Milk Thistle and the Unique Role of the Liver
The Liver has considerable responsibilities in maintaining the
health of the human body. It produces bile for the breakdown of food and breaks
down excess hormones like cholesterol and estrogen. It also metabolizes
proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Perhaps none of the liver's responsibilities are more important than its role in
the neutralization of many toxic compounds which could potentially cause
catastrophic damage to our bodies.
Many of these compounds (oxidized fats, artificial preservatives and flavors)
are routinely ingested with our food and in detoxification puts it's cells at a
particular risk of damage or destruction.
Milk Thistle Extract, Artichoke and Tumeric Support Optimal Liver Health
Because the liver plays such a vital role in maintaining health
and is continuously exposed to noxious compounds, it's protection is vital for
the achievement of optimal health.
Milk Thistle Extract, artichoke and tumeric extracts have all been shown to
protect and improve the health and functioning of the liver; supplementation
with these herbs could have a profoundly positive effect on general health.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) contains a group of compounds
known collectively as silymarin. Silymarin has been shown in studies to be one
of the most effective liver-protective substances known to science.
Silymarin is a potent antioxidant. It is ten times stronger than Vitamin E This
antioxidant activity protects the liver and other parts of the body from the
harmful effects of free radicals, a group of toxic compounds which cause
cellular damage.
Silymarin also helps to protect the liver from free radicals by stimulating the
production of glutathione. Glutathione forms the basic foundation for building
several powerful antioxidant enzymes. Like Vitamin E and silymarin itself, these enzymes convert highly toxic
free radicals into harmless compounds.