247 Phosphatidyl Choline & Cell Membranes [16 December 2013]

Healthy bodies depend on healthy cells which in turn require healthy cell membranes. Cell membranes (CM) are the “skin” around each of the 100 trillion cells in our body that protect the cells, control movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells, and help give cells their shape. CMs are composed of proteins, cholesterol, and special fats called phospholipids, of which the most important is phosphatidyl choline (PC).

Phosphatidyl choline keeps cell membranes strong, supple and functioning properly. When we are born, 90% of the phospholipids in our CMs are PC; as we age this decreases until by 70 it can be as low as 10%. This affects all aspects of our health including our heart, blood vessels, liver, brain and other organs causing cardiovascular problems, memory loss, poor sleep, and much more. PC is also a precursor to acetylcholine, an important brain neurotransmitter.

Fortunately increasing our intake of this vital nutrient can reverse many of these conditions – turning the clock back as it were. Supplementing with PC can:
• normalize cholesterol and reduce triglycerides
• lower homocysteine levels, a known risk factor for heart disease
• improve health of arteries and veins and improve circulation
• reduce inflammation
• improve liver health and function
• improve digestion of fats
• improve brain health and function (memory)
• be used to treat Alzheimer’s, PMS, bipolar disorder and tardive dyskinesia
• boost the immune system
• increase production of glutathione, our body’s most important antioxidant
• make your skin look and feel healthier
• increase energy and endurance

Food sources of PC include egg yolks, liver, peanuts, sunflower seeds and soybeans. It is also available as a supplement in capsule form. PC is similar to, and is a component of, lecithin.

Sources:
Institute for Natural Healing newsletter 9 Dec 2013
Wikipedia "Phosphatidyl Choline"
WebMD "Phosphatidyl Choline"
Natural Factors (a manufacturer of PC) "Phosphatidyl Choline"

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.