It will keep you focused and concentrated, boost your immunity, lower your blood pressure and help you lose a bit of fat. Sound unlikely? Here's inositol.
Inositol, also referred to as 'vitamin B8', was discovered in 1850. It is an organic chemical compound that is essential for the body to function properly. Its most common form is myo-inositol, but it actually exists in 9 different isomers, of which 2 (myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol) have physiologically and clinically important roles.
Inositol is stored in the kidneys, liver, heart and brain. Doses not exceeding 12 grams per day are considered safe for health. Inositol can be found in a variety of foods, but the highest amounts are found in nuts, fruits, beans and grains.
Physiologically, inositol plays a key role in signal conduction in hormonal and nerve communication, as well as regulating ion flow in cells. Inositol, being a component of the brain's serotonin, dopamine and glutamate messengers, is responsible for the stability of brain function and reduces emotional turmoil. In addition, it has antioxidant properties and regulates the cell volume of the central nervous system. It also influences the synthesis of steroids in the body and the activity of insulin, TSH and FSH. It is therefore an important component not only of the brain, but also of the entire endocrine system.
In addition, inositol also has a number of other beneficial properties for the body:
- Lowers systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure
- Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides - the "bad cholesterol" - without lowering HDL - the "good cholesterol"
- Lowers blood glucose levels by increasing tissue insulin sensitivity
- Improves semen quality
- Strengthens the immune system by enhancing NK cell activity
- Exhibits anticancer activity
- Facilitates the reduction of body fat
The above actions can prevent the onset of certain diseases, e.g. there is a lower risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases - this is influenced by a reduction in blood pressure values and blood cholesterol levels. In addition, there is a lower risk of type II diabetes due to increased insulin sensitivity (glucose can pass more easily from the bloodstream to the tissues).
Inositol additionally can be used for treatment:
- PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome - inositol enables fertility maintenance in women with PCOS, improves cycle regularity
- GDM - gestational diabetes mellitus
- OCD - obsessive-compulsive disorder
- PMDD - premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a more severe version of premenstrual syndrome
- Anxiety syndromes
One serving of Gaminate contains 750 mg of Inositol, which covers the daily requirement of a healthy body.
Author: Szymon Milnerowicz
Sources:
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