NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH THROUGH MAY
The benefits of Inositol
In
ositol is a sugar-like compound (isomer of glucose) that naturally occurs in a variety of foods such as grains, beans, nuts and fruits. This compound was once considered a B vitamin and was named vitamin B8. B vitamins must be obtained from the diet as they are not made in the body. It was later discovered that inositol is made in the body so it is no longer considered a vitamin. However, it is still included in B complex vitamin supplements as the compound inositol.
The liver and kidneys produce roughly 4 grams of inositol per day. The brain has the highest concentration of inositol. Inositol is important to the making of neurotransmitters. It has been found to trigger certain physiological changes that affect the production of hormones, calcium concentration, gene expression, fat breakdown and a variety of other physiological processes. Inositol helps build cell membranes which surround your body’s cells and protect them from harm.
A number of anxiety disorders respond well to an increase of inositol in the body. This is because inositol directly affects the neurotransmitter serotonin which acts as a, nervous system regulator. Studies show that those with anxiety disorders who were given inositol supplementally had fewer panic attacks and depression events.
A major area of benefits associated with inositol is the facilitation of better blood sugar control. The body controls blood sugar through the operation of insulin removing sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells. However, cells can develop insulin resistance which results in blood sugar not being reduced in a timely manner. Inositol plays a role in the effectiveness of insulin doing its job. It has been shown to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin and thus reduce insulin resistance. Studies have also discovered that inositol can reduce triglyceride levels and blood pressure. It has been shown to aid in breaking down fats in the liver, which can reduce fat accumulation.
Because of its roll in facilitating better blood sugar metabolism, Inositol has been shown to be effective in reducing BMI (body mass index). Studies have shown weight loss, including the loss of belly fat, being accomplished by adding supplemental inositol to the diet. When proper sugar metabolism occurs, less sugar is converted to fat within the body.
As we grow older, our body’s produce less and less inositol which in turn can have negative effects on our body’s ability to properly process blood sugar and facilitate other physiological processes. At Milk ‘N Honey, we carry inositol in both capsule and powder form.
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