1.Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a shrub with yellowish-orange berries, a native of Southeast Asia and Europe. Other names used are sea berry, sand thorn and Siberian pineapple. Recent research has highlighted the tremendous health benefits of the fruit berries grown on this high-altitude shrub, which has been quite common on the Himalayan steep slopes for centuries. This shrub and its fruits are not new to the natives living in those regions. But, suddenly, it has gained much popularity due to its label as “Super food” by the recent scientific studies. The berries of this shrub are identified to have about 190 flavonoids and polyphenols, rich in Omega fatty acids and 15 times more vitamin C than oranges.
2. Sea Buckthorn’s nutritional profile stands out among many fruits and berries provided by the plant kingdom. It is considered a “superfood” for its amazing nutritional value.
• These berries have a rich supply of fat-soluble vitamin A, such as Beta-carotene (due to the orange colour), lycopene and Zeaxanthin.
• Vitamin E includes 8 natural variants, the tocotrienols.
• Vitamin K2 in natural form, which is quite rare in plants.
• Plant-based Omega 3, 6, 9, which is a complete omega fatty acid profile.
• Omega 7, which is Palmitoleic acid, is a rare variant.
• Vitamin C, which is 15 times more than that of a typical orange.
• Multiple bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phytosterols, organic acids and Tanins.
3. Heart-friendly: One of the main reasons for Sea Buckthorn berries’ attraction is their profound benefit to cardiovascular health.
• The Omega profile and bioactive compound help to lower LDL cholesterol, prevent plaque buildup, and lower blood pressure.
• Improve Cholesterol: Phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption, LDL and triglycerides in the gut and maintain the level of good cholesterol, HDL.
• Relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure.
• The antioxidant properties prevent LDL plaques from being deposited on the arterial wall and lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
• Reduces the risk of thrombosis by thinning the blood due to antiplatelet aggregation properties.
4. Diabetes: Studies have proven that sea buckthorn berries, due to their powerful antioxidant profile, help in the management of type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the potential benefits:
• These berries improve the metabolic function and lower the fasting blood sugar levels.
• Helps the body to improve insulin sensitivity and lower the resistance in due course.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties help to fight inflammation and prevent organ damage, which is a characteristic of diabetic progression.
• Reduce the damage to the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin.
• Promotes heart health, which is otherwise a cardiovascular risk for diabetics.
• Boost immunity, which is important for diabetics or anyone with a chronic illness.
5. Metabolic disorder: Collectively, metabolic disorders include obesity, hyperglycaemia, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The different ways of managing metabolic syndrome can be controlling blood sugar, lowering insulin resistance, improving dyslipidemia, reducing abnormal lipogenesis, lowering blood pressure and also improving gut health. The rich nutritional profile of sea buckthorn, which contains various flavonoids, omega fatty acids, and vitamins, helps to promote a positive impact on metabolic activities and prevent complications in metabolic pathways in such individuals.
6. Other amazing benefits :
• Aids cancer therapy: Studies have shown that flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhemnetin present in sea buckthorn berry juice and oil extract can induce a cytotoxic response and prevent cancer cells from multiplying.
• Skin / cosmetic uses: Due to their rich nutritional profile of vitamins and omega fatty acids, these berries promote skin health, promote hair growth, increase blood circulation and reduce signs of ageing.
• Effective in promoting gut health and liver health by lowering liver inflammation, fibrosis and scarring.
• Disease prevention: Sea buckthorn, due to flavonoids and antioxidants, prevents free radical damage, reduces oxidative stress and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.
7. Interaction: Sea buckthorn berries are usually safe, and there is no evidence of adverse side effects. But due to its rich content of various nutrients, there may be drug interactions, and precautions are necessary:
• People with bleeding disorders and those undergoing surgery should avoid situations where there is a risk of slowing blood clotting, bruising and bleeding.
• Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs can interact with sea buckthorn and pose a risk of bleeding.
• People on high blood pressure medication should avoid it as they can further lower their BP.
8. Uses: The raw berries are sour and acidic in taste. So, it is not usually consumed raw; instead, it is converted into functional foods.
• Juices and pulp: They are diluted in water before drinking and used in pies, desserts, jams and herbal teas.
• Oils are used in the form of capsules as a vegan Omega fatty acid source, used in hair and skin wellness.
• Powders: As supplements in drinks, smoothies and teas.
9. Availability: Sea buckthorn berries are available in local markets specific to the native regions of Asia -Pacific where they are grown. Otherwise, they are available as products in supermarkets, stores, and retail in different brands. It is important to buy from known, reputable brands for safety issues.
They are available in juices (cold-pressed is best), pulps, dried berry powder, gummies, tablets, capsules and in oil extract. Due to their nutritional value, the products are widely used and have been quite popular.
10. Takeaway: Sea buckthorn berries have been used for centuries by the native people of mainly Asia, especially in the Himalayan regions, Ladakh, China and European regions. But recent scientific studies and research have identified its rich nutritional profile, which has attracted the attention of health enthusiasts. Therefore, these tiny berries have become popular, and the products are selling widely nowadays. No doubt, sea buckthorn is, indeed, a super fruit and its intake in moderation, in whatever form, can be helpful for overall health and wellness.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love 🙏
3H:health,happiness,healing 