Lecithin for weight loss: instructions for use, effectiveness, reviews

Lecithin accelerates calorie consumption, that is, it forces the body to burn fat reserves. Is this exactly what you want? Then find out how to choose lecithin and how to use it to quickly regain your slim figure.

Reviews of those losing weight

Author: Kristina Lobanovskaya, doctor, practicing nutritionist Article updated: 11/10/2020

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Lecithin is a complex of phospholipids and fatty acids, which serves as a structural component of cell membranes and takes part in all metabolic reactions of living organisms. It stabilizes the functions of the brain, liver, kidneys, improves immunity, lowers cholesterol levels, stimulates hematopoiesis, improves reproductive health, and normalizes lipid metabolism. Lecithin-containing drugs are actively used as effective and safe means for weight loss.

What is lecithin

The drug is a dietary supplement that the body needs for normal functioning. Lecithin for weight loss contains phospholipids and fatty acids. These substances are essential for cell membranes. They also have a great influence on the metabolic processes occurring in the body.

Lecithin is used to lower cholesterol levels. It also has a huge impact on important vital functions:

in diabetes, it activates insulin production, while lowering sugar levels;
used to treat liver pathologies;
helps strengthen the immune system;
normalizes the nervous system: helps get rid of stress, fatigue, stimulates mental activity, improves memory;
normalizes kidney function;
used to improve reproductive function;
recommended for use by older people, as it normalizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

We recommend reading about the soy diet. From the article you will learn about the benefits of soy and soy products, options for a soy diet, an example of a fasting day, and the use of soy milk for weight loss. And here is more information about whether you can eat tofu for weight loss.

For little geniuses

Lecithin is necessary for a child from the first days of life - primarily for the formation and development of the central nervous system. When breastfeeding, the baby receives lecithin with mother's milk. If for some reason natural feeding is not possible, lecithin deficiency must be eliminated additionally.

It is especially important for a baby to receive his required daily dose of lecithin in the first year of life. Recent studies at Columbia University have proven that the amount of lecithin received in the first 12 months of a baby’s life determines the volume of his memory in the future, as well as the resistance of memory to age-related changes. And this means successful studies at school, interesting projects at the university and a worthy career.

Also, a child’s body is especially vulnerable to a lack of lecithin during times of stress. The first serious experiences begin during the adaptation period, first in kindergarten, then at school. First-graders are a separate matter. During this period, lecithin is simply necessary. It stimulates brain activity and reduces fatigue. Improves memory, attention, increases stress resistance.

For schoolchildren, lecithin in gel form is best suited. Children do not associate it with pills; on the contrary, manufacturers make it taste pleasant and have a fruity smell. Another option is lecithin in soluble capsules. Children rarely refuse a vitamin drink. Most often, children's lecithin also contains a complex of vitamins necessary for a growing body.

Benefits for weight loss

Lecithin is used not only to treat various pathologies or to improve well-being. It is often used by those who are struggling with extra pounds. The effectiveness of lecithin for weight loss is explained by the fact that it can influence thermogenesis.

For some people, metabolic processes do not proceed very quickly, that is, energy is produced more slowly. It is not so easy for them to lose weight. Lecithin helps accelerate thermogenesis, that is, increase the rate of energy production and expenditure. Due to this, various processes in the body begin to proceed faster, including metabolism.

Despite the fact that the amount of calories received from food remains usual, thanks to lecithin they are not enough for energy metabolism, so fat reserves begin to be used up.

The dietary supplement contains the component phosphatidylcholine. It is under its influence that the breakdown of fat cells is accelerated, which also has a direct effect on the process of losing weight.

Also useful for weight loss is lecithin's ability to relieve stress. Often it is a bad mood and dissatisfaction with life that become the culprits for the appearance of extra pounds. By taking the supplement, a person rids himself of these catalysts for fat deposits.

Watch this video about the benefits of lecithin:

Contraindications

The drug may not be used by everyone. Taking lecithin for weight loss is contraindicated for those who:

urolithiasis, since the supplement can increase the secretion of bile, which will lead to blockage of the bile ducts with stones;
pregnancy and lactation;
allergy to the components of the additive.

Individual intolerance is not an absolute contraindication. If a person was originally taking lecithin made from soybeans, they should simply replace it with a supplement that was made from sunflower seeds.

Side effects

Based on these studies, adverse reactions occur very rarely while taking the medication. If they appear, this is due to increased sensitivity to the components of the product. During the use of drugs, disruption of the digestive system is possible: this is manifested by nausea, increased salivation, and dyspeptic symptoms. Allergy development is possible.

