Soy Lecithin: Lecithin is a nonessential "phospholipid," a compound consisting of fatty acid chains bound to the element phosphorus, and has several functions in the body. Specifically, lecithin supplies choline to the body. Choline is a cofactor for production of the hormone acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that "activates" muscle contraction. Lecithin is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, and essential fatty acid typically undersupplied in most peoples' diets (see "omega-3 fatty acids). A third function of lecithin is as an emulsifying agent within the digestive system. Specifically lecithin may aid in breaking up fats into small droplets, thus aiding in digestion. The body also uses lecithin to make many substances. For example, lecithin is a component of both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, bile, and cell membranes (all manufactured intrinsically). This is a nonessential compound, meaning that the body can make lecithin, provided that the building blocks of lecithin (phosphates, choline, and essential fatty acids) are ingested in large enough quantities. The richest natural source of lecithin is soybean oil.

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