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Benefits of Berberine

Berberine is a bitter-tasting yellow alkaloid found in roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of various plants including goldenseal and Oregon grape.

Most often berberine is used to reduce blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that taking berberine, combined with adopting a healthy lifestyle, reduces fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c more effectively than lifestyle interventions alone. Berberine also aids in improving insulin sensitivity resulting in healthier blood glucose levels and weight control.

Additionally, berberine has been shown to benefit these health states as well:

Hyperlipidemia – taking a berberine supplement can reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

High blood pressure – berberine combined with amlodipine (a prescription drug that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow) has been shown to reduce blood pressure more effectively than taking amlodipine alone.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – some clinical research has shown berberine to improve metabolic characteristics and birth rates in women with PCOS and insulin resistance.

Speak to the Live Well team at Pharmasave Summerland about how you can benefit from supplementing berberine.

Dan Cassidy, Nutritional Product Advisor