9 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle

Many people don’t realize how wide-ranging the health benefits of milk thistle are. It isn’t just for people who suffer from liver issues — it can provide many benefits for a wider group of individuals. Let’s look at some of the benefits of consuming milk thistle supplements.

What is Milk Thistle

The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering plant in the daisy family. The dried fruit of this plant has been used for centuries as food and medicine. Also known as “holy thistle” or “Mary thistle,” milk thistle is native to southern Europe, but it’s now found throughout much of the world.

Milk thistle seeds have been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, jaundice, and other liver problems. This herb isn’t recommended for people with biliary obstruction or those taking prescription medications that can harm the liver.

The active components in milk thistle are silymarin and silybin. These chemicals may protect your liver against toxins, including alcohol and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). According to some studies, they may also help lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease.

1.     Protects Your Liver

Milk thistle helps protect the liver from toxins and other damaging substances in your body. It does this by increasing bile production and helping your body process fats more effectively. This helps prevent liver damage caused by alcohol consumption, medications, and even environmental toxins such as air pollution or pesticides in food.

2.     Prevents Age-Related Decline in Brain Function

Milk thistle may help prevent age-related decline in brain function. In one study, researchers evaluated the effects of milk thistle on cognition in older women with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). They found that those who received milk thistle had improved memory and attention compared to those who received a placebo. This suggests that milk thistle may help prevent age-related decline in brain function.

3.     May Protect Your Bones

Milk thistle may help promote bone growth by stimulating bone marrow cells called osteoblasts, which form new bone tissue from mesenchymal stem cells — a cell type found in the bone marrow that can differentiate into other cell types, including fat, cartilage, and muscle cells.

4.     May Improve Cancer Treatment

Milk thistle may help improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy by protecting healthy cells from damage caused by these therapies. Milk thistle may also reduce side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, such as low white blood cell counts and nausea.

5.     Can Boost Breast Milk Production

Breastfeeding mothers who take milk thistle may be able to produce more breast milk than normal. This has been seen in women who are breastfeeding a baby and those who are pumping to increase their breast milk supply before returning to work.

6.     Can Help Treat Acne

Milk thistle may help treat acne by reducing inflammation, sebum production (oil) on the skin, and bacteria growth on the skin. These effects can help reduce pimples and outbreaks without causing any dryness or flaking of the skin, which can sometimes occur when using other acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

7.     Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Persons With Diabetes

It can lower blood sugar levels in persons with diabetes. Milk thistle contains chemicals that have been shown to improve glucose metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes.

8.     May Reduce Symptoms of Allergies and Asthma

Milk thistle may help reduce the severity of allergic reactions, including reducing the number and severity of asthma attacks.

9.     May Reduce Cholesterol Levels and Protect Against Heart Disease

Milk thistle contains chemicals that may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. However, more research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made about milk thistle’s effects on cholesterol levels or heart disease risk.

Where To Get Milk Thistle?

I been a fan of Swanson supplements for a long time. The supplement I have used the most until now is Triple Magnesium.

Now I found they also make Milk Thistle. The holidays can be stressful and even more so on your body. We all eat more than we should and may not feel our best afterward. Some even drink more than they normally would. There are parties, family stressors, and more to deal with.

Swanson’s Milk Thistle supplement supports liver detoxification and overall liver health. The innovative capsules are full of antioxidant flavonoids and feature plant-based ingredients without unnecessary processing (and, if taken the night before an event, may help you avoid the dreaded hangover in the morning.

Order yours now before the big holiday week!