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Phospholipids are group of chemical
substances including phosphatidyl coline (PC) and its cousin,
phospatidyl serine (PS). In the scientific sense, phosphatidyl coline
(PC) is the same as lecithin. In practice, though, you may see the two
terms used differently. The commonly available lecithin may contain very
low amounts of phosphatidyl coline (PC). If you are taking lecithin,
make sure that it contains at least 30% phosphatidyl coline (PC).
Lecithin is a complex phytochemical found
in plant oils. It removes lipids form the skin while at the same time it
moisturizes and maintains a smooth skin complexion. Lecithin is used to
protect the brain cells from damage and in this way it may boost memory
and brain function.
Sources of lecithin include corn, rice,
soya beans, wheatgerm and peanuts. It is also available in tablet form
from health shops.
Phosphatidyl choline (PC) is found in
the kidneys, the brain and in soya. Phosphatidyl Choline (PC) is
necessary for the production of the chemical acetylcholine which
provides the spark to the nerve endings, helping to carry messages from
one nerve to another. Generally, it helps improve memory and clears the
thinking process, breaks down excess cholesterol and helps in the
absorption of vitamins D, E and K. Claims that Phosphatidyl choline (PC)
can boost immunity, reduce the risk of cancer and may help reduce the
accumulation of fatty tissue under the eyes have also been made but
there is not much research supporting these.
Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is a naturally
occurring chemical. It can improve learning and remembering and boosts
concentration and alertness. It improves the memory for names and faces,
lengthens the attention span, normalizes the sleep pattern and expands
the reaction time.
There have been several trials studying
the effects of Phosphatidyl serine (PS). In some trials it was found
that it can make the brain up to 12 years younger. The effects begin
about three weeks after starting the tablets.
Phosphatidyl serine (PS) protects the
brain cell membrane and the different cell constituents. It helps in
transporting the messages across the nerves and promotes the production
of nerve growth factors which are necessary for repair and growth of the
nerve cells. It may make a difference in people who find that memory
information cannot flow quickly from one part of the brain to another
and who frequently end up saying 'er' or 'um' as a result.
Soya products are good sources of
phospholipids in general but provide only a small amount of Phosphatidyl
serine (PS). High quantities of Phosphatidyl serine (PS) are found in
the brains of pigs, sheep and calves, but these products are not
consumed as widely as in the past. So, scientists suggest taking
supplements in tablet form at an average dose of 300mg a day. Phosphatidyl serine (PS) tablets are prepared from soya beans by a
chemical reaction rather than from animals.
Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is considered
to be safe, without any significant side effects apart from vivid dreams
and nightmares, and also difficulty in falling asleep, so it is best
taken in the morning. It can be used together with ginkgo biloba for
maximum benefit for those who worry about their memory.
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