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What are the health benefits of milk thistle?
As an antioxidant, milk thistle benefits are similar to other healing nutrients, like vitamin E or vitamin C, which help fight free radical damage and slow the aging process that can lead to disease development. It specifically contains high levels of lipophilic extracts from the seeds of the plant, which act as bioflavanoid antioxidants that increase immunity and slow down oxidative stress. Milk thistle benefits work by drawing toxins out of the body and protecting the liver from damage. Silymarin, which is derived from the milk thistle plant, has been used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for diseases of the liver because of its potent antioxidant activity.
What do you take milk thistle for?
While there are many different milk thistle benefits, it is most well-known for being a natural liver supporter and detoxifier and is sometimes used to help treat liver diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis, as well as gallbladder problems. The liver constantly works hard to help defend us from toxins that are common in our everyday life, acting like a filter and removing harmful substances from the body. Milk thistle benefits have been shown to include decreasing, or even reversing, damage to the liver that’s been caused by prescription medications, alcohol use, antibiotics, pollution, heavy metals and so on.
There are a variety of milk thistle products available. The seeds and leaves of the milk thistle plant can be consumed either in pill, powder, tincture, extract or tea form. The seeds can actually be eaten completely raw, too, but usually people prefer to take a milk thistle extract or supplement in order to consume a higher dose and see bigger results.
