Heart disease and stroke are two of the most common causes of death in diabetics, according to Diabetes.co.uk. Both are linked to high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is classified as "good" or "bad." Good high density lipoprotein cholesterol protects the heart. Bad low density lipoproten cholesterol clogs the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease. Diabetics are more likely to have a higher incidence of LDL compared to HDL. A compound in your body called lecithin is believed to help lower LDL levels. Always consult your doctor before using lecithin. Although it has no notable side effects at normal dosage level, it has been linked to anorexia, nausea and hepatitis. (See References 2)
Definition of Lecithin
Lecithin is a series of related compounds also known as phosphatidylcholines. It is a mixture of phospholipids, fatty acids and carbohydrates, as well as phosphorus and choline. You will find it occurring naturally in foods such as beef liver, egg yolk, soybeans, whole grains, wheat germ, fish, legumes, yeast and peanuts. It is also available as a supplement in the form of a capsule, powder, grain or liquid, or mixed into health shakes. Lecithin is a fat emusifier and a vital component in the cell structure of all living organisms. Many claims are made as to its healthful properties, including the improvement of your cardiovascular health, transport and metabolism of fats and control of your cholesterol levels.
Lecithin and Cholesterol
Lecithin is required to carry cholesterol from your blood to your liver, where the excess is broken down into bile before being excreted from your body. Lecithin keeps cholesterol solvent when travelling through your bloodstream and prevents it from attaching to your artery walls. This may help to prevent high blood pressure; atherosclerosis, which is also known as hardening of the arteries; and cardiovascular disease. Diabetics have a higher risk of suffering from these conditions. According to a study in the April 2009 issue of "Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity," lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) does appear to have a potentially beneficial role in the treatment of atherosclerosis, although its effect on heart disease remains unproved.
Further Evidence
In a recent study in Brazil, patients with high cholesterol were given one soy lecithin capsule daily for two months. After one month, significant reductions in cholesterol were noted. At the end of the trial, total cholesterol levels were lower by 42 percent and LDL levels lower by 56 percent, suggesting that soy lecithin may be a useful daily supplement in treating high cholesterol.
Other Benefits
A natural product called dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine is a trace component of lecithin. DLPC has been shown to increase sensitivity to insulin in mice, according to researchers at Baylor College of Medicine. The researchers believe this may provide a treatment for pre-diabetic patients. Lecithin is also believed to exert a positive effect on your immune system by activating specific and nonspecific defense systems. It could therefore benefit diabetics whose immune system may be impaired, leading to infection. However, further research is needed to confirm lecithin's role in boosting immunity.
Current Position
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified that a component of lecithin helps process fat and glucose in your liver. The researchers believe that lecithin products may eventually be used to control blood lipids and reduce the risk for diabetes, as well as hypertension or cardiovascular disease. However, since the beneficial effects of lecithin on diabetes remains unproved in 2011, a diabetic should continue to manage her condition through diet, according to Diabetes.co.uk. Eat a balanced nutritional diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables. Limit your intake of sugar, salt and fat and drink alcohol only in moderation.
References
- Diabetes.co.uk; Diabetes and Cholesterol
- Drugs.com; Lecithin; 2007
- Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity; Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase - From Biochemistry to Role in Cardiovascular Disease; Xavier Rousset et al; April 2009
- PubMed Central; Influence of Soy Lecithin Administration on Hypercholesterolemia; Amouni Mohamed Mourad et al; 2009
- RedOrbit; Lecithin Component May Reduce Fatty Liver, Improve Insulin Sensitivity; May 2011
- Gate2Biotech; Lecithin Found to Have Beneficial Effects on Fat Metabolism; Dagmar Smetalová; August 2009
