Wellness, Health
Do you know your Berberine from your Barberry?
December 8, 2023
Heard your friends talking up the merits of Barberry again? Opened TikTok to see another video discussing Berberine? So what exactly are these two things, how are they related and why are they attracting so much attention in health and wellness circles lately?
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants, including Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), as well as Goldenseal and Chinese Goldthread. Whilst it may seem like the new kid on the block, Berberine has been used for centuries for various health-related purposes in both Traditional Chinese and WesternHerbal Medicine.
More technically speaking, Berberine is an alkaloid which is found in the Barberry plant’s bright yellow roots and bark. So while Berberine is a compound, Barberry is one of the plants that hosts that compound.
Why is Berberine Gaining Attention?
Lately, Berberine has piqued interest due to its potential health and wellness benefits in assisting with the breakdown of dietary fat, stimulating digestion and supporting digestive system function.
For these reasons, Berberine could be used by people who:
- Struggle with Blood Sugar Levels: Its potential to maintain insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism makes it a candidate for those managing blood sugar issues.
- Experience Post-Meal Fatigue: People who feel unusually tired after eating might benefit from its effects on blood sugar and energy regulation.
- Have Fluctuating Energy Levels Related to Food: Its role in stabilising blood sugar can help in managing energy spikes and drops.
- Feel Bloated After Fatty Meals: Berberine’s digestive support properties might aid in reducing such discomfort.
- Need Help Metabolising Fat: Its potential effects on fat metabolism could be useful for those looking to improve their lipid profile.
- Seek Digestive Support: As a compound known for stimulating digestion, it can be helpful for those needing additional digestive aid.
- Require Enhanced Food Metabolism Support: Berberine’s overall impact on metabolic functions makes it a candidate for individuals looking to improve their metabolism.
Consumption of Berberine
While Berberine’s rise to prominence in the wellness world is relatively recent, its use in traditional medicine spans centuries. Both Berberine and the Barberry plant offer intriguing benefits, especially concerning digestion and metabolic support.
Getting Berberine directly from foods like Barberry can be challenging. However, supplements can provide a more concentrated and accessible form of Berberine. As with any supplement or health-related choice, it’s important to be well-informed before adding any supplement to your routine or consult with a healthcare professional if required.