Milk Thistle - seeds, DaroVita, 200 g

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is one of the best-known plants in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly valued for its association with normal liver function and the digestive system. The plant originates from the Mediterranean region but is now widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, including Bulgaria.

Milk Thistle can be recognized by its characteristic thorny leaves with white marbled veins and purple-pink flower heads. The fruits, commonly referred to as milk thistle seeds, are the part most commonly used for nutritional and practical purposes. They naturally contain characteristic flavonolignans, collectively known as silymarin.

Milk Thistle has a long history of use. In traditional Mediterranean and European herbal practice, the fruits of the plant have been used to support digestion and maintain normal liver function. Over the centuries, Milk Thistle has become one of the classic herbs traditionally used for feelings of heaviness and digestive discomfort after meals.

Interest in Milk Thistle continues today, particularly because of the flavonolignan complex naturally found in its fruits. The seeds can be incorporated into the daily diet as a natural plant-based product and can be used whole, ground or as an infusion.

Health Benefits of Milk Thistle Seeds:

Support for normal liver function
Milk Thistle has traditionally been used to support normal liver function. The flavonolignan complex found in the fruits, known as silymarin, is one of the main reasons the plant is so well known in herbal practice. The seeds can be a suitable addition to a balanced diet focused on overall well-being and maintaining normal liver function.

Support for digestion
Milk Thistle has traditionally been used for feelings of heaviness, fullness and temporary digestive discomfort. The seeds can be included in the diet of people looking for plant-based support for normal digestive function.

Suitable for feelings of heaviness after meals
In traditional use, Milk Thistle is associated with supporting normal digestion and digestive comfort after meals. This makes it an interesting choice for people who experience feelings of fullness or heaviness after larger meals.

Antioxidant support
The flavonolignans found in Milk Thistle have antioxidant properties and have been the subject of numerous scientific studies. Antioxidants support the body's natural protection against oxidative stress and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Support for the body's natural protective mechanisms
Thanks to the naturally occurring bioactive plant compounds in the seeds, Milk Thistle can be included as part of a varied diet and an overall lifestyle aimed at maintaining general well-being.

Nutritional value of the seeds
In addition to bioactive plant compounds, Milk Thistle seeds contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates and can be used as a natural ingredient in various foods, smoothies and breakfast meals.

Silymarin in Milk Thistle Seeds:

One of the most interesting characteristics of Milk Thistle is its naturally occurring silymarin content - a complex of flavonolignans including silybin, silydianin and silychristin. Silymarin is one of the most extensively studied components of the plant.

It is important to distinguish between whole Milk Thistle seeds and standardized silymarin extracts. In extracts, the active compounds are concentrated and the amount of silymarin can be standardized to a specific percentage. In whole seeds, the content occurs naturally and can vary considerably between different batches.

According to published reference data, the silymarin content of the dried fruit of Milk Thistle may be approximately in the range of 1.5 - 3%. Applying this reference range to a 200 g package, the theoretical amount would be approximately 3000 - 6000 mg of silymarin.

Ingredients:

Whole Milk Thistle seeds (Silybum marianum).

Gluten-free! Contains no added substances or processing additives!

Nutritional values per 100 g:

Energy: 2029 kJ / 485 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39 g
of which sugars: 0 g
Fat: 26 g
of which saturates: 2.2 g
Protein: 23 g
Fibre: 4 g
Salt: 0.0 g

Directions for use:

Milk Thistle seeds can be used in various ways as part of a varied daily diet. They can be consumed whole, ground immediately before use or used to prepare an infusion.

For the most practical use, it is recommended to grind the seeds immediately before consumption. This makes them easy to add to various foods and beverages.

Suggested Ways of Use:

Raw whole seeds
Add 1-2 teaspoons of whole seeds to salads, yoghurt, oatmeal, muesli or other suitable foods. This is a convenient way for people who wish to easily incorporate Milk Thistle into their daily diet.

Whole seeds are also suitable for adding to homemade breakfasts and other foods. They have a characteristic, slightly bitter herbal taste.

Ground seeds
Grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or suitable kitchen mill and add approximately 1-2 teaspoons to smoothies, yoghurt, oatmeal, soups or other foods.

The ground form is particularly convenient for everyday use, as the seeds can be distributed more evenly throughout food. It is recommended to grind them immediately before use and not to store them for long periods after grinding.

