Berberine is becoming increasingly popular for good reason, both in health-promoting and sports supplementation. Its flagship effect is considered to be its role in regulating insulin and glucose metabolism. This is all the more relevant because more and more people currently have problems with glycaemia / sugar metabolism. Of course, that is not all… See what berberine can offer you.
Berberine
Berberine is a plant compound with a variety of beneficial properties. It not only improves well-being and has a beneficial effect on health in many respects, but also makes shaping the body easier. I always say that work on the body should go hand in hand with health-related actions. If one supplement can be used and it has a good effect on several fronts, then why not, right?
Berberine, belonging to alkaloids, is a compound extracted from various plants, the best-known representative of which is common barberry. Despite the similarity in names, it can also be obtained from other plants, such as goldenseal or Chinese goldthread. The properties of the compound have been successfully used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. At that time, only some of the benefits improving body functions were taken into account.
Even so, it was already considered a remedy for many ailments that also worked in prevention. Today we already know that berberine is one of the stronger and at the same time more interesting natural supplements available on the market. It is especially valued for its effect on the circulatory system, sugar metabolism, metabolism and the nervous system. Many people also use the supplement as support in the fight against
insulin resistance, obesity and depression.
Taking the above information into account, it may work very well for shaping the body, together with an appropriate diet and physical activity.
Berberine – properties and effects
You have certainly heard many times how berberine works well for problems with carbohydrate metabolism and excessively high blood sugar levels. Studies confirm that the compound has a beneficial effect on the regeneration of pancreatic cells, improves insulin sensitivity and leads to greater glucose utilization (it, in a way, mimics the insulin mechanism).
In addition, it is attributed normoglycaemic properties – it leads to a reduction in blood glucose levels when its concentration is too high. This is influenced, among other things, by the compound's effect on the AMPK kinase. So in this case there is a difference between lowering blood sugar and normalizing / stabilizing it. It can be successfully used in insulin resistance and type II diabetes. In terms of its effects, it is very often compared with metformin.
Another important fact is that berberine improves glucagon secretion, activates the GLUT-1 transporter, improves glucose uptake and affects the increase of adiponectin. Due to the compound's effect on the AMPK kinase and its influence on carbohydrate metabolism, insulin sensitivity and glucagon, it may prove effective in reducing excess stored body fat. Interestingly, it has an inhibiting effect on the NF-kB factor, protects pancreatic cells and reduces glucose production by the liver. This also contributes to improved insulin sensitivity.
All of this can be linked to the fight against obesity, although the mentioned properties can also be successfully used to refine the figure. It is worth knowing that speeding up metabolism is definitely in our favour. It is one of the elements of efficient fat loss. Berberine regulates metabolism mainly through its effect on the AMPK enzyme. In addition, activation and stimulation of AMPK kinase are associated with better glucose uptake, increased transport of free fatty acids and utilization of fatty acids in muscles.
Studies confirm that berberine supplementation supports the fight against metabolic syndrome and reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis and type II diabetes. Looking at the above, it seems logical, right? In the study participants taking the supplement, a significant overall improvement, improved condition, weight loss and, as a result, a lower BMI were noted.
It is important that berberine is not only actively involved in carbohydrate metabolism and normalizing sugar levels. According to researchers, it is able to have a positive effect on the lipid profile. Interestingly, the aforementioned AMPK kinase affects the reduction of triglyceride production.
One of the more interesting functions of the supplement can be considered its neuroprotective effect and its influence on stress and relief in depressive states. High exposure to stress, its elevated level and high cortisol will have an adverse effect on every aspect of the body's functioning. From well-being and mental comfort to the ability to shape the body. Not to mention health condition…
Studies clearly show that berberine exhibits relatively strong antidepressant properties. Above all, this is about its potential as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO enzyme). Supplementation inhibited the mentioned enzyme, stimulated important neurotransmitters in the brain and protected against deficiencies of, for example, serotonin. It is worth knowing that deficiencies of the latter most often manifest as apathy, concentration problems, sleep disorders (so important for psycho-physical regeneration) or a lowered heart rate. Both excess and deficiency of serotonin can have an adverse effect on the body.
Berberine is also a compound that is attributed a positive, optimizing effect on the intestinal bacterial flora. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, neuroprotective effects and improves mitochondrial function.
Berberine – what form and with what does it work well?
The best option, which gives us certainty about how much berberine actually gets into our body, is to choose a supplement containing the compound in the form of sulphate or hydrochloride (berberine HCL). Due to its many beneficial properties, the product can be used for various purposes. Even so, one should remember to be careful – especially if we are already taking sugar-lowering medications. Interactions may occur even with the previously mentioned metformin.
Berberine HCL in combination with other supplements can become a great ally in the fight against stored body fat. It goes well with natural ingredients also found in fat burners, such as piperine (pepper extract), curcumin (turmeric root extract), cinnamon extract. It is always better to mount a concerted attack and act on body fat in different ways, right?