To date, not a single case of drug overdose has been identified. This is due to the fact that the active component of the drug is similar to what is found in the human body. Rarely, dyspepsia, allergies and nausea may occur.

Possible signs of overdose can be eliminated by stopping the drug; there are no specific antidotes or methods of therapy.

Symptoms of lecithin deficiency

Sometimes people are faced with a lack of this useful substance. Lecithin deficiency can be determined by the following signs:

frequently recurring headaches;
the body's protective function is reduced;
a feeling of discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, especially after eating fatty foods;
memory problems;
the appearance of irritability for no reason, short temper;
inability to concentrate on anything;
rapid onset of fatigue;
hepatic and renal colitis;
sleep disturbance;
dyspnea;
high blood pressure and other problems with the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

Taking lecithin in children helps improve memory and attention.
It is not necessary that with a lecithin deficiency a person will immediately feel all the symptoms. Signs of this condition can appear either individually or in combination. In addition, some of them can serve as a signal of various diseases. Therefore, in order to accurately establish that such symptoms indicate lecithin deficiency, you need to consult a doctor.

Reviews

Almost all reviews left by doctors and consumers about lecithin are positive. Both ordinary people and doctors who have taken the drug to treat certain diseases note the high effectiveness of this drug, its benefits for the liver and nervous system, the absence of contraindications and side effects.

All of these remedies have a positive effect on the condition of the body (especially if a person is regularly exposed to increased physical activity and stress), have a choleretic effect, normalize the condition of blood vessels and the heart, and reduce cholesterol levels.

Parents claim that they give lecithin to children when they are mentally fatigued (for example, while taking exams). With the use of the product, there is a significant increase in immunity, which allows the body to remain healthy during periods of epidemics.

As for doctors, they say: lecithin is an excellent addition to any diet. For example, it is recommended to take dietary supplements for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Neurologists prescribe drugs based on this substance to children with delayed speech and/or mental development.

How to take weight loss medications

This weight loss supplement is used in a variety of ways. You can take lecithin for weight loss either as a stand-alone drug or in the form of vitamin complexes that contain it.

It must be remembered that the norm for an adult is about 5-7 grams. If you eat right, trying to include all the necessary elements and vitamins in the menu, the body receives only 4 g from food. Based on this, not much lecithin is needed to replenish the required daily dose. It is recommended to take the supplement in capsules, powder or other form with dinner, since this is when fats are absorbed most actively.

Natural Sources of Lecithin

"Lecithin Forte"

The drug is released. It is usually used to improve brain activity and recovery from liver and kidney diseases. But Lecithin Forte can also be taken for weight loss, since the drug helps to activate lipid metabolism.

The capsules are distinguished by their composition, rich in useful components. In addition to lecithin, they contain vitamins E, group B, and nicotinamide. You need to take the drug only 1 time per day, 1 capsule along with food. The tablet should be taken with water. The weight loss course with Lecithin Forte is 1 month.

"Our Lecithin"

The dietary supplement is produced in Russia. Sunflower seeds are used to create it. Phospholipids taken from it are an environmentally friendly product and do not contain genetically modified substances.

It is recommended to take the drug 2 times a day, a couple of capsules, along with food. To lose weight, you must continue using the dietary supplement for 30 days. Each capsule contains 350 mg of beneficial substance.

"Solgar", "Lecithin Granules"

Available in granule form. According to the manufacturer, the drug used for weight loss is made from unmodified soybeans. Contains concentrates of phospholipids and fatty acids.

As a rule, there is a measuring spoon inside each package of the drug. With its help, the required daily dose is determined. The manufacturer recommends taking one scoop of lecithin granules a couple of times a day with food.

Those who chose lecithin from this company noted that it has a pleasant, unobtrusive taste. The granules can simply be washed down with water or mixed with cottage cheese, yogurt, or oatmeal.

"Lecithin" from "Art Life"

Also produced by a Russian company. Only natural ingredients are used to produce the supplement. Contains 95% phospholipids and fatty acids that promote weight loss.

"Lecithin" from "Art Life" is in the form of granules. Sold in packs of 60 and 300 grams. The manufacturer recommends taking a tablespoon of the drug 1 time per day with food.

"Lecithin" from "VitaLine"

It has several release forms. It features an almost completely natural composition.

In the production of the supplement, soybean extracts are used.

This company's lecithin, produced in capsules, is recommended to be taken for weight loss, one piece 3 times a day with food. The manufacturer indicates that it is better to use the drug in the morning and afternoon. Course duration – 1 month.

As for lecithin granules, they only need to be taken once a day. The required volume is 1 tablespoon. Take before meals, wash down the granules with a glass of water.

