- 1. Control of Diabetes
- 2. Weight loss
- 3. Reduce cholesterol
- 4. Protect the brain
- 5. Regulate the intestinal flora
- Recommended quantity
- Side effects and contraindications
Berberine is a natural herbal medicine extracted from plants such as Phellodendron chinense and Rhizoma coptidis , which has stood out for having properties that control diabetes and cholesterol.
In addition, in animal studies, this compound had the effect of decreasing body weight and increasing the body's fat burning capacity, results that show that berberine can help in weight loss diets.
Here are the 5 proven benefits of berberine:
1. Control of Diabetes
Animal studies that used berberine supplements showed that this herbal medicine worked by increasing the production of GLUT-4, a molecule that transports blood sugar into cells, which reduces blood glucose.
This effect is similar to the action of the drugs used to control diabetes, and berberine may come to be used to enhance the effect of the drugs, and should be used according to medical advice.
2. Weight loss
Berberine acts to increase the cells' ability to produce energy, stimulating both fat burning and decreased fat production in the body.
This is because it reduces the expression of genes that stimulate the accumulation of fat and increases the genes that stimulate fat burning, having an action that resembles the effect of thermogenics.
3. Reduce cholesterol
In addition to helping with weight loss, berberine has also shown good results in reducing total cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
In addition, when used in conjunction with medication and a balanced diet, it also helps to raise good cholesterol, also called HDL.
4. Protect the brain
Because it has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, berberine also helps to protect the brain against problems such as memory loss and Alzheimer's, also protecting the neurons of patients who have suffered a stroke and reducing the sequelae of the problem.
5. Regulate the intestinal flora
Berberine has an antimicrobial effect and acts in the intestine by inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria for the body. With this, it also favors the multiplication of beneficial bacteria, which improve intestinal transit, increase intestinal protection and produce substances that help regulate blood glucose.
Recommended quantity
In general, a dose of 500 mg of berberine is recommended 3 times a day, which should be taken 30 minutes before main meals. However, the treatment can have up to 1500 mg of berberine before each meal, it is important to remember that the concentration of the herbal medicine should always be prescribed by a doctor or nutritionist.
Side effects and contraindications
The consumption of berberine is usually safe for health, but when used in excess, this substance can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence.
In addition, it is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it can cause changes in the structure of the uterus and can be passed to the baby through breast milk.
