Milk thistle extract is one of the most commonly used herbs in the field of medicine. It is also referred to as Silybum Marinum and is identified with its signature purple flower and white veins.
Does milk thistle help you lose weight? Does milk thistle promote healthy skin? Milk Thistle is usually processed to obtain an extract that is rich in a compound called silymarin, which is said to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties as well. Combined with its versatility and natural availability, silymarin milk thistle has been used to combat several health complications such as liver failure, gall bladder disorders, cancer, and protection from poisoning.
Health Benefits of Milk Thistle Extract
Does milk thistle help you lose weight? Does milk thistle help in reducing cholesterol? Get all your answers by reading through some of the most effective milk thistle benefits listed below:
1. Antioxidant Benefits
Milk thistle is one of the most potent sources of natural antioxidants available in the market. This is beneficial for carrying out functions like improving the effect of skin barriers, stimulating the release of collagen, etc. which help with reducing skin complications such as wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of milk thistle can also reduce the oxidative stress exerted on important organs such as the brain and the heart, which effectively prevents issues such as potential neurodegenerative diseases and heart diseases.
2. Supports Liver Health
Milk thistle liver contains an active component called silymarin which possesses antioxidant properties. This is beneficial in reversing the oxidative damage caused to the body by the presence of free radicals. During this process, our liver also experiences somewhat of a detoxifying effect. The silymarin milk thistle helps in clearing out any harmful compounds present in our liver and effectively flushes them out. Milk thistle benefits the flow of blood in our body and is especially beneficial for recovering alcoholics by making sure that they have a strong liver
3. Promotes Healthy Skin
Adding the consumption of milk thistle extract to your diet can also be beneficial for promoting healthy skin. The silymarin milk thistle possesses antioxidant properties which work towards boosting the collagen levels found in our body and effectively reducing skin problems such as acne, fine lines, wrinkles, etc. Additionally, milk thistle extract is also useful for improving the flow of oxygen among the cells in our body, giving the skin a healthy and glowing appearance as well.
4. Reduces Cholesterol
Increased levels of LDL or bad cholesterol can have a damaging effect on our body and can lead to serious health complications such as heart failure in the long run. Prolonged supplementation of the milk thistle extract has been proven to be beneficial in carrying out functions like reducing the oxidative stress exerted on the body due to free radicals, eliminating bad cholesterol, boosting good cholesterol, and promoting a healthy flow of blood within the body.
5. Aids Weight Loss
Being overweight could be a potential indicator of several underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol, or heart disease. Consuming milk thistle is beneficial for regulating our appetite and eliminating sugar cravings by naturally balancing out the magnesium levels in our body. This can help you make better nutritional choices, as well as balance hunger hormones such as peptides and limit the secretion of ghrelin in our body, leading to effective weight loss.
6. Reduces Insulin Resistance
High levels of insulin resistance are an issue that is commonly faced by people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The supplementation of milk thistle extract along with a healthy balanced diet has been found to be beneficial in regulating the natural sugar levels of our blood and limiting insulin resistance, playing a huge role in the management of diabetes.
7. Promotes Bone Health in Women
Milk thistle extract is also useful for promoting the healthy growth and functioning of our bones by improving the structural density and boosting calcium content. Additionally, this compound has also been proven to naturally increase the estrogen levels in our body. This is beneficial for women who experience a loss of muscle and bone density due to aging and nutritional deficiencies. Milk thistle is beneficial in reducing the lactic acid formation in your muscles, which lessens body pains after prolonged physical exertion.
8. Improves Asthma Symptoms
The silymarin milk thistle contains anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial in fighting off inflammatory conditions such as asthma. Prolonged supplementation of milk thistle extract helps in minimizing airway trauma caused due to potential allergens by signaling the body to reduce or even completely stop the secretion of inflammatory hormones in our body, which can be beneficial in improving the symptoms experienced during an asthma attack.
9. Improves Cognitive Functioning
As we grow older our brain experiences levels of deterioration that cause it to lose proper cognitive functions such as memory retention and logical reasoning. The presence of free radicals that cause oxidative stress in our body is one of the main reasons for the speeding up of this process. Consumption of milk thistle extract is beneficial for reducing the oxidative stress exerted on the brain, as well as improving the flow of oxygen in it. This is not only beneficial for promoting higher cognitive function, but also responsible for preventing the onset of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.
10. Boosts the Immune System
Apart from promoting a strong liver, prolonged supplementation of the milk thistle extract has also been found to be beneficial in increasing the immune activity of the body. This compound helps promote and enhance the release of killer white blood cells which eliminate the entry of harmful pathogens into our bodies. This function is useful in improving both the innate and adaptive immune responses in our body. The anti-inflammatory properties of silymarin milk thistle are also useful for reducing the effects of any potential toxins on our body as well.
11. Prevents Acne
Acne is one of the most commonly experienced skin conditions, especially among young adults. While it is quite harmless and passive, acne can sometimes develop pretty quickly and cause scars on your body. Consuming milk thistle extract can reduce the inflammatory response initiated by your body and prevent the formation of acne. It also reduces the oxidative stress experienced by your skin, which helps in building collagen and reversing the damaging effects of acne such as scarring, skin discolouration/blots, red spots, etc
Is Milk Thistle Safe?
Milk thistle supplements, according to the NIHTrusted Source, appear to have few negative effects. Before beginning any new supplement or drug, a person should always consult with their doctor. In rare cases, ingesting milk thistle can result in
- Diuretic effects
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Stomach aches
- Minor allergic reaction
Conclusion
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics of milk thistle extract may provide a variety of health benefits. Milk thistle is a healthy supplement that has the potential to be used as a supplementary therapy for a variety of ailments such as liver disease, cancer, and diabetes.
