Berberine is a compound found in many plants that can help with many  health problems. It is especially popular amongst those who follow the Ketogenic diet. New research has opened the door into how beneficial taking Berberine as a daily supplement can be for your health. How exactly does Berberine help the body?

Diabetes

Diabetes is a well-known disease that happens when we cannot process our food correctly to create glucose and sugar, which fuels our bodies. The enzyme that controls the energy used and produced in our bodies, is the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK regulates glucose levels, and so this enzyme wants to be activated so that it can balance out the glucose in our bodies. Activating the AMPK can be done through exercise and diet, along with few supplements, such as Berberine. So, taking Berberine is activating this enzyme the same way dieting and exercising do.

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is needed in the body to create healthy cells, but when someone has too much cholesterol, their LDL levels increase in the blood vessel. If these continue to grow, they can begin to build up and block blood flow in the vessel, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. AMPK prevents the development of the fat in the blood vessel if it is being activated. Berberine activates the AMPK so that it can controls the LDL levels in the body and prevent any blockage.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a direct result of extreme force of blood pushing against vessel walls. This is caused by a high number of triglycerides in the blood. Blood pressure is controlled by vascular smooth muscle relaxation, which regulates the force at which the blood is traveling in the vessel. Berberine induces this relaxation of the blood vessel to occur by increasing nitric oxide. This reduces the force of blood, resulting in lower blood pressure. Berberine’s effects on both cholesterol and blood pressure lead to having a healthier heart overall.

Weight Loss

Berberine improves insulin sensitivity, which is what is used to help store glucose and regulate metabolism. Increasing the sensitivity makes the hormone work harder and therefore helps your body properly store glucose in your muscles, liver, and fat.

Inflammation

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) play a huge role in your gut health because they maintain the lining in your colon. The lining in your colon helps absorb nutrients and protects against infection which will cause inflammation. Berberine increases the production of these short-chain fatty acids, producing a stronger lining and protecting your colon. Further research is being studied on how Berberine can help with many other types of inflammation also.

PCOS Symptoms

Common symptoms of PCOS are weight gain, high risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, which are all areas that berberine is meant for. Studies have shown that women who take berberine have seen a reduction in their PCOS symptoms.

Conclusion

More research is being conducted on the effects of Berberine on the body. A central part of human health is based on how the body processes glucose, so supporting this function can improve multiple areas of one’s health. The best way to reap these benefits is to take berberine as a daily supplement, preferably in the most pure form.