Mastic is a sticky substance derived from the pistacia lentiscus tree, also called chios mastic. This tree grows naturally in north africa and countries on the eastern side of the mediterranean sea. Know its health benefits.
Health benefits
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Heartburn
High cholesterol.
Mastic can be used for stomach and intestinal ulcers, breathing problems, blood circulation and any bacterial infections. Mastic might help reduce stomach acid and may protect the lining of the stomach and intestine. The mastic gum is also a natural stimulant of male sexuality.
In the past the gum administered to patients with renal insufficiency, or even for burns and skin diseases, as it has healing effects.
Helicobacter pylori and ulcer treatment
A study by scientists from the hospital of nottingham in britain showed that even a small amount of chios mastic (one gram per day) for two weeks can suppress the action of *helicobacter pylori and heal the ulcer.
Mastic anti-microbial action, can eliminate h.pylori from the stomach of people who suffer from infection that causes by this bug. Symptoms of h.pylori infection:
Symptoms of helicobacter pylori infection can sometimes be difficult to pin down.
Since the bacterium is the primary cause of stomach ulcers, this can be a strong indication of h. Pylori infection.
Other symptoms include
Burning abdominal pain
Frequent burping
Bloating
Vomiting
Sudden weight loss
Chronic acid reflux
Bad breath
Irritable bowel syndrome
Constant hunger.
Patients with helicobacter pylori may experience some or all of these symptoms.
In addition to clawing abdominal pain and horrible acid reflux, helicobacter pylori can eventually lead to stomach and esophageal cancer.
Cancer
Preliminary research indicates that mastic gum may offer anti-cancer benefits, according to a 2011 report published in nutrition and cancer.
Upon review of the available research on mastic gum and cancer, the reportas authors found that certain compounds in mastic gum may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and tumors.
These compounds include triterpenoids, a type of substance also available in a number of herbs (such as boswellia).
It should be noted that there currently arenat many clinical trials testing the potentially cancer-fighting effects of mastic gum, so mastic gum cannot be recommended for the prevention or treatment of cancer at this time.
Oral health
Research has shown that chewing mastic gum kills many of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
In a study published in the archives of oral biology, researchers found that mastic gum may help also prevent cavities.
The study included twenty-five volunteers with healthy gums.
The test was to chew mastic gum or a placebo gum for fifteen minutes.
After testing saliva samples, it was shown that the participants chewing the mastic gum had less amount of streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria linked to cavities.
Gastrointestinal health
It has been shown that mastic can reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
With this, mastic is used in the development of many herbal supplements for heartburn, in combination with deglycyrrhizinated licorice (dgl).
As supported in a 2010 study published in the journal of ethnopharmacology.
The study of one-hundred and fourty-eight people with indigestion were assigned to receive either a placebo or mastic gum three times daily.
At the end of the three week study, indigestion symptoms were significantly lower in the group assigned to mastic gum.
Chewing mastic gum also reduces symptoms of gastritis, and heartburn.
Due to its antibacterial properties, mastic can also destroy helicobacter pylori, a common cause of stomach and intestinal ulcers.
A study published in august of 2014 in natural products and bioprospecting evaluated the components of mastic gum responsible for the anti-h.pylori activity.
The study concluded that mastic gumas antibacterial activity is due to its 20 constituents contributing to fighting against h.pylori, and reducing ulcers.
Cholesterol health benefits
Mastic appears to also have cholesterol-lowering effects.
As indicated in a march 2014 study in journal of medicinal food.
The study looked at the chios mastic effect on serum lipid and glucose on mice.
All levels were measured before the dose of mastic, and after taking mastic for 8 weeks.
At the end of the experiment, there was a significant difference in levels of serum lipids and triglyceride levels.
Another study performed in greece showed reduced total cholesterol and ldl (abada cholesterol) and an improvement of total cholesterol/hdl ratio among volunteers over the age of 50 who took five grams of mastic powder per day.
Liver health benefits
Mastic also has liver protective effects.
A study took blood test levels of participants taking 5g of mastic daily.
Taking 5g of mastic daily, showed decreased levels of certain liver enzymes associated with hepatic problems.
Indigestion
Mastic gum may help treat indigestion, suggests a 2010 study published in the journal of ethnopharmacology.
For the study, 148 people with functional dyspepsia (a type of indigestion with no obvious cause) were assigned to receive either a placebo or mastic gum three times daily.
After three weeks, indigestion symptoms were significantly lower in the group assigned to mastic gum (compared to those in the placebo group).
Those symptoms included stomach pain and heartburn.
Culinary used
Mastic powder is a vital ingredient in turkish and greek cuisine.
It is used to make authentic turkish delicacies arahat locuma and adoner kebaba, and is also used in preparation of breads, pastries, ice creams, sweet puddings, and almond cake.
It finds its use in the greek cuisine in the baking of bread and pastries, and also for one of the traditional 'spoon sweets'.
Mastic powder mixed with sugar and rose or orange blossom water is used to flavor desserts, sweetmeats, ice cream, syrups, and cordials.
Warning:
*although mastic gum is generally considered safe, some people may experience allergic reactions when using mastic gum. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, hives, or a rash when using mastic gum, itas crucial to discontinue use immediately.
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Notice
The information and reference guides on this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications
