If you’ve never tried milk thistle, you’re totally missing out!
This amazing herb has the potential to be an absolute game-changer for not only your health, but also your longevity.
Let me explain…
According to the research done into the herb, milk thistle can offer a lot of pretty awesome benefits, including:
Protecting Your Liver – Milk thistle is one of the best-known natural hepatoprotective agents, thanks to its high content of a compound called silymarin [
1]. Silymarin has potent anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibiotic and antioxidant effects. It’s also able to reduce virus-related liver damage.
However, it’s most effective at reducing the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption and alcoholic fatty liver disease. Silymarin can prevent the oxidization of lipids in the liver and protect against cellular necrosis (death). It will reduce the amount of fats built up in your liver, decrease the damage caused by oxidative stress, prevent insulin resistance, and keep your cells functioning properly.
By keeping your liver functioning well, it ensures your body is able to protect itself by purging any toxins or chemicals that might cause long-term harm. It’s a longevity-booster all the way!
Strengthen Your Bones – According to research [
2], the silymarin extracted from milk thistle has the potential to be a powerful anti-osteoporosis remedy. The potent flavonoids and other antioxidants in milk thistle can have a positive effect on bone formation, accelerating bone growth.
At the same time, it can also prevent bone mass loss (which is very common as we age). In addition to speeding up healing, it can also strengthen your bones and maintain your bone mass loss even into your later years.
Boost Brain Health – For decades, scientists have been searching for remedies and cures to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Turns out milk thistle might just be an answer.
Scientific data [
3] has proven that silymarin has potent anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can reduce the inflammation in the brain that contributes to neurodegeneration. Research [
4] has also discovered that the potent antioxidant can reduce the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain that are believed to be the cause behind Alzheimer’s and neurodegeneration.
More research is needed to provide conclusive evidence, but for now, the results of the studies conducted thus far into milk thistle for brain health are highly promising.
Fight Cancer – Though there is only limited data, there is some evidence [
5] to prove the silymarin extracted from milk thistle could help to fight cancer. Specifically, the antioxidant properties could help to both combat the cancer cells and increase the effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Not only can it make chemotherapy more effective, but it may also modulate the negative effects and make the treatment marginally easier to endure [
6]. There may even be some early indications to suggest milk thistle has the potential to be a potent support for those undergoing cancer treatments.
Improve Skin Health – Acne has been linked to higher levels of oxidative stress [
7], which can trigger outbreaks of the P. acne bacteria and suppress your immune system. Thanks to the effects of milk thistle, however, you can combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, thereby treating and preventing acne.
Though more research is needed, there is preliminary evidence [
8] that milk thistle can reduce acne lesions and improve skin health noticeably.
All of these benefits listed above combine to improve your health and lengthen your lifespan.
Improved liver function can purge toxins and chemicals from your body.
Stronger bones will support more activity well into your later years. A better-functioning brain that is at lower risk of neurodegeneration and improved skin health can both contribute to more graceful aging.
If you haven’t given milk thistle a try, it may be time to start!