Table of contents:
- Benefits of inositol (vitamin B8) for body health
- 1. Increase fertility while treating PCOS
- 2. Overcoming various mental disorders
- 3. Potential as a cancer treatment
- 4. Increase insulin sensitivity
- 5. Reducing the symptoms of respiratory distress syndrome in babies
- Where can I get inositol?
Did you know that there are various kinds of B vitamins? There is vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), or vitamin B3 (niacin). Apart from these three popular B vitamins, there is also vitamin B8 which is called inositol. Intrigued by what is inositol and the benefits of inositol for the body? Check out the following reviews.
Benefits of inositol (vitamin B8) for body health
Vitamin B8 is found naturally in many plants and animals, as well as in dietary supplements. Here are some of the benefits of inositol on body health.
1. Increase fertility while treating PCOS
Many studies have shown that inositol has the potential to relieve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormone disorder that causes women to have irregular periods and find it difficult to get pregnant. About 72% of women with this condition experience fertility problems.
PCOS is also closely linked to metabolic syndrome disorders, thereby increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, liver disease and heart disease. That's why women with PCOS should get treatment for their condition.
A number of studies have reported that inosito supplements, especially those containing Myo-inositol (MYO) and D-chiro-inotiol (DCI) are able to quickly improve ovulation to increase the chances of female fertility.
2. Overcoming various mental disorders
Mental disorders are generally triggered by disorders of the central nervous system and the production of chemical compounds in the brain, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
After entering the body, inositol works to affect the brain's central nervous system and improves mood, so it is believed to be able to treat various symptoms of mental illness as well as eating disorders, such as binge eating and bulimia.
The intake of 6,000 mg of inositol supplements per day can improve the quality of life for people who have depression and those who have panic attacks. The same dose also prevents manic phases from relapsing in people who have bipolar disorder.
3. Potential as a cancer treatment
Inositol has other forms, namely phytrate, phytic acid, and hexafosphate. Although not yet proven effective, the three of them are able to increase the efficacy of anticancer drugs, inhibit the spread of cancer, and indirectly improve the quality of life of cancer patients during treatment.
Some cancers that can be prevented from developing with inositol are lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Unfortunately, the use of phytic acid can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in the body, so its use must be under the supervision of a doctor.
4. Increase insulin sensitivity
Initol, which may be a drug for metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS, has the potential to increase insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients as well. However, the research carried out is still very limited.
5. Reducing the symptoms of respiratory distress syndrome in babies
Babies born prematurely often have respiratory distress syndrome because blood flow to the baby at birth is very limited. Studies show that babies with this condition who are given inositol at as much as 80 mg per kilogram of weight each day need less breath assistance via an oxygen tube.
Their quality of life improved by 77% while simultaneously preventing complications, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (maldevelopment of the respiratory tract), blindness, and premature retinopathy. However, inositol for this purpose can only be given by injection not through food or supplements.
Where can I get inositol?
The many benefits of inositol, especially in preventing and treating various diseases, of course you don't want to miss it. Don't worry, inositol is available in a variety of foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Some foods that are high in myo-inositol are:
- All kinds of oranges
- Wheat
- Cabbage
- Summer squash
- Raisins
- nuts
- Tomato
- Peppers
- Potato
- Peach
- Asparagus
- Pear
- Piang
- Beef
- Egg
- Coconut oil and coconut sugar
In addition to the list of foods above, inositol is also found in supplements. However, you must first consult with a doctor. Whether you need additional inositol supplements or not.
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