Plant compounds are often used to produce new products such as food supplements, beauty creams and pharmaceuticals. Researchers are still finding more and more benefits that they bring to us through new studies. Ecdysteroids are a group of compounds found in various plants that have gained special attention for their potential health assistance. While research is still ongoing, here are some of the ways in which ecdysteroids and other plant compounds can help to keep a sane body.
Ecdysteroids Can Increase Muscle Strength and Enhance Physical Performance
The one thing that ecdysteroids are mostly known for is their capacity to increase muscle strength and help athletes perform better in their physical activities. Various researches on the family of ecdysteroid have shown that they possess a natural anabolic effect which can promote muscle protein synthesis and increase muscle mass. This is why it isn’t rare to find food supplements that include this compound in its active ingredients. Naturally, it is always best to talk to a doctor before adding any food supplement to your diet, since you may already ingest a sufficient amount through food. This may be the case for ecdysteroids which can be found in spinach, as an example.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties in Ecdysteroids and Other Plants
Many plant compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and they are used in a variety of products developed thanks to authenticated botanical reference materials. That is also the case for ecdysteroids. These properties are extremely helpful to the human body, providing benefits in a large variety of ways. As a starter, it can help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation, associated with various chronic diseases. It is always better to treat such issues through natural products, whenever possible, instead of using pharmaceuticals. And since so many foods include them, it would be a shame not to add them to our diet. It includes ginger, blueberries, green tea and olive oil, to mention but a few. Other benefits from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plants include a protection against premature ageing as well as helping the cardiovascular system to remain in good health.
Potential Anti-cancer Effects
Researchers have studied ecdysteroids and other plant compounds to determine if they possessed anti-cancer properties. What they have found is that they show a capacity to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis. However, cancer research still needs to go on, in order to confirm and determine the full therapeutic potential of ecdysteroids and their applications in future cancer treatment.
Other Benefits to the Human Organism Provided by Plant Compounds
To describe all the benefits that plant compounds can bring to human health, a whole book would be needed. However, here are two of the most important ones that have been discovered by researchers.
Improved Cognitive Function
Certain plant compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, have been associated with improved cognitive function. They can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Digestive Health
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains can promote digestive health, thanks to the compounds found inside them, such as dietary fiber and polyphenols. They can help regulate bowel movements and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It is also noted in many studies that they can reduce the risk of digestive disorders like constipation and diverticulosis.
More health benefits of ecdysteroids and other plant compounds are still being discovered today. Although food supplements including these compounds can help each of us maintain a better health, we should keep in mind that staying in good physical form always starts with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.