Dosage

Many people are interested in which lecithin is best to take. If you decide to stick to industrial products, you can safely purchase a product sold in pharmacies under the name “Our Lecithin.” For persons over the age of twelve, it is recommended in a single dose of 0.35 g to 0.70 g. The frequency of administration is three times a day. The product is used as food during meals. If you choose a powder form, you can stir the supplement into food or dilute it with liquid to make it easier and more convenient to take. The duration of the course is determined by a nutritionist. For most people this is three months or more.

Features of the use of soy lecithin

The substance that helps burn fat can be obtained from various foods. The main sources are soybeans and sunflower seeds. The former are cheaper raw materials, therefore they are more often used in the production of lecithin.

The effect of the drug will be the same regardless of whether it is made from sunflower or soybean. Some people are afraid to buy bean-based supplements because they can sometimes come from genetically modified foods.

But the only thing to remember about taking soy lecithin is that it can cause allergies. If this does not happen, you can continue to use the dietary supplement without concern.

Storage conditions and periods

The shelf life largely depends on the form of release. The longest shelf life of dietary supplements is in liquid form.

Powders and granules are stored for no more than 1.5 years , capsules and tablets have a shelf life of 2–3 years .

The opened package is set aside in a cool place. It is important that the additive is not exposed to direct sunlight. Once the packaging with the product has been damaged, it can be stored for no more than 60 days .

Detailed information about storage conditions is contained in the instructions supplied with the drugs.

Lecithin-rich foods

You can try to reach your daily lecithin intake using a properly structured menu. To improve health and lose weight, you should diversify your diet with the following products (the content of the substance is indicated per 100 grams):

chicken egg (yolk) – about 10,000 mg;
cold-pressed soybean oil – up to 3900 mg;
beef meat – 1000 mg;
peas – 900 mg;
sunflower oil – up to 1400 mg;
liver – 850 mg;
carrots – 110 mg;
buckwheat porridge – 460 mg;
yeast – 500 mg;
caviar – up to 10,000 mg;
rolled oats – 400 mg.

Also, a useful component is present in small quantities in milk, wheat and rye bread, and flour.

Lecithin analogues

People who have contraindications to the use of the drug can replace it with other substances. For example, similar functions are performed by vitamin B4, which is also called choline. It is a product of the breakdown of lecithin. Vitamin B4 regulates the functioning of the liver, and also improves memory and brain function.

Folic acid is also suitable as an analogue of soy lecithin for weight loss. It belongs to the B vitamins. Helps normalize brain function, improves the process of generating blood cells, and has a beneficial effect on memory and thinking.

We recommend reading about how whey protein works for weight loss. From the article you will learn about how whey protein affects the body, types of whey protein, their pros and cons, and methods of oral administration for women and men. And here is more information about how to use BCAAs for weight loss.

Lecithin is a useful dietary supplement that improves the functioning of many organs and also helps reduce weight. Losing weight with it occurs due to its ability to break down fats and speed up metabolism. Lecithin is usually sold as a stand-alone product. If you use it for a month while simultaneously playing sports, you can lose several kilograms.

Negative opinions

It is worth recognizing that there are also negative reviews about living fiber with lecithin. For weight loss, such a product is good only if it is only an additional product included in a comprehensive program for getting rid of extra pounds. By themselves, neither fiber nor lecithin changes the weight of the human body. They only improve and stabilize the performance of internal organs. At the same time as taking dietary supplements, you need to review your diet and change your daily habits, stabilize your diet, and start playing sports.

Individuals who take lecithin in accordance with the advice and recommendations of a nutritionist or therapist, and who also understand the purpose of dietary supplements, are satisfied with the results. The reviews note that after taking dietary supplements with lecithin, the ability to learn, remember information, and intelligence increased. Many in their reviews note that during the supplement program it was easier to lose weight, since it was easier to plan your actions and concentrate.

However, not everyone noticed the effect after taking, for example, “Our Lecithin”. It is also noted that the drug has many contraindications as disadvantages. Many people write that dietary supplements do not come with detailed instructions. Brief information can only be read on the jars in which the supplements are packaged, or searched on the Internet.

Some women report in their reviews that the dietary supplement did not live up to their hopes of improving their skin condition. Instead of the radiance promised by the manufacturer, they developed new wrinkles and their complexion deteriorated.

Many users notice that the cost of one jar of dietary supplements is quite reasonable, for example, “Our lecithin” can be purchased for only 445 rubles. Moreover, the package contains 150 capsules. However, this is expensive, considering that the reception must be long.

Useful video

Watch this video about which lecithin is best and how to take it: