Why Lecithin is important for children’s health?
Lecithin is an important phospholipid needed by all living cells. Lecithin is a fat-like substance known as phospholipids and is an excellent source of the B vitamins choline and inositol. Cell membranes, which allow nutrients to leave or enter a cell, are largely composed of lecithin. Because of its soap-like characteristics, it aids in the absorption and utilization of fats and important fat-containing vitamins (A, D, E, K) by emulsifying them (breaking into tiny pieces) so that they can be used by every cell. When lecithin is taken alone it is very helpful, but when taken along with the essential fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil) and Vitamin E, it produces marked results. Because of its fat-emulsifying properties it helps the child’s body digest the extra oils, thereby making use of them properly.
Lecithin is produced within our own bodies, and can be found in the major organs: the heart, the liver, and the kidneys. Lecithin aids in maintaining our overall health and is utilized by every cell in our bodies. Though it is produced within our own bodies, we do not always consume enough of the foods that provide the nutrition needed to produce adequate amounts of it. Lecithin can be found in many foods such as: cabbage, cauliflower, garbanzo beans, soy beans, split peas, seeds, nuts and eggs. Today's average diet, however, does not provide enough lecithin to successfully protect our cells. As a result, lecithin supplementation is necessary for overall health and prevention of many conditions and diseases. Of its many benefits, lecithin has been proven to decrease cholesterol, promote cardiovascular health, restore damaged liver and improve the brain's memory function.
Hyperactivity
“Lecithin is very calming to the nervous system,” says Dr. Bernard Rimland, Director of the Center for Autism Research in San Diego. Dr. Feingold, author of the famous “Feingold Diet,” also used lecithin extensively in his supplemental program for children who were suffering with hyperactivity. The myelin sheath, the fatty covering that coats the nerve endings, is largely composed of lecithin. We often refer to children who are hyperactive as looking as though they are “wired.” It’s likely that we are unconsciously identifying a neurological process that is happening as the nervous system is being affected by the breakdown of the fatty covering of the nerves. Lecithin serves to nourish the fatty sheaths covering these nerve fibers. In the book Emotions and Your Health, it is stated that lecithin appears to calm “hypomania.” This is a condition of heightened activity along with impulsivity and an endless energy that continues-—at times this seems out of the control of the individual and often is accompanied by the lack of need for much sleep. This describes fairly accurately the children who are truly hyperactive. Lecithin does not act as a magic bullet in cases of hyperactivity but can make a substantial difference when taken over a long period of time in feeding the body what it needs to properly execute important nervous system functions.
Balance and Motor Coordination
“Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used by the brain to regulate and control motion and sensory activities,” says Carlson Wade’s Lecithin Book. He also states: “the use of lecithin is important in helping regenerate and revive sluggish brain cells. It appears to renew thought processes.” Wade also writes about informal studies done by family doctors who used lecithin to help their patients suffering with various motor disorders. These doctors found an average of 30% improvement in balance and movement while taking the lecithin. It was found that choline (vit. B4) influences all nerve impulses, including the act of moving our eyes across the page. Because lecithin nourishes the fatty sheath covering the nerve fibers, it was found to be very helpful in reducing the involuntary movements in Tourette’s Syndrome. It is also useful in conditions in which there is a muscle weakness. As the neurological process is improved, nerve signals are influenced and weak muscles respond with greater strength.
How To Supplement
Now that we know and understand theimportance that lecithin plays in the efficiency of our nervous system, brain processes, memory and motor function, many of us would like to add this important food not only to our children’s diet but our own as well. Lecithin is readily available in any health food store and comes in many forms such as liquid, capsules, and granules. By far the most potent, and easiest to use, are the granules of lecithin as it takes ten capsules to equal one tablespoon of granules. Also, the granules are easy to mix into a fruit smoothie, protein drink, or any kind of blender shake. It also can be stirred into a flavored yogurt or cereal. Many moms have even put it in their homemade bread and pancakes. Lecithin granules are sold in bulk form in plastic bags or in cans. Be sure to read the labels. The advantage of using the lecithin that is sold in cans is that you are assured of freshness.
The most common recommendation for the amount of lecithin that is helpful to the body is one tablespoon for children and two tablespoons for adults daily. Since this is a food, one does not have to worry about taking too much lecithin. Be sure to keep the lecithin refrigerated once you have opened the container to keep it from becoming rancid. Lecithin should have a sweet, grainy odor when it is fresh. If it smells sour, it is not fresh.
You can improve emotional health, boost thinking powers of the brain, improve memory, and motor coordination by assuring that you and your children have an adequate amount of needed neurotransmitters available at all times. This is possible with the use of lecithin, the food your brain must have for total survival. We are so grateful to God for not only giving us wonderful foods to help our minds and bodies, but also for giving us the wisdom to know how to use these foods to help our children.
The information in this article should not be construed as a diagnosis or medical advice. Please consult your natural physician for any medical condition and before adding supplements or changing a child’s diet.
FROM THE WORDS OF Dianne Craft. She has a Master’s Degree in special education and is a Certified Natural Health Professional. She has a private consultation practice, Child Diagnostics, Inc., in Littleton, Colorado.
Folic acid (vit.B9)
Folic acid is a part of the B complex of vitamins.It is vital for red blood cells and for many other cells in the body. The form of folic acid occurring naturally in food is called ‘folate’.
Folic acid, along with vitamin B12, is important for formation of red blood cells. Lack of these two vital nutrients leads to variety of anemia called macrocytic anemia. This means the red blood cells appear bloated and large and have a reduced capacity to carry oxygen. Folate along with other B vitamins are also vital for nerve function. Folate is essential for the formation of DNA (genetic material) within every body cell. This allows normal replication of cells.
Biochemically folates act as chemicals that medicate one-carbon transfer reactions. These are important for formation of purines and pyrimidines. These purines and pyrimidines form basic building blocks for DNA.
Folate deficiency
Folate deficiency occurs in two cases – excess demands of folate (e.g. during pregnancy and breast feeding) and excessive loss (e.g. Crohns disease or untreated coeliacdisease, alcoholism, use of medications like diuretics etc.). In cases of folate deficiency there may be some general symptoms of anemia like fatigue and tiredness. There may be features of diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, headaches, heart palpitations, sore tongue and behavioural disorders.
The B vitamin folate is needed for proper growth and development. It is important that children and teenagers get plenty of folate every day. Some foods contain the natural form of the vitamin. These folate-rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Strawberries and orange juice also have folate. Beans such as navy, pinto, and kidney beans have folate, too. Enriched grain foods such as cereal, bread, pasta, and rice have been fortified with folic acid. These foods taste good and provide the nutrients needed for healthy, growing kids.
Here are some easy and fun ways to include folate-rich foods in your child's diet:
- Freeze 100% home-made orange juice and make juice pops.
- Spear strawberries and cheese cubes on toothpicks for a fun finger food.
- Mix up a low-fat dip. Cut up raw vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, carrots, orange segments, and strawberries. Spear fruits and veggies on toothpicks for dipping.
- Use pinto, kidney or black beans in burritos or wrap sandwiches. Let kids make the wraps themselves for a fun cooking experience.
- Choose darker green lettuce or greens, like romaine, green leaf, or spinach for salads or sandwiches.
- Have peanuts for a snack (if a peanut allergy is not an issue).
- Blend up a healthy smoothie.
- Combine a higher fiber cereal with folic acid, peanuts, and dried fruit such as raisins or banana chips to make a tasty trail mix. (Do NOT include peanuts if your child has a peanut allergy.)
Foods rich in folic acid
Folate is found naturally in dark green leafy vegetables. The word folate in fact comes from the word foliage. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin and is thus lost easily from vegetables during cooking. This can be prevented by avoiding over-cooking. Folate can also be preserved by steaming vegetables rather than boiling them in open.
So here are the foods: avocado, orange juice, asparagus, chickpeas, garbanzo beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, black beans, Red kidney beans, beets, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, spinach, corn, collard greens, oatmeal, cereals like methi (fenugreek), sunflower seeds, peanuts etc.
Health & Happiness for every child!
