might be beneficial.
Your doctor can also recommend ways to manage cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart conditions, and take other steps to boost your overall health.
While more research into sunflower lecithin is necessary, some findings suggest that lecithin in general may offer numerous health benefits.
Lecithin can support the digestive system by reducing inflammation, which can help with conditions such as ulcerative colitis.
Lecithin may also help lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. This in turn can also help improve heart health and reduce the risk of conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
Research into lecithin also suggests that it could boost brain health and help stabilize daily functioning for people with Alzheimer’s.
It is best to contact a doctor for advice before taking sunflower lecithin supplements. The doctor can advise on their suitability, as well as any benefits and other ways to support overall health.