Inositol is a B-vitamin-like nutrient that occurs naturally in whole grains, beans, nuts, and fruits. The human body also makes inositol on its own. In this article, we share information about what inositol is, how it works, and how it may benefit your health.
Myo-inositol vs. D-chiro-inositol
There are nine types of inositol occurring in nature. Two forms, myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol have specific functions in our cells. Over the last several years, research has found that your body’s natural ratio of myo- to D-chiro-inositol is 40:1. That’s forty parts myo-inositol to one part D-chiro-inositol.
How does inositol work?
Inositol supports your body’s healthy insulin processing mechanisms. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas and released into the bloodstream. Insulin allows our cells to take in glucose (sugar) and produce energy.
When you eat, your body breaks down glucose in your bloodstream. Increasing glucose in your blood tells your pancreas to make insulin. For insulin to work, it must bind to the insulin receptor on the surface of the cell. Think of a lock (the insulin receptor) and a key (insulin).
When insulin binds to its receptor, it “unlocks” and releases secondary messengers. These secondary messengers tell the cell it is time to take in glucose from the blood.
Inositols function as secondary messengers. This means that inositols help with insulin signaling. In other words, they help the cell take in glucose from the blood.
Health Benefits of Inositol
While there are many health benefits of inositol, here are the top five.
1. Promotes Healthy Hormone Levels
Insulin is a hormone that helps you process glucose (sugar) into energy that your body can use. Inositol, acting as a secondary messenger, is critical to this process.
2. Supports Regular Menstruation and Healthy Ovulation
Several studies demonstrate that inositol can promote regular monthly periods and support ovarian health.
3. Supports Heart Health
Studies show that inositol may promote healthy lipid (blood fat) levels in certain women.
4. Promotes Healthy Female Fertility
Inositol may promote healthy egg and embryo quality in women trying to conceive. Studies indicate that inositol may also be helpful for women going through fertility procedures.
5. Supports a Healthy Mood
Inositol functions as a secondary messenger for serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are vital for mental health. Just as inositol promotes healthy insulin signaling in your body, it can also promote healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Choosing An Inositol Supplement
While certain foods contain inositol, and your body also makes inositol on its own, many people choose to take inositol as a supplement. Supplements can be a convenient way to ensure you’re getting the dose of inositol that’s right for you. However, inositol supplements come in a variety of forms and dosages, and the quality of inositol supplements can vary considerably.
Ovasitol is a 100% pure inositol supplement. It does not contain any fillers or additives. Each dose of Ovasitol contains 2,000 mg of myo-inositol and 50 mg of D-chiro-inositol in the body’s naturally occurring ratio of 40 to 1.
Ovasitol is the only NSF certified inositol supplement. What this means is that Ovasitol is independently verified for content accuracy and purity. In other words, when you take Ovasitol you can be sure that you’re receiving only what’s printed on the label. Nothing more, nothing less.
Consult your healthcare provider before starting Ovasitol or any other inositol supplement.
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