For centuries, plants have been used for their medicinal properties. Modern science has confirmed the effectiveness of many of these traditional remedies, including one particular plant that has been used for thousands of years in Asia.

This plant is known as milk thistle.

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a plant that belongs to the same family as daisies and ragweed. It has purple flowers and prickly leaves and is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe.

The plant contains a group of compounds known as silymarin, which has been found to have numerous health benefits.

How Does Milk Thistle Protect Your Eyes and Liver?

One of the primary benefits of milk thistle is its ability to protect the liver. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the body, and it is constantly exposed to harmful substances.

Silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, has been shown to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins.

In addition to protecting the liver, milk thistle has also been shown to protect the eyes.

A study published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that silymarin can protect against oxidative stress in the retina, which is a major contributor to age-related macular degeneration.

Other Health Benefits of Milk Thistle

In addition to protecting the liver and eyes, milk thistle has other health benefits as well. Some of these include:.

Reducing inflammation
Lowering cholesterol levels
Improving insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes
Reducing the growth of cancer cells
Helping with symptoms of liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis
Reducing the risk of gallstones

Overall, milk thistle is an incredibly beneficial plant that can help to protect your liver and eyes, as well as provide a range of other health benefits.

If you are interested in incorporating milk thistle into your diet, there are a variety of supplements available.

How to Incorporate Milk Thistle into Your Diet

If you are interested in incorporating milk thistle into your diet, there are a variety of supplements available. You can find milk thistle supplements in most health food stores and online.

It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the supplement bottle.

Milk thistle supplements are generally considered safe, but there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These can include upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating.

Additionally, milk thistle can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it.

Conclusion

Milk thistle is a powerful plant that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Modern science has confirmed its effectiveness in protecting the liver and eyes, as well as providing a range of other health benefits.

If you are interested in incorporating milk thistle into your diet, be sure to talk to your doctor first.