Milk thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have a number of health benefits. But what exactly is milk thistle, and how does it work in the body?
Let’s explore milk thistle benefits, including its ability to save your life, fight viral infections, stop liver damage, and protect against cancer.
What Does Milk Thistle Do in the Body?
So, what does milk thistle do in the body?
The active ingredient in milk thistle is a compound called silymarin, which is found in the seeds of the plant. Silymarin is believed to have a number of medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects.
When consumed, silymarin is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the liver, where it is thought to help repair and regenerate damaged liver cells.
What Does Milk Thistle Look Like?
In terms of appearance, milk thistle is a tall, spiky plant that is native to the Mediterranean region.
It has purple flowers and large, spiny leaves. The seeds of the plant are where the silymarin is found, and they are typically ground into a powder or made into a milk thistle supplement in the form of capsules or extract.
What Are the Benefits of Milk Thistle?
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 milk thistle benefits.
1. Milk Thistle Extract Can Save Your Life
Milk thistle extract can save your life.
One of the most significant milk thistle benefits is its ability to protect against liver damage and potentially save your life. If you have liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease or viral hepatitis, milk thistle may be able to help prevent the need for a liver transplant.
In one study, people with alcoholic liver disease who took milk thistle extract had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who did not take the extract.
2. Milk Thistle Fights Viral Infections
Milk thistle fights viral infections. Another one of the top milk thistle benefits is its ability to fight viral infections.
This is particularly true for hepatitis C, a viral infection that causes liver damage. In one study, people with hepatitis C who took milk thistle extract had a significantly lower risk of developing cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) compared to those who did not take the extract.
3. Milk Thistle Stops Liver Damage Caused by Alcoholic Liver Disease
Milk thistle stops liver damage caused by alcoholic liver disease.
As mentioned above, milk thistle can help prevent the need for a liver transplant in people with alcoholic liver disease. This is because the silymarin in milk thistle is thought to help repair and regenerate damaged liver cells.
4. Milk Thistle Stops Liver Damage Caused by Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Milk thistle stops liver damage caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a common condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring. It is often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Fortunately, milk thistle may be able to help treat NAFLD. In one study, people with NAFLD who took milk thistle extract had significantly lower liver enzyme levels (an indicator of liver damage) compared to those who did not take the extract.
5. Milk Thistle Protects Against Cancer
Milk thistle protects against cancer.
Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, is believed to have anti-cancer properties. Some studies have found that milk thistle extract may be able to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells, including liver, breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
6. Milk Thistle Lowers Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes
Milk thistle lowers blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Another one of the milk thistle benefits is its ability to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to the silymarin in milk thistle, which is a PPAR-gamma activator.
PPAR-gamma is a protein that plays a role in regulating glucose and fat metabolism in the body. Some research suggests that milk thistle may be able to activate PPAR-gamma, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
7. Milk Thistle Helps Heal Sun-Damaged Skin
Milk thistle helps heal sun-damaged skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of silymarin may also be beneficial for the skin. Some research has found that milk thistle extract can help reduce redness, inflammation, and roughness caused by sun exposure.
8. Milk Thistle Stops Seasonal Allergies
Milk thistle stops seasonal allergies. The anti-inflammatory properties of silymarin may also be helpful for reducing allergy symptoms. Some research has found that milk thistle extract can help reduce the severity of seasonal allergies, such as hay fever.
9. Milk Thistle Lowers Cholesterol
Milk thistle lowers cholesterol. Silymarin may also have cholesterol-lowering effects. Some studies have found that milk thistle extract can help reduce total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
10. Milk Thistle Helps to Prevent Gallstones
Milk thistle helps to prevent gallstones.
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like formations that can develop in the gallbladder. They are often caused by an excess of cholesterol in the bile. Milk thistle may be able to help prevent gallstones by increasing the production of bile, which can help dissolve excess cholesterol.
What Is the Best Way to Take Milk Thistle?
So, what is the best way to take milk thistle? The best form of milk thistle depends on your specific needs and preferences. It is available as a powder, capsule, or extract. The recommended dosage of silymarin is typically 140-420 mg per day.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, as milk thistle may interact with certain medications and can cause side effects in some people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, milk thistle is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has a number of potential health benefits, including its ability to protect the liver, fight viral infections, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
If you are interested in trying milk thistle, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best form and dosage for you.