Milk thistle is a weed-like plant native to the Mediterranean region that has a purple flower. Close relatives of milk thistle include flower favorites the daisy and dandelion. Milk thistle fruit extract is the same as seed extract.
The dried fruit of milk thistle contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is the main active ingredient. Silymarin has antioxidant properties and may help fight oxidation of healthy cells. Silymarin is a flavonoid complex made up of silibinin, silidianin and silicristin. This powerful antioxidant compound is thought to help fight free radicals in the liver. The active ingredient of milk thistle called Silymarin is responsible for the milk thistle benefits.
Promotes Liver Health
One of the most well-known functions of milk thistle would be to support and protect your liver from harmful free radicals. Silymarin, being the powerful antioxidant compound is thought to help fight free radicals in the liver. In 2006, a study done on mice confirmed the potential benefit of milk thistle in improving the diet-induced liver damage. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and is involved in detoxifying toxic substances. Supplements like SAMe and milk thistle support healthy liver function. Milk thistle guards the liver’s numerous hepatic cell membranes and slows the rate at which toxins can be absorbed into the liver.
May Lower Bad Cholesterol
Milk Thistle has shown to reduce cholesterol levels in people suffering from diabetes. People with diabetes often face high cholesterol issues and hence, more studies are done on these subjects and the result was found to be positive. More studies need to be done, but antioxidant Silymarin can also work regulating insulin levels and balancing blood sugar.
Might help treat Hepatitis
Small Studies have confirmed that milk thistle also has compounds that might have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. The 2008 study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that hepatitis C patients who used silymarin had fewer and milder symptoms of liver disease and somewhat better quality of life but no change in virus activity or liver inflammation.
Aid Proper digestion
Every organ plays an important role in the digestion process. In order to have a successful digestion process with every meal, it is important for your organs to work efficiently. Milk Thistle being high in silymarin helps reduce liver inflammation and repairs the damaged cells. It is also known as a demulcent, which means it had the ability to soften the mucous membranes, healing inflamed intestinal walls and calming the symptoms.
Due to our lifestyle changes, excessive fast food consumption and the pollution, it gets very important to take care of our liver who is the storehouse of our nutrients and these 4 main benefits of milk thistle clearly states that it is not just for the bodybuilders, but for all of us.
GNC brings to you a Milk Thistle Supplement, an effective herbal supplement to protect your liver. It’s safe and potent.
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