Milk thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries for its health benefits.
Milk thistle is a flowering herb with distinctive purple flowers. Traditionally used for liver health, it contains a compound called silymarin which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While research is ongoing, some people incorporate milk thistle into their diet for potential liver support.
What are the benefits of milk thistle?
Here are the key benefits of milk thistle, based on current research:
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Potential liver protection: Milk thistle, particularly the silymarin compound, may have protective effects on the liver. This could be helpful for those with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.
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Possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Silymarin may act as an antioxidant, helping reduce cell damage, and might also have anti-inflammatory properties.
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Uncertain benefits for other conditions: While some studies suggest milk thistle might help with diabetes or certain cancers, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
It’s important to note that the evidence for milk thistle‘s benefits is still developing, and it’s not a guaranteed cure for any condition. It’s always best to consult with a doctor before taking any supplements.
Here are the top 5 milk thistle brands on the market:
1. Nature’s Bounty Milk Thistle
This brand offers 250 mg of milk thistle extract per capsule, standardized to contain 80% silymarin. It claims to support liver health and function, and it’s made with natural ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian-friendly. You can get a bottle of 200 capsules for $14.99 on Amazon.
2. Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle
This brand offers 150 mg of milk thistle extract per capsule, standardized to contain 80% silymarin. It claims to support liver function and detoxification, and it’s made with natural ingredients and no wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, or peanuts/tree nuts. It’s also vegan and non-GMO. You can get a bottle of 200 capsules for $15.99 on Amazon.
3. NOW Foods Milk Thistle
This brand offers 300 mg of milk thistle extract per veggie capsule, standardized to contain 80% silymarin. It claims to support liver function and healthy detoxification processes, and it’s made with natural ingredients and no yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. It’s also vegan/vegetarian and non-GMO. You can get a bottle of 200 veggie capsules for $16.99 on Amazon.
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4. Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle
This brand offers 175 mg of milk thistle extract per softgel, standardized to contain 80% silymarin. It claims to support liver health and wellness, and it’s made with natural ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, and dairy-free. You can get a bottle of 200 softgels for $9.99 on Amazon.
5. Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle Seed
This brand offers 360 mg of milk thistle seed extract per liquid phyto-capsule, standardized to contain 80% silymarin. It claims to support healthy liver function and cellular integrity, and it’s made with organic ingredients and no gluten, soy, dairy or meat products. It’s also vegan/vegetarian and non-GMO. You can get a bottle of 120 liquid phyto-capsules for $29.99 on Amazon.
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Milk thistle shows promise for liver health and potentially offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. While research on its effectiveness for other conditions is ongoing, it’s always wise to consult a doctor before incorporating supplements into your routine.