Milk Thistle seed infusion
To prepare an infusion, pour approximately 200-250 ml of hot water over 1 teaspoon of seeds. Leave to steep for approximately 15-20 minutes, then strain.

An infusion is a traditional way of using herbal seeds and can be included as part of a daily diet. This method is particularly suitable for people who prefer herbs in the form of a warm beverage.

Seeds in smoothies and shakes
Ground seeds can be added to fruit or vegetable smoothies, protein shakes and other beverages. This is a convenient way to combine them with other plant-based foods and include them in breakfast or as a snack.

With yoghurt and oatmeal
Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground seeds to yoghurt, oatmeal, muesli or another breakfast food. This combination is suitable for people who prefer to include the seeds as part of their daily diet rather than as a separate herbal infusion.

In salads
Whole or ground seeds can be added to vegetable salads. This makes it easy to incorporate Milk Thistle into main meals without having to prepare a separate beverage.

In homemade baked goods and desserts
Ground seeds can be added in small quantities to bread, homemade crackers, savory baked goods, energy bars and other recipes. During heat treatment, some sensitive plant compounds may be altered, so to preserve the naturally occurring compounds as much as possible, it is preferable to add the seeds to ready-to-eat or non-heat-treated foods.

Which Method of Use Should You Choose?

For everyday nutrition: ground seeds are a convenient option as they can be added to breakfast, yoghurt, smoothies or salads.

For a herbal infusion: use whole seeds and steep them in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

For easy incorporation into your diet: add whole or ground seeds to salads, oatmeal, yoghurt and other suitable foods.

For better storage: if you grind the seeds, do so immediately before use. Store the remaining whole seeds in a tightly closed package in a dry, cool place protected from direct sunlight.

There is insufficient data to determine an appropriate and safe dose of Milk Thistle seeds for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Therefore, we do not recommend using the product in children without prior consultation with a doctor or pediatrician. Do not automatically consider the quantity recommended for adults to be an appropriate dose for a child.

Due to insufficient safety data regarding the use of Milk Thistle during pregnancy and breastfeeding, use during these periods is not recommended without prior consultation with a doctor. This applies both to the direct consumption of the seeds and to infusions or other concentrated forms of use.

Strong and reliable packaging: Milk Thistle seeds "DaroVita" are protected in a thick and durable heat-sealed pouch. The heavier-gauge material provides excellent mechanical protection, helps prevent the packaging from tearing easily, and contributes to better storage and preservation of the raw material's quality.

Packing: 200 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is Milk Thistle?
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a traditionally used medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family. The most commonly used part is the fruit, commonly referred to as seeds. They contain flavonolignans, collectively known as silymarin.

What are Milk Thistle seeds traditionally used for?
Traditional use is primarily associated with maintaining normal liver and digestive function, as well as relieving feelings of heaviness and fullness after meals.

How much silymarin is contained in a 200 g package?
With an estimated silymarin complex content of approximately 1.5-3% in the dried fruit of Milk Thistle, 200 g of seeds would contain approximately 3000-6000 mg of silymarin. This is only a theoretical estimate and not a guaranteed amount for a specific package. The actual content may vary depending on the variety, origin, growing conditions, harvest, storage and analytical method.

Is it better to consume the seeds whole or ground?
Both methods are possible. Ground seeds are easier to add to foods and beverages. If you grind them, it is recommended to do so immediately before use.

Can Milk Thistle be used every day?
The seeds can be included in the daily diet when used in moderate amounts. For prolonged use, or if you have a health condition, take medication or are under medical supervision, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Can the seeds be added to smoothies?
Yes. It is most practical to grind the seeds and add them to a smoothie or shake. They can be combined with fruit, vegetables, yoghurt or other suitable ingredients.

Can Milk Thistle seeds be consumed by children?
There is insufficient data to determine an appropriate dose for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Therefore, use in children is not recommended without prior consultation with a pediatrician or doctor.

Can Milk Thistle seeds be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Due to insufficient safety data, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended without prior consultation with a doctor.

Are the seeds suitable for people with a sensitive stomach?
Herbal products may cause mild digestive discomfort in some people. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with a small amount and monitor your individual tolerance.

Who should exercise caution when using Milk Thistle?
Particular caution is advised for people who are allergic to Milk Thistle or other plants from the Asteraceae family, as well as people taking medication or suffering from chronic conditions. In these cases, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended.