If you are anywhere in the southeast, you know exactly what kudzu is. It is that vine that takes over EVERYTHING. It has been called, among other things, a noxious weed (and it is). New research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry is suggesting that a compound in kudzu may provide significant health benefits for people with metabolic syndrome.
"The study found that a kudzu root extract had beneficial effects lab rats used as a model for research on the metabolic syndrome. After two months of taking the extract, the rats had lower cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin levels that a control group not given the extract. Kudzu root may provide a dietary supplement that significantly decreases the risk and severity of stroke and cardiovascular disease in at-risk individuals."
Definitely some interesting stuff, perhaps we can finally put the stuff to good use!
