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The Powerful Effects Of Berberine (No, We Aren’t Talking About Carpet!)
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5. Helps To Lose Weight
Although there have only been two studies done on this plant extract as far as weight loss is concerned, so far the results are quite impressive.
One 12-week study involving obese subjects found that when these subjects consumed three 500 mg supplements of berberine each day (a total of 1500 mg) they lost 3.6 percent of their body fat and about five pounds on average.
The second study used 37 obese men and women with metabolic syndrome. This was a three-month study where the subjects consumed 300 mg of berberine three times each day for a total of 900 mg. All subjects dropped their BMI (body mass index) levels from an average of 31.5 to 27.4. In other words, these subjects went from obese to overweight in just a three-month period. They also lost a great deal of belly fat and improved many of their health markers.
Scientists believe that these subjects lost weight due to the improved function and regulation of fat-regulating hormones such as leptin, insulin, and adiponectin. Berberine is also believed to inhibit the growth of fat cells.
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This amazing little plant extract also has numerous other health benefits, including:
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds
- Anti-Cancer Capabilities – Studies done involving test tubes and animals have shown that berberine reduced the growth and spread of several types of cancer. More tests are needed in this area.
- Reduced Risk of Heart Failure – One study showed that berberine dramatically improved the symptoms and reduced the overall risk of death in patients with heart failure.
- Reduces Fatty Liver – Berberine was shown in several studies to reduce the fat build-up in the liver, which offers protection from NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
Most studies used dosages of between 900 mg and 1500 mg each day. The most typical dosage was to consume 500 mg supplements three times each day, one tablet before each meal, for a total of 1500 mg. This extract has a half-life of a few hours, so dosages should be consumed at regular intervals throughout the day to attain stable blood levels.
Never stop taking medications without consulting your doctor. Always speak with your doctor before starting any herbal program, especially if you are taking any medications that lower blood sugar.
Berberine has a fantastic safety record, but a few side effects have been noted including diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and cramps.
Berberine appears to be one of those supplements which seem to be good for just about everything. You can find this supplement online or in many health foods stores.
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