|
Phosphatidylcholine: The "Miracle Molecule"
Phosphatidylcholine is a class of phospholipids called "essential phospholipids." Although the
structure is somewhat similar to other phospholipids, there are some differences that have
profound affects on the health and well-being of your body.
The most distinguishing physical characteristics between simple phospholipids and
phosphatidylcholine are the choline head and the polyunsaturated essential fatty acid chains
that make up the tail.
The Health Promoting Power of Essential Fatty Acids
 |
| Representation of the phosphatidylcholine molecule showing the choline head attached to the phosphate group, which is attached to the triglyceride shoulder. Two polyunsaturated fatty acid chains are also connected to the triglyceride shoulder. (Not shown to scale). |
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize. There are
two families of EFAs: Omega-3 and Omega-6. Without getting too technical, the chemical
difference between Omega-3 and Omega-6 is determined by the position of the first double
carbon bond as counted from the end of the chain. These fatty acids cannot be manufactured
by the body and therefore must be included in the diet.
Some of the many benefits of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are as follows:
- EFAs support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems.
- EFAs are required to manufacture and repair cell membranes. This enables your
cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products.
- EFAs produce prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate,
blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune
function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection.
- EFAs are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural
development and maturation of sensory systems, with male children having higher
needs than females. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate
supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.
- EFA deficiency has been linked with serious health conditions, such as heart
attacks, cancer, insulin resistance, asthma, lupus, schizophrenia, depression,
postpartum depression, accelerated aging, stroke, obesity, diabetes, arthritis,
ADHD, and Alzheimer's Disease, among others.
- Omega-3s are used in the formation of cell walls, making them supple and flexible,
and improving circulation and oxygen uptake with proper red blood cell flexibility
and function.
- Omega-3 deficiencies are linked to decreased memory and mental abilities, tingling
sensation of the nerves, poor vision, increased tendency to form blood clots,
diminished immune function, increased triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL)
levels, impaired membrane function, hypertension, irregular heart beat, learning
disorders, menopausal discomfort, and growth retardation in infants, children, and
pregnant women.
- Some Omega-6s improve diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, skin
disorders (e.g. psoriasis and eczema), and aid in cancer treatment.
The Vital Importance of Choline
Although humans synthesize choline in small amounts, the body does not produce a sufficient
amount for its requirements. Most of the choline in the human body is located in phosphatidylcholine..
Although humans synthesize choline in small amounts, the body does not produce a sufficient
amount for its requirements. Most of the choline in the human body is located in
phosphatidylcholine. Choline and the compounds derived from it serve many vital functions.
- Choline is used in the synthesis structural components of all human cell
membranes.
- Choline-containing phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin are
precursors for the intracellular messenger molecules diacylglycerol and ceramide.
- Choline is used to make the cell signaling molecules, platelet activating factor
(PAF) and sphingophosphorylcholine.
- Choline is a precursor for an important neurotransmitter, involved in muscle control,
memory, and many other functions.
|
|
