MILK THISTLE
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Found in: Milk Thistle Plus
Caught sight of those vibrant spiky leaves and striking purple flowers of milk thistle? They're more than just eye-catching—they've been cherished in herbal traditions worldwide. Milk thistle seeds, loaded with a potent compound called silymarin, are renowned for their robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The most active ingredient in milk thistle extract, silybin, makes up 50–70% of silymarin, making it a key player in the plant’s therapeutic effects.
Milk thistle seeds are celebrated for their ability to restore balance in the body, especially by detoxifying and revitalizing the liver. But the benefits don’t stop there—milk thistle also supports the brain-gut axis, promoting overall wellness. And while the seeds often steal the spotlight, the root of the milk thistle plant is a powerhouse too, providing extra liver detox and digestive support. By embracing both the seeds and root, you tap into the full spectrum of benefits this mighty plant has to offer.
However, it’s important to note that not all milk thistle products on the market deliver the promised benefits. Some commercial preparations may not contain the recommended concentrations of silymarin, which can result in a lack of the expected therapeutic effects. While this could sometimes be due to the poor quality of raw materials, there is also concern that silymarin might be deliberately removed, raising questions about potential adulteration in certain products.
Here’s a little extra magic: Silybin can be tricky to absorb on its own. To address this, Nutrilite includes a silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex (from non-GMO soy) alongside other synergistic ingredients to enhance silybin absorption and maximize its liver-protective benefits. This innovative approach showcases a great example of botanical synergy in action!
Fun Fact: Why is it called milk thistle? The name comes from the milky sap that appears when its leaves are crushed and the white veins on its spiky leaves. Interestingly, milk is commonly associated with bone health, but milk thistle supports the liver, which plays a key role in activating vitamin D—a critical nutrient for calcium absorption and bone strength. So, indirectly, milk thistle might have a connection to your bones after all!
