10 Benefits of Milk Thistle
Article Sources
- 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545
- 2. http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2005/11/report_prostate/Page-01
- 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17072885
- 4. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000066
- 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17072885
- 6. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000266
- 7. https://drsarahbrewer.com/health/natural-remedies-for-heartburn-and-indigestion
- 8. http://natural-fertility-info.com/milk-thistle-seed-important-for-hormonal-balance.html
Milk Thistle, also known as silybum marianum, has been used for hundreds of years as a herbal remedy for a variety of conditions. This natural herb has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Milk Thistle can be found in herbal tea, powder, oil or in pill form and has been used for a range of health benefits it provides.
Milk Thistle Benefit #1: Treats Liver Disease
The most known benefit of milk thistle is liver detoxification. Research suggests, that milk thistle has the ability to cleanse the liver by helping the liver cells remove toxins from the body which are processed by the liver.
Milk thistle can help reverse the effects of liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and heavy metals in our water supplies 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545. Today, milk thistle is being used on various liver conditions including toxin-induced liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis.
Milk Thistle Benefit #2: Cancer Protection and Treatment
With such a large variety of uncontrollable conditions that may cause cancer, it is essential to protect our bodies in any way possible. Milk thistle is rich in the antioxidant flavonoid called silymarin, which is associated with decreasing the risk for cancer development.
By boosting our immune system, fighting DNA damage and reversing cancerous tumor growth, milk thistle can potentially protect us from cancer 2http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2005/11/report_prostate/Page-01.
Milk Thistle Benefit #3: Diabetes Management
Diabetes management can be enormously stressful. Milk thistle’s main component, silymarin, has the ability to control symptoms of diabetes.
By helping with glycemic control, milk thistle supplementation can assist to lower blood sugar levels in insulin-resistant patients. A study conducted with diabetic patients showed that patients consuming silymarin extract over a four-month period had better diabetes management compared to patients who were taking the placebo extract 3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17072885.
Milk Thistle Benefit #4: Treats Gallbladder Disorders
Our gallbladder is essential for a variety of functions, including storing and concentrating bile which is produced by the liver. Bile is crucial for proper fat digestion in the small intestine. Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are both gallbladder diseases that could interfere in people’s lives and may require surgery.
Milk thistle may help prevent gallbladder disorders. Research suggests that milk thistle has the ability to increase bile flow and help with gallbladder detoxification which may help with the prevention of gallstones 4http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000066.
Milk Thistle Benefit #5: Lowers High Cholesterol
Over time, high cholesterol may lead to more severe complications including carotid artery disease, coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease and sudden stroke. It is vital to lower and control cholesterol at any stage of life.
Milk thistle has been used for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Although more human research needs to be conducted, research suggests that when milk thistle extract used in combination with other methods helps reduce cholesterol 5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17072885.
Milk Thistle Benefit #6: Anti-Aging Properties
From the food that we eat to the way we take care of our skin, on a daily basis, we are engaging in habits that can overall make our skin and health suffer and age us at the same time.
Milk thistle is known to prevent free radical damage due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have the ability to protect our bodies from chronic disease and therefore slow the natural aging process. Milk thistle when taken regularly can help protect the skin, thus reducing visible signs of aging.
Milk Thistle Benefit #7: Emergency Poison Antidote
Amateur misidentification of poisonous mushrooms can lead to death. Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years as an emergency antidote for ingesting death cap mushrooms.
The main component in milk thistle has been determined to have protective effects on the liver and therefore assists in remedying poisoning. Animal studies have shown that milk thistle extract has the ability to counteract the toxic effects of a poisonous mushroom when given within 10 minutes after consuming 6http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000266.
Milk Thistle Benefit #8: Helps Heartburn and Upset Stomach
Frequent heartburn can be extremely uncomfortable. Milk thistle has been traditionally used as a home remedy to calm an upset stomach and assists with indigestion.
For many of us, we get an occasionally an upset stomach after eating a heavy meal. Although more research needs to be conducted. Milk thistle, when used daily, has the ability to reduce and eliminate recurring heartburn 7https://drsarahbrewer.com/health/natural-remedies-for-heartburn-and-indigestion.
Milk Thistle Benefit #9: Sharp Mind
As we age, the most common signs of cognitive disorder include confusion, poor motor coordination, and loss of short-term or long-term memory. Even at a young age, many of us can deal with the occasional brain fog. Research suggests there is a connection between brain fog and liver disease due to its tendency to impair energy production and blood detoxification.
Due to milk thistle’s liver detoxification properties it has been used as an alternative medicine to keep the brain sharp. Many people claim it prevents cognitive decline.
Milk Thistle Benefit #10: Regulates Hormones
Hormonal imbalance can lead to many complications. Being hormonally balanced is essential to a healthy mind and body.
Milk thistle has the ability to support hormonal balance due to its function as a liver detoxifier 8http://natural-fertility-info.com/milk-thistle-seed-important-for-hormonal-balance.html.
