Silymarin is a compound found in blessed milk thistle.? It is a mixture of flavonoids and lignans.? The primary active constituent is Silibinin.?
Milk thistle has been used historically as a liver tonic and to treat symptoms of liver disease.? Modern research supports this traditional use.? Researchers have also learned that Silibinin has anti-cancer activity, which is not unusual for flavonoids.? Many are being studied for their value in cancer prevention and treatment.
Milk thistle is available in a number of health supplements, today, but many of them will be ineffective.? As is found with many other nutrients and extracts, Silibinin has low bioavailability.?
The term bioavailability refers to how much of a compound ends up in the bloodstream when it is taken orally.? Silymarin has low bioavailability.? In most cases, when nutrients and extracts have low bioavailability, it is because they are degraded by stomach acid.? Supplement manufacturers have determined that they must sometimes be combined, rather than taken separately, in order to increase bioavailability.
There are two steps that can and should be taken.? First, the supplement should be protected from stomach acid by means of an enteric coating.? This allows the nutrient to be released in the upper intestine.?
Second, the appropriate combination of nutrients should be used.? When it comes to silymarin, the appropriate “co-nutrient” is lecithin or Phosphatidyl Choline.? The bioavailability of Silibinin is ten times greater when it is taken with lecithin, a lipid found in soy and other foods.
In addition to increasing the bioavailability of Silibinin, lecithin is beneficial on its own.? It is useful for lowering cholesterol levels.? It has been used to treat gallbladder disease and eczema.? It is a cofactor necessary for the body to make acetylcholine, which transmits signals among nerve endings.? Low acetylcholine levels are associated with depression and anxiety.?
Both lecithin and Silibinin have been used to treat cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis.? When healthy people take the supplements, it is because of the reduced risk of disease and the possible anti-aging benefits that may be provided by these extracts.
The idea of taking nutritional supplements or eating specific foods to improve one’s health is not a new one.? People have been taking vitamin C for years to help prevent colds.? Eating healthier foods is of obvious benefit.? But, the idea of eating specific foods, drinking specific beverages and taking specific supplements on a daily basis to ward off chronic and life threatening disease is becoming increasingly popular.
Silymarin is just one of many ingredients that are recommended for daily supplementation.? This use is not meant as a treatment, but as prevention.?
Other ingredients in a perfect preventative “cocktail” would include resveratrol, grape seed extract, green tea extract, black cumin, turmeric, olive leaf and ginger.? All of the basic vitamins and minerals would be added to this mix of extracts, along with essential amino acids and protein peptides.?
Taken alone, silymarin may improve the health of your liver.? Taken in combination with a variety of other nutrients, it may improve your overall health and even extend your life.
And now to learn more about herbal, vitamin and mineral extracts in synergy for health, vitality, energy, motivation and total balance, please go to http://www.fine-supplements-site.infoFrom Emily Rae – Dedicated researcher of natural health and nutrition.
