Sea buckthorn, known scientifically as Hippophae rhamnoides, is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia.
Its fruits, which are small, round and orange, are included in the category of functional foods, which have proven their health benefits due to their rich content of bioactive substances. Sea buckthorn berries contain a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, even the leaves of this plant would bring a series of benefits to the body, being used in the preparation of infusions (buckthorn tea). Discover what sea buckthorn contains, what benefits it can bring to the body and when it is contraindicated.
Sea buckthorn – medicinal properties
Sea buckthorn contains antioxidants in abundance. These compounds have the property of counteracting the action of free radicals, protecting the body from diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases, but also from aging processes, it shows Healthline. Carotenoids and polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) are the main antioxidant substances in sea buckthorn, according to the study „Phytochemistry, health benefits, and food applications of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A comprehensive review”by Zhen Wang et al.
The fruits of this plant contain vitamins C, K, A and E, vitamins from the B complex, but also iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium. The leaves and seeds are rich in phytosterols, substances that reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Healthline.
Sea buckthorn oil provides all types of Omega fatty acids, half of its fats being polyunsaturated and monounsaturated – two types of healthy fats.
As the previously mentioned study and research shows „Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and sensory evaluation of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf tea” (Qian He et al.), thanks to the biologically active substances in sea buckthorn, this plant has properties:
Antioxidant;
Anti-inflammatories;
Anticoagulant;
Anti-obesity;
Antimicrobials and antivirals;
Hepatoprotective;
Neuroprotective;
Anti-hyperlipidemice;
Anti-cancer;
Cardioprotective;
Dermatoprotectors;
Immunomodulators.
To enjoy all these nutrients, it is important to eat the fruit fresh. Therefore, do not prepare them thermally (such as by boiling). You can add sea buckthorn to smoothies, lemonade, porridges and fruit salads or eat it as is.
Sea buckthorn is available fresh only in the autumn season, but in the supermarket you can find it frozen all year round. Freezing is a preservation method that does not affect the nutritional profile of fruits and vegetables.
Sea buckthorn benefits and contraindications
Consumed regularly, sea buckthorn could bring a number of important benefits. In any case, it should not be consumed excessively and it does not negate the negative effects of an unbalanced diet. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your diet is varied and of good quality.
Sea buckthorn juice – properties
Sea buckthorn fruits, the extract and the juice obtained from them can bring the following benefits:
Support heart health: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients protect the body against heart disease, and phytosterols prevent bad cholesterol (LDL) absorption and atherosclerosis, Healthline reports. In addition, quercetin, a compound found in sea buckthorn, is an antioxidant directly associated with reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sea buckthorn also lowers the risk of blood clots and events such as thrombosis, due to its antiplatelet properties, the study shows „Phytochemistry, health benefits, and food applications of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A comprehensive review”;
Helps control blood sugar: According to the previously mentioned sources, sea buckthorn could reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, in the context of a healthy diet;
Improve weight control: Through a series of molecular mechanisms, the nutrients in sea buckthorn inhibit lipid accumulation and weight gain, the above study shows. However, do not forget that sport and the quality of nutrition as a whole are the main determinants of weight;
They can strengthen immunity and inhibit the multiplication of pathogens: As shown by Healthline, sea buckthorn oil can protect the body against infections due to its flavonoid content. Also, according to the previously mentioned study, sea buckthorn would have activity against some bacteria and viruses;
Contributes to the body’s protection against cancer: According to the sources above, sea buckthorn oil and extract are said to have anti-cancer effects;
Protects liver health: Thanks to flavonoids and lutein, a carotenoid, sea buckthorn is said to have hepatoprotective properties.
Sea buckthorn tea benefits
Not only sea buckthorn fruits are associated with positive health effects, but also the infusion of the leaves of this plant.
The study „Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and sensory evaluation of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf tea”who investigated the composition of sea buckthorn leaf tea, mentions the following potential effects of this infusion on the body:
Decreased oxidative stress associated with aging and chronic diseases;
Reducing blood fat levels;
Weight loss, in the context of a healthy lifestyle;
Modulation of immunity.
In what diseases can sea buckthorn benefit
The sources above, along with VerywellHealth, suggest that sea buckthorn oil and extract may be helpful in certain conditions:
Skin conditions: Topical application of sea buckthorn oil or creams containing extract from this plant could relieve minor burns, reduce psoriasis, acne and eczema;
Hypercholesterolemia: Products containing sea buckthorn could be used to improve the lipid profile (blood fat level) because they contain phytosterols;
Prediabetes: A small clinical trial, viz „Effect of Sea Buckthorn on Plasma Glucose in Individuals with Impaired Glucose Regulation: A Two-Stage Randomized Crossover Intervention Study” (Zhongxia Ren et al.), shows that people with prediabetes could benefit from a slight decrease in blood sugar after consuming 90 ml of sea buckthorn puree daily for 5 weeks. However, the results showed very small changes in glycemic values. Lifestyle intervention remains essential in this disorder;
Cancer: Quercetin in sea buckthorn may help destroy cancer cells. Also, according to Healthline, nutrients in sea buckthorn oil may protect healthy cells during radiation therapy, but research is limited to animals.
In any case, more studies are needed to confirm the positive effects of sea buckthorn on the body. If you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, always ask your doctor before starting to use a dietary supplement.
Sea buckthorn contraindications
According to Healthline, there are not yet enough studies to establish with certainty the contraindications of sea buckthorn and products containing sea buckthorn. In general, it is considered a safe herb that is not associated with risks.
On the other hand, WebMD warns that supplementing the diet with a product containing sea buckthorn can slow blood clotting. Thus, it is associated with a risk of bleeding and ecchymosis (bruising) in people with bleeding disorders. In this context, the same source recommends discontinuing the administration of supplements of this type at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgical intervention.
Sea buckthorn supplements may interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants and antihypertensives. Always seek medical advice before using a natural product if you are diagnosed with a chronic condition or if you are taking medication.
Therefore, sea buckthorn is a plant with important potential benefits, which is why it is worth including these fruits in the diet. Do not forget, however, that it is essential to have a varied and balanced diet in the long term.
Source: StirilePROTV
Publication date: 09-12-2023 11:09
2023-12-09 09:09:00
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