Indole-3-Carbinol or I3C is an active substance naturally found in broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables. This phytochemical exhibits potent antioxidant activities and helps increase the detoxifying abilities of certain enzymes. Eating raw cabbages, cauliflowers, and other vegetables of its kind is the best way to get natural Indole-3-Carbinol. Cooking these cruciferous vegetables decreases the amount of the Indole-3-Carbinol nutrient. Making cruciferous vegetables as part of the daily diet is essential, but may be unpalatable to many. An alternative would be, taking Indole-3-Carbinol supplements produced by reputable manufacturers.
In the intestines, Indole-3-Carbinol is converted into Diindolylmethane (DIM). After taking Indole-3-Carbinol supplements, there won’t be any I3C circulating in the bloodstream but only DIM. This I3C metabolite is involved in estrogen metabolism. Estrogen is the female hormone responsible for maintaining primary female characteristics, as well as a healthy female reproductive system. Specifically, DIM increases the aerobic metabolism of estrogen to stimulate more production of beneficial estrogen metabolites. This mechanism allows Indole-3-Carbinol to produce its health promoting and disease preventing properties.
Indole-3-Carbinol Benefits
- Indoles are powerful antioxidants that neutralise free-radicals. Free radicals are substances that cause oxidation of fats in the bloodstream, causing plaque deposits in the arterial walls. Thus, Indole-3-Carbinol may potentially help prevent hypertension and atherosclerosis.
- Different clinical studies conducted all over the world conclude that Indole-3-Carbinol offers natural protection against gynecological malignancies like breast and cervical cancers. Experts further suggest that the chemotherapeutic effects of Indole-3-Carbinol are even stronger than the drug tamoxifen.
- Indole-3-Carbinol supplements produce skin care benefits by offering protection against the harmful UV radiation from the sun.
- Indole-3-Carbinol is also considered as a natural liver protector. It does this by increasing the activities of some enzymes to eliminate toxins, lessening workload from the liver.
- Indole-3-Carbinol for women helps ease the many discomforts of menstruation. This is because I3C also works by balancing female hormone levels. Mood swings, bloating, dysmenorrheal, and other menstrual discomforts are usually caused by fluctuating hormones.
- Women who are on their menopausal stage may take Indole-3-Carbinol supplements to replenish the decreased production of female hormones when they get older. Thus, it may help combat flushing, mood swings, bleeding, and other symptoms of menopause.
Indole-3-Carbinol Side Effects
Clinical studies suggest that Indole-3-Carbinol supplements are safe when taken at recommended doses. However, undirected intake of these supplements may produce mild side effects like skin rashes and slight elevation in liver enzymes, tremor, and nausea.
Patients who are taking clozapine, cyclobenzaprine, fluvoxamine, haloperidol, olanzapine, propanolol, and other medications which are broken down by the liver should consult a Doctor before taking Indole-3-carbinol supplements.
