It is simply amazing how many essential substances the body needs to work. If these compounds are not supplied with food or absorbed by the intestines, one cannot dream of full health. Diets and limited intake of fats can cause malfunctions in the body due to a possible deficiency of phospholipids.
What are phospholipids?
Phospholipids, they are also phosphatides, are organic substances consisting of fatty acids and alcohols containing a phosphate group. They have amphipathic properties, that is, they simultaneously dissolve and do not dissolve in water. Such unique “abilities” make these compounds very important and indispensable for many processes in the body.
Classification
Depending on the alcohols in the composition of the formula, the substances are distinguished:
- phosphosphingolipids;
- glycerophospholipids;
- phosphoinositides.
And according to the charge of the amino group, these substances are divided into neutral, negative and positive.
The role of phospholipids in the body
Why without phosphatides anywhere? Everything is simple. They enter the shells of cell membranes. That is, the barrier protection of every cell of the body needs them. They help the cell to remain an independent unit, maintain integrity, while making it permeable to nutrients. Phospholipids form the inner hydrophobic layer of the cell membrane and the outer hydrophilic one
Phospholipids, on the one hand, allow nutrients to enter the cell, and on the other hand, maintain its integrity. Such one-sided permeability is provided by the properties of a positive charge.
Unfortunately, the body cannot synthesize phosphatides on its own. Therefore, it is so important to know from what sources you can get enough of them. After all, they perform important functions in the body:
- restore cell membranes;
- support the work of the cardiovascular system;
- increase thromboplastic activity;
- are part of the components of blood clotting;
- improve the conductivity of the nervous system;
- support the normal digestive process;
- normalize the work of the liver;
- transport vitamins, fats and nutrients into cells;
- affect performance.
Effect on the nervous system
If we consider the biochemical composition of the brain, then it is 30% composed of phosphatides. They are part of the sheath that covers the nerve processes, as well as the composition of the most important neurotransmitter – vitamin B5.
Therefore, the lack of phosphatides has such a negative effect on the processes of higher nervous activity. With a deficiency, memory deteriorates, mood becomes more changeable, degenerative processes accelerate in adults, and developmental delay may occur in children.
Benefits for the liver
Special essential phospholipids have a powerful restorative effect on liver function. They are embedded in the damaged areas of the liver cells. This helps them to provide recovery and determines their hepatoprotective and metabolic properties. To reduce the threat of degeneration of liver cells according to the fatty type, a sufficient amount of phosphatidylcholine is needed. It helps to transport and remove excess fat from organs and tissues.
Role in metabolic processes
Not only the liver needs phosphatides. They affect all fat and carbohydrate metabolic processes, compensate for the negative consequences of an already existing violation.
Important for people with cardiovascular problems. For women in the first months of pregnancy, they help to overcome morning sickness.
In violation of fat metabolism, the largest organ in the body, the skin, often suffers. The lack of phosphatides can cause both small changes – dryness, peeling, rashes – and serious violations.
Daily rate
The body is not able to independently produce this group of substances, but it spends phosphatides very actively on all the processes described above. Therefore, they need about 5–7 g per day, and they come exclusively from food or additional sources.
Excess and deficiency of phospholipids
With a lack of phosphatides, literally every cell of the body will suffer, the work of many organs and systems will be disrupted. Brain activity, digestion, immunity, bone density – failure can occur anywhere. The lack of these substances also affects the appearance. Shortage signals will be brittle nails, dry skin and dull hair.
What foods contain phospholipids
Phosphatides are found in many products of both animal and vegetable origin. Lecithin, which is found in wheat germ, soybeans, egg yolks, also belongs to the group of phosphatides. Many vegetable oils, including common and affordable unrefined sunflower, will enrich the diet with phospholipids. Suitable olive, linen, cotton. More expensive and exotic Atlantic krill oil will also help with this, and at the same time replenish omega-3 reserves.
Fatty meats, fish and poultry, butter – all this is often banned by adherents of proper nutrition or diets, while these healthy fats are critically needed by the body in sufficient quantities. For example, the average consumption of eggs by the population of Kazakhstan, an important source of phosphatides, is 28% lower than the recommended norms.
Dietary supplements with phospholipids
To make up for possible deficiencies and not exceed the allowable calorie content of the diet, you can use the biologically active food supplements * developed by the world famous Amway company.
Nutrilite™ Vitamin E and Lecithin Chewable Tablets provide antioxidant protection in a convenient form. Supplement** contains natural soy lecithin and vitamin E derived from vegetable oil. The sweetness and aroma of the product are given by honey and natural flavoring with maple and walnut flavors.
