Phospholipid raw materials, safeguarding brain health

Phospholipids are closely related to Alzheimer's disease, and supplementing phospholipids plays an important role in protecting brain health. The details are as follows:

I. The Importance of Phospholipids for Brain Health

Constituting the nerve cell membrane: Phospholipids are the main components of the nerve cell membrane in the brain, accounting for more than 50% of the dry weight of the cell membrane. They form the basic framework of the cell membrane, maintaining the stability and fluidity of the cell membrane, and ensuring that nerve cells can normally carry out physiological activities such as material exchange and signal transmission.

Participating in nerve signal transmission: Certain components in phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine, are important raw materials for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter in the nervous system and plays an indispensable role in cognitive functions such as memory and learning. It can transmit signals between nerve cells, enabling the brain to normally receive, process, and store information.

II. Alzheimer's Disease and Abnormal Phospholipid Metabolism

Nerve cell damage: In the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, there is a large amount of nerve cell death and apoptosis, which is closely related to abnormal phospholipid metabolism. Studies have found that there are abnormalities in the synthesis and metabolism of phospholipids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, leading to damage to the structure and function of the nerve cell membrane. For example, a decrease in phospholipids will reduce the fluidity of the cell membrane, affect the functions of receptors and ion channels on nerve cells, and then lead to the obstruction of signal transmission between nerve cells, ultimately causing nerve cell death and cognitive impairment.

Affecting the metabolism of amyloid proteins: There is evidence that phospholipid metabolism is closely linked to the metabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP). The metabolism of APP will produce β-amyloid protein (Aβ), which is the main component of senile plaques and one of the main pathological markers of Alzheimer's disease. Although the impact of phospholipids on the metabolism of Aβ and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease has not been fully clarified, abnormal phospholipid metabolism may participate in the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease by affecting the processing of APP and the production and aggregation of Aβ.

III. The Benefits of Supplementing Phospholipids

Improving cognitive function: Supplementing phospholipids can provide the brain with raw materials for constructing nerve cell membranes and synthesizing neurotransmitters, helping to repair damaged nerve cell membranes and improve the efficiency of signal transmission between nerve cells. Studies have shown that components such as phosphatidylcholine in phospholipids can promote the metabolism of the brain, enhance memory and cognitive abilities, and to a certain extent, improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's patients or people with cognitive impairment.

Delaying brain aging: Phospholipids help maintain the normal structure and function of nerve cells and reduce nerve cell damage and death caused by factors such as aging and oxidative stress. By supplementing phospholipids, the antioxidant capacity of the brain can be enhanced, oxidative damage can be reduced, and thus the aging process of the brain can be delayed, and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease can be reduced.

In daily life, people can supplement phospholipids by consuming foods rich in phospholipids, such as egg yolks, soybeans, fish, nuts, etc. If necessary, phospholipid nutritional supplements can also be used under the guidance of a doctor.