Inositol is a simple carbohydrate that is naturally found in the tissues of plant and animals. In humans, it is synthesized by the body. This is the reason why it is now no longer a member of the B complex family. You see, inositol was once called “vitamin B8” but that name was dropped when scientists found out that it can actually be produced inside the human body — true vitamins have to be obtained via the diet.
But just because your body can make its own stash of inositol doesn’t mean there is no need for you to consider getting more inositol via the diet or through supplements. Having good amounts of the nutrient in your body is vital for the attainment of beautiful hair and a healthy cardiovascular system. What’s more, inositol is something that you need for the treatment and prevention of an assortment of mental problems. Experts say that people with diabetes can benefit a lot from inositol, as well as those who are at risk of suffering from deadly cancer.
You can get good amounts of inositol via the diet. Some of the foods that you should serve on the table regularly to keep the levels of inositol in the body optimum include organ meats such as liver. You can also obtain it from meat, fish and poultry. Speaking of poultry, eggs are also wonderful sources of inositol. The same is true with citrus fruits, beans, nuts and seeds. It’s a great idea to regularly include dark green leafy vegetables in your diet because they contain inositol. Various food products out of whole grains yield the said nutrient, too.
Some people may get their hands on inositol supplements if they feel that their diets are not well-balanced enough to make sure that their bodies are constantly supplied with good amounts of inositol. You may also do the same especially if you’re trying to limit your intake of fat and cholesterol — some food sources of inositol contain lots of them! But before you take any kind of supplement, consider letting your doctor know about it first.
The following are some of the reasons why inositol is good for your health, beauty and mind:
It Helps Reduce Cholesterol Levels
When inositol combines with choline, which is a water-soluble nutrient, lecithin is produced. Experts say that lecithin helps in breaking down fat and cholesterol, keeping your arteries clog-free. You don’t want your arteries to be all clogged up because it can increase your blood pressure as well as your risk of heart disease!
The Nutrient Helps Ease Diabetes Complications
Diabetic neuropathy, which is characterized by pain in the extremities due to peripheral nerve damage, is one of the many problems faced by those who are afflicted with diabetes. Experts say that inositol can help promote nerve function and ease the symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Inositol May Help Prevent Cancer
No one can deny that cancer is a deadly disease, especially if diagnosis and treatment are not made during its onset. It’s a good thing that there are numerous superfoods and nutrients that are scientifically-proven to help prevent and even reverse the disease. Studies have shown that inositol is potentially an excellent cancer preventer.
Foods with Inositol Helps Fend Off Constipation
We all know that the inclusion of fiber-rich foods in the diet is one of the most important steps that need to be taken in order to prevent constipation. Did you know that consuming inositol-containing foods can also do the same? That’s because inositol is said to help normalize muscular contraction along your GI tract.
It Helps You Enjoy Beautiful Hair
A lot of women take inositol supplements to keep their hair strong and beautiful. Just like what’s mentioned earlier, inositol used to be a part of the B complex family, which plays all sorts of roles — and one of them is keeping the tresses healthy. According to experts, inositol also encourages faster hair growth.
This Nutrient Promotes a Healthier Mind
People with anxiety and panic attacks can benefit tremendously from inositol, which is regarded as an all-natural and side-effect free remedy for the said problems. Inositol is also known to help combat depression. Some studies suggest that the said nutrient may also help reduce the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia.
