If you log into TikTok, berberine is one of the current trending products. The product hashtag, #Berberine, has gathered over 94 million views and shows no signs of slowing down. Many users have varying claims about the supplement, which might tempt you to join the bandwagon.
Among the many benefits that users claim about the product is the ability to help in weight reduction and diabetes management, among others. But how valid are these claims?
Well, in this article, we will look at berberine and its possible benefits to the users. As a result, you can make an informed decision before using the supplement.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a phytochemical compound in different plants such as barberries, Coptis chinensis, Oregon grapes, goldenseal, and goldthread. The chemical has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea, infections, and cardiovascular issues.
The bitter-tasting compound is yellow, which is why it is also used as a dye in the textile industry.
Modern medicine suggests that the use of this product can have potential benefits to the users. Berberine health benefits emanate from its powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What Are the Benefits of Berberine?
1. It Might Help You Lose Weight
One of the reasons why Berberine is Popular among many people is that they report using it as a weight loss supplement. The weight loss claim is backed by a Dtudy that showed people using the products for three months reported notable weight loss.
The main reason why Berberine is effective in weight loss is due to cells’ increased insulin sensitivity. Once the body can effectively use insulin, there is accelerated body cell glucose utilization.
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The body only demands more glucose when needed, which helps control appetite and, eventually, body weight control. Further, the compound activates an enzyme known as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
The enzyme is responsible for metabolism regulation, which directly affects energy breakdown and utilization. Controlled metabolism lets you enjoy weight reduction as the body only demands what it needs.
2. Berberine May Help to Regulate Blood Sugar
Elevated sugar level is one of the severe conditions for people with type II diabetes. The condition arises when the pancreas produces less insulin or insensitive cells to insulin.
Although many people use medications to counter diabetes, some users are incorporating Berberine to manage the disease.
An elderly sugar level is one of the severe conditions for people with type II diabetes. It works by improving the movement of glucose from the blood to the cells. This increases insulin sensitivity, improving glucose utilization and countering the effects of diabetes.
Apart from improved sensitivity, the product is suggested to enhance cell glucose utilization. This is important since there is no accumulation of excess sugars in the blood and cells, improving the conditions of diabetic people.
3. You Might Benefit from Improved Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of millions of people every year globally. The condition includes diseases like coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease, among others.
One of the leading causes of these cardiovascular diseases is the change in the sizes of blood vessels due to blockage. Blocked blood vessels are due to high levels of lipids (cholesterol) in the blood, facilitating clogging.
Berberine usage has seen many people reduce bad cholesterol in their bloodstreams, according to different studies. With clear blood vessels, there is smooth blood flow, which keeps heart diseases at bay.
Besides addressing cholesterol, a combination of Berberine and blood pressure can improve results. It’s worth noting that hypertension contributes to heart disease due to hardening and constriction of vessels. Using the product routinely might help to lower your blood pressure.
4. May Help In Treating Canker Sores
Canker sores occur frequently among many people. They are painful mouth ulcers characterized by white, yellow, or reddish areas. Although these sores go away on their own, sometimes they need medication.
Although most people opt for conventional medications, studies have shown that berberine might improve canker sores.
A group with these mouth ulcers was instructed to apply berberine gel. At the end of the trial, people who used gel-bearing berberine reported less pain and reduced sore size.
5. It Can Improve Your Gut Health
Using berberine supplements can improve your gut Health. It achieves this by enhancing the development of good bacteria that help fight inflammation and other diseases caused by bad gut biota.
The supplement can result in a balanced environment, resulting in increased health. When your gut has an increased level of beneficial microorganisms, it eliminates various problems.
Some common issues solved by increasing good gut microbiota include obesity, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
6. Might Increases Cognitive Health
According to experts, taking berberine can improve your cognitive ability. The supplement has a potent antioxidant property, which helps in countering free radicals. The ability to deal with these destructive molecules helps in reducing brain cell damage.
As a result, it might prevent the development of dementia and related conditions. Apart from dementia, randomized trials have shown the supplement can be effective in dealing with effects caused by schizophrenia.
The condition contributes to severe mental disruption, which affects cognitive functioning. Thus, taking berberine might help to counter the effects of the disease.
Conclusion
Berberine might offer considerable benefits to regular users. Different studies show that the supplement possesses many health benefits.
Unlike other herbal supplements with unverified claims, berberine has been seen in numerous medical research to ascertain its usefulness and efficiency. Although it’s a fantastic Product, it’s best to consult a doctor to avoid harmful interactions.
