Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits. One popular form of milk thistle is the effervescent form, which can be added to water to create a fizzy, easy-to-drink beverage. In this blog, we will explore the potential benefits of using milk thistle effervescent tablets and the scientific evidence behind them.
Milk thistle is most commonly used to support liver health. The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, has been shown to have antioxidant properties that protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins and other harmful substances (1). Studies have found that milk thistle can help reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function in people with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis (2, 3). Milk thistle effervescent can be a convenient way to incorporate this potential liver-protective herb into your daily routine.
Milk thistle may also have potential benefits for blood sugar control. Studies have shown that silymarin may improve insulin sensitivity, which could help reduce blood sugar levels (4, 5). One study found that taking milk thistle supplements for four months improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes (6). More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of milk thistle for blood sugar control, but adding milk thistle effervescent to your daily routine could be a simple way to incorporate this potential benefit into your diet.
Some studies have suggested that milk thistle may have potential benefits for cholesterol and heart health. A study in people with high cholesterol found that taking milk thistle supplements for eight weeks led to significant reductions in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels (7). Another study in people with metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, found that taking milk thistle supplements for 12 weeks led to improvements in several markers of heart health, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels (8). Milk thistle effervescent may be a convenient way to incorporate this potential benefit into your daily routine.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
In addition to its potential benefits for liver, blood sugar, and heart health, milk thistle may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Animal studies have found that silymarin may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body (9, 10). However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of milk thistle in humans.
Conclusion:
Milk thistle effervescent can be a convenient and easy way to incorporate the potential health benefits of milk thistle into your daily routine. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of milk thistle, studies have suggested that it may have benefits for liver health, blood sugar control, cholesterol and heart health, and inflammation and oxidative stress. As with any supplement, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before adding milk thistle effervescent to your diet.
References:
- Kren, V., & Walterová, D. (2005). Silybin and silymarin-new and emerging applications in medicine. Current medicinal chemistry, 12(24), 3065-3080.
- Abenavoli, L., Capasso, R., Milic, N., & Capasso, F. (2010). Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytotherapy Research, 24(10), 1423-1432.
- Velussi, M., Cernigoi, A. M., Tortul, C., & Caffau