Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a common plant that, due to its resistance to various weather conditions, is found throughout Europe and the temperate zone of Asia. Its bright orange berries have a not very pleasant sour-bitter taste, so not everyone likes it. However, scientists recommend adding sea buckthorn to your diet, and even call it a superfood, since the berries contain many useful substances and have healing properties. And although this became known to science relatively recently, it has been used in folk medicine as a medicine for a long time.
Sea buckthorn contains many useful substances. Photo source: www.yamdiet.com
Sea buckthorn in folk medicine
Sea buckthorn is a large and thorny shrub that produces berries in late summer, although only female bushes bear fruit. Since the plant is found in a wide variety of terrain, including mountainous and coastal areas, its berries are considered a folk remedy in a wide variety of cultures.
Sea buckthorn is found in various regions of Europe and Asia. Photo source: agro-ra.ru
For example, in Tibet and Mongolia, sea buckthorn is used for various ailments, from coughs to digestive problems. In Russia, sea buckthorn is used as a remedy for colds. In the Indian region of the Himalayas it is used to treat skin diseases, and in the countries of Central Asia — hypertension.
Why are sea buckthorn berries healthy
Due to the popularity of this berry as a folk medicine, scientists have long been interested in it and analyzed its composition. As you might guess, given the sour taste, the berry is rich in vitamin C, as we have already talked about. But this is far from its only feature. Sea buckthorn also contains vitamins A, H, B1, B2, D, E, B3, B6 and B9. It contains 20 different minerals, as well as flavonoids, amino acids, phenols, beta-carotene, folic and organic acids.
One 2019 study that examined the benefits of sea buckthorn oil from the seeds and pulp of the berries found that it is rich in omega-7 fatty acids. These fatty acids support health and reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, eyes and genitals. True, there is still a limited amount of obvious evidence of the benefits of the oil itself.
Sea buckthorn oil may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Photo source: www.kp.ru
The new study yielded no less interesting results. In it, scientists examined the nutritional profile of the berries and their potential in the fight against diabetes and obesity.
How sea buckthorn berries can help you lose weight
In recent work, the authors used a new, more accurate and efficient technology for determining the nutritional composition of berries. As a result, they discovered that sea buckthorn is rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins, which have antioxidant properties. Let us remember that antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals, that is, unstable molecules that can damage cells.
Further research showed that sea buckthorn berry extract protected supercoiled DNA and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from damage. The oxidized form of this cholesterol, that is, damaged by free radicals, leads to the formation of plaques in the arteries. Plaques are known to cause cardiovascular disease.
Sea buckthorn has substances that help you lose weight
In addition, the berries have anti-diabetic properties and anti-obesity potential. The reason is that the berry extract inhibits two enzymes that play an important role in both diseases. That's why the New York Post called sea buckthorn berries “a strange fruit that may help you lose weight.”
However, keep in mind that we are only talking about potential benefits. More research is needed for the berries to be recognized as a healing agent. In addition, clinical trials are needed to show how strong the effect they have. If scientists manage to confirm the result, medicines can be created based on sea buckthorn.
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However, this does not prevent you from adding sea buckthorn to your diet now, without waiting for additional research. After all, replenishing the body with vitamins and other useful microelements will never be superfluous. But also don’t forget about other vegetables and fruits, such as avocados, the benefits of which we talked about earlier.