Helps control diabetes, fight bacterial infections and diarrhea: find out the main benefits of berberine and how to use it!
Berberine is found in small red and sour berries that are produced by a shrub whose scientific name is Berberis vulgaris .
Although it is native to parts of Europe, Africa and Asia and common in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, it can now be found worldwide.
Berberine can bring several health benefits, such as helping to treat polycystic ovary syndrome , hypertension, high cholesterol , among other health conditions.
Index of this article:
Benefits of berberine: what it is for!
See what it is for and what are the main benefits of berberine for health and well being according to scientific research.
- Rich in nutrients
The various benefits of berberine are due to the fact that it is rich in nutrients in addition to having several properties. A 284 gram serving of these dried berries contains:
| Nutritional information | Portion of 284g |
| Calories | 89 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
In addition, one serving provides 213% of the IDR (recommended daily intake) of Vitamin C, and 15% of the Iron IDR.
In addition to vitamins, these berries also contain copper, zinc and manganese, minerals that play a significant role in strengthening immunity and preventing diseases. Its bright red color comes from anthocyanins .
- Can help fight obesity
Studies have found that berberine can activate brown adipose tissue , which helps the body turn food into body heat, which can help treat obesity and metabolic syndrome .
In addition, berberine may also have the ability to alter bacteria in the intestine, which could help treat obesity and diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a key factor in several health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
In this regard, some research suggests that berberine has anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it could help treat diabetes and other health conditions related to inflammation.
CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISING
- Can help control high cholesterol
Research indicates that berberine can help reduce LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, and increase “good” cholesterol, HDL.
In addition, a study noted that berberine helps move excess cholesterol to the liver, where the body can process and remove it, helping to lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Can assist in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
Studies have found that berberine may be effective in treating polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance. However, the authors claim that more research is needed to confirm this effect.
- Can fight bacterial infections
Berberine can be an effective antimicrobial agent. One study found that the fruit helped to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause many health problems like pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis and skin conditions.
Similarly in another study, berberine was found to have the ability to damage the DNA and protein of certain bacteria. Finally, another study found that it can also help fight acne.
- Help in the treatment of diarrhea
Berberines have been used for centuries to treat diarrhea, as they help to slow the transit of stool through the intestine, preventing diarrhea.
In fact, one of the oldest human studies on berberine found that it is effective in treating diarrhea caused by infections with certain bacteria, including Escherichia coli.
- It can favor those who have type 2 diabetes
Research has shown that berberine improves the way cells respond to insulin, which regulates the amount of sugar in the blood, so it can help lower blood sugar levels.
However, these studies focused on supplemental berberine and its extract. It is unclear whether consumption of dried or fresh berberines would have similar effects on blood sugar control.
- Dental health aid
Studies have shown that berberine extract can fight inflammation, probably because it acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Therefore, it can help to treat inflammatory dental diseases such as gingivitis. The results suggest that treatments with berberine may promote good dental health, but more research is needed.
- Helps fight high blood pressure
Studies have found that when combined with a blood pressure lowering drug, the drug was more effective than when used without berberine.
CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISING
In addition, results from a study in rats indicate that its properties can delay the onset of high blood pressure and, even after this condition develops, help to reduce its severity.
- May produce beneficial effects against tumors
As it has antioxidant properties, this fruit can help fight oxidative damage related to the development of cancer, in addition to causing the death of cancer cells, preventing their replication and inhibiting the enzymes involved in the life cycle of these malignant cells.
In fact, several studies have shown that berberine prevents the growth of tumors and even fights human cells of prostate, liver, bone and breast cancer.
However, research is limited to in vitro studies , and more research is needed to better understand its potential role in cancer prevention and treatment.
Benefits of berberine: how to use!
Berberine is available in capsule form and can be taken as a supplement, and although there is no defined dose, most studies use a dose of 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day.
It is recommended to start with a lower dose, observe the side effects and gradually increase the dose to 1,500 mg per day.
A person can divide this into separate doses, taking 500 mg three times a day, for example, and thus maintaining a constant level of active substances in his body.
Berberine can also be consumed in the form of dried fruits , as a snack in your daily life.
Side effects
Although most studies have not found severe side effects of berberine, adverse and mild digestive effects have been observed in some people such as:
- Stomach pain;
- Headache;
- Nausea;
- Constipation;
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use berberine without the approval of a health professional.
