Sea Buckthorn And Its Incredible Health Benefits
The elixir and juice of sea buckthorn offer many health benefits. This fruit also contains a wide range of nutrients (vitamins, trace elements and antioxidants). Let’s discover all about the sea buckthorn and its incredible health benefits!
What is it
Hippophae rhamnoides, more commonly known as sea buckthorn, is primarily a dioecious plant that is native to the temperate zones of Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Eleagnacea family and consumable in these regions for hundreds of years. Nevertheless, sea buckthorn has seen a resurgence of interest among the scientific community and consumers in recent times. This is particularly because of its incredible nutritional and medicinal values.
Moreover, all parts of this tree are of use. The orange berries are particularly excellent for making jam, compote or even jelly. Their acidic and astringent taste also offers very interesting new flavors in a sorbet.
Sea buckthorn fruits is edible as is. In Siberia and Asia, for example, people serve it with milk and cheese. In the Himalayas, they are a very popular condiment and in the Nordic countries, they come to decorate fish sauces. Similarly, a cocktail made from sea buckthorn and vodka is all the rage in Russia.
The leaves (dark in color with silver reflections) and the bark, on the other hand, are used to obtain extracts which are used in the formulation of certain beauty products. In the field of cosmetics, however, sea buckthorn seed oil is the most popular.
Sea buckthorn has long been known for its therapeutic virtues which have been exploited since Antiquity. In the past, sea buckthorn honey was, for example, part of the diet of Russian cosmonauts to keep their vitality and boost their health at the same time. It was immigrants from this region who introduced sea buckthorn to North America for the first time.
What are the benefits of sea buckthorn and its fruit?
The nutritional values of sea buckthorn are impressive and it is precisely for this reason that it is so famous.
Sea buckthorn is the main vegetable source of omega 7 fatty acids (along with Macadamia nuts). Today, in herbal medicine, sea buckthorn juice is a must.
Be that as it may, sea buckthorn offers a very interesting set of vitamins, mineral salts, but also trace elements.
- The vitamin C of its fruit: sea buckthorn contains 30 times more vitamin C than oranges (sea buckthorn juice grown in the Southern Alps is one of the richest in vitamin C);
- Vitamin E: 100 g of sea buckthorn oil notably offers 330.4 mg of vitamin E; it is much more than for wheat, corn and soybeans.
- Vitamin A and beta-carotene: 378 mg of vitamin A per 100 g of oil;
- Flavonoids: present in both the leaves and the berries of sea buckthorn (leucocyanidin, cathecin and flavonols);
- A concentrate of essential fatty acids: in particular omega 3 and omega 6.
sea buckthorn and its incredible virtues
Be that as it may, sea buckthorn remains a super-fruit reputed to be a major health ally, whatever its use (internal or external).
– Internal use
Sea buckthorn still plays an important role in the traditional medicines of China, Japan, Tibet and even in Ayurveda. It then acts as a general tonic, with a physical stimulating effect.
Nevertheless, scientific research on sea buckthorn is still in its infancy. Although sea buckthorn berries are famous for their role in cardiovascular protection, the evidence is not yet sufficient enough to date.
Nevertheless, the sea buckthorn fruit remains very rich in flavonoids, which are often found at the heart of treatments against chronic conditions, particularly in the cardiovascular field.
Sea buckthorn is also packed with vitamin C (up to 900 mg per 100 g of berries). It therefore contributes to the regulation of the functioning of the organism as a whole. Whether it is to boost the immune defense, to support the formation of collagen or even to counter the attack of free radicals, sea buckthorn remains an excellent choice.
– External use
When used externally, sea buckthorn can have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect, largely due to its high omega-3 and sterol content. Although both sea buckthorn berries and seeds can be applied directly to the skin, sea buckthorn oil is most often used in this case.
Indeed, the latter contains an exceptional rate of vitamin E, omega-3 and 6, but also carotenoids. All these active ingredients have a repairing, softening, protective, antioxidant and anti-free radical role.
Sea buckthorn oil can therefore be indicated in case of burns, sunburn, eczema or other skin conditions. In the field of cosmetics, sea buckthorn is used more in the prevention of premature aging of the skin.
– Therapeutic indications
Most often, sea buckthorn is indicated for:
- Support and strengthen body systems;
- Facilitate the assimilation of iron;
- Help cells regenerate better;
- Improve blood circulation;
- Or simply to restore energy and vitality.
How to consume sea buckthorn?
To take advantage of all these benefits, you can consume sea buckthorn in different forms. Added to Granola, fruit is excellent, for example.
An herbal tea made from the leaves is also an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids and minerals.
Sea buckthorn elixir
The sea buckthorn elixir is prepared from sun-ripened berries, to give a vitalizing aromatic nectar that strengthens the immune defences. It is ideal during cold periods and to fight against the autumn blues, or during periods of intense physical and cerebral activity in the professional, school or sports context.
It is a valuable dietary supplement and is very suitable for children.
Recommended daily dose: 3 tablespoons (i.e. 3 x 15 ml) per day. A tablespoon of this elixir must be diluted in a glass of water, fruit juice, smoothie or yogurt.
Sea buckthorn juice
Organic quality sea buckthorn juice is extracted by simply pressing the berries in order to collect and preserve the essential substances. Rich in natural vitamin C, it also contains vitamin E and beta-carotene.
It is also an excellent tonic that helps your body regain its vitality and strengthen its natural defences. Three tablespoons of sea buckthorn juice will provide you with all your vitamin C needs for a day!
So you can enjoy all the benefits of a superfood with sea buckthorn.
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