This blog post will cover some of the health benefits of milk thistle. Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years for gallbladder, kidney, and liver problems.
Milk thistle, also known as Mary thistle or holy thistle, is a flowering herb with a distinct purple flower. The herb is marked by whitish marbling on its prickly green leaves. Milk thistle is known scientifically as Silybum marianum and belongs to the Asteraceae family along with daisy, marigold, and ragweed. The active compound in milk thistle is Silymarin which is extracted from the seeds. Silymarin is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Other studies have speculated about other health benefits of milk thistle, and new studies may shed light on some of the claims in question.
Health Benefits of Milk Thistle
Below are some of the main health benefits of milk thistle.
Crucial Part of Diabetes Treatment
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar. It acts as a key for the cells to absorb glucose. When our blood sugar rises, insulin doesn’t work on the cells, causing a buildup of glucose in the blood. This phenomenon is called insulin resistance and is associated with type 2 diabetes. Milk thistle can help manage conditions such as type 2 diabetes. And it is often used to complement diabetes medication. New evidence suggests that certain compounds in milk thistle improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar levels. It is crucial to note that most studies point out that milk thistle works well with traditional treatments for diabetes, and that it is not meant to replace someone’s existing treatment.
Improves Liver Function
Milk thistle properties are usually promoted for its ability to help the liver. The herb is used as a complementary treatment for liver damage from cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hepatitis. Silymarin can also help counteract the effects of certain toxins and poisons metabolized in the liver. Some studies have shown improved liver function in people with liver diseases who take milk thistle supplements. Although more studies are needed to understand how it works, Silymarin is said to reduce liver damage caused by free radicals.
May Protect your Bones
One of the other unverified health benefits of milk thistle is its ability to improve bone health. Some test-tube and animal studies have shown that milk thistle stimulates bone mineralization. The herb can help to prevent the disintegration of bones that comes with age. This property makes it a suitable supplement for people suffering from bone conditions such as osteoporosis. However, these assertions are based on animal studies. More human-focused research is needed before we can make any solid recommendations. Other options such as Vitamin D and calcium are better options.
May Help with Neurological and Mental Health Conditions
Milk thistle may be able to help with some neurological conditions for a variety of reasons. Milk thistle has been used for a long time as a traditional treatment for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help protect the brain from age-related decline. In animal studies, Silymarin has been proven to prevent oxidative damage to brain cells. These studies also reveal that the herb can reduce the number of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s test subjects. Amyloid plaques are deposits of amyloid protein that form in between nerve cells. The amyloid plaques are widespread in people who have Alzheimer’s. Milk thistle may also be able to help with certain types of mental health conditions, as milk thistle can help to reduce oxidative stress.
Improves Skin Health
Studies have focused on how milk thistle may be able to help improve skin health. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help treat and prevent inflammatory skin conditions like acne. In laboratory studies, milk thistle has been shown to have anti-aging effects on skin cells. In another study, people with acne taking silymarin supplements experienced a significant reduction in the number of acne lesions. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm the benefits of milk thistle on the skin.
Risks and Side Effects
Milk thistle is generally considered safe. Nonetheless, it can interact with certain medications and cause discomfort. If you are on any medication, always check with your doctor before taking milk thistle supplements. The herb can also cause an allergic reaction—those allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and daisies. Some groups that should be especially cautious with milk thistle include; pregnant women, children, and those with underlying medical conditions such as breast cancer. In most cases, the numerous health benefits of milk thistle drastically outweigh the side effects,
Final Thoughts
Many of the health benefits of milk thistle are present because of its antioxidant-rich extract, Silymarin. More research is needed on the herb before we can understand its full range of benefits. In a nutshell, Silymarin is a powerful supplement worth trying as a complement to other medical treatments. Just make sure you speak to a physician before taking milk thistle or any other herbal additive.
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