Hawthorn Berry Benefits

Hawthorn berry benefits. The strong antioxidant content of hawthorn berries may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as promote skin health, reduce inflammation, and facilitate digestion. It may not, however, combine well with some heart drugs. Tiny fruits called hawthorn berries are found on trees and bushes in the genus Crataegus.

HAWTHORN BERRY BENEFITS

There are hundreds of species in the genus that are typically found in Asia, North America, and Europe. These nutrient-dense berries are somewhat sweet and acidic. Their hues vary from yellow to deep red. The hawthorn berry has been used as a herbal medicine for heart problems, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders for hundreds of years. Since at least 659 A.D., the fruit has actually played a significant role in traditional Chinese medicine.

1. Packed with anti-oxidants

polyphenols, which are potent antioxidant chemicals present in plants, are abundant in hawthorn berries. Antioxidants aid in the neutralization of free radicals, which are unstable chemicals that, in excess, can cause damage to your body. Some meals can produce free radicals. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke and air pollution might raise your levels of them. Because of their antioxidant properties, polyphenols are linked to a number of health advantages, such as a decreased risk.

2. possess anti-inflammatory qualities

The anti-inflammatory qualities of hawthorn berries may help you feel better. Numerous illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and some types of cancer, have been related to chronic inflammation, according to research. Hawthorn berry extract dramatically lowered inflammatory component levels in rats with liver illness, which in turn decreased liver inflammation and damage. In one study, mice with respiratory disorders were given vitexin, a substance found in hawthorn leaves. This therapy lessened both the inflammatory response of white blood cells and the synthesis of chemicals that cause inflammation.

3. reduce blood pressure

One of the foods most frequently suggested in traditional Chinese medicine to help treat high blood pressure is hawthorn berries. Research on animals has shown that hawthorn can work as a vasodilator, which relaxes constricted blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. The benefits of consuming hawthorn extract were examined in a 10-week trial involving 36 individuals with modestly raised blood pressure. Researchers discovered that people who took 500 mg of the extract every day had lower diastolic blood pressure, which is the lowest figure on a blood pressure measurement.

4. lower the levels of blood cholesterol

Also, according to certain research, hawthorn extract’s flavonoid and pectin concentration may lower blood cholesterol levels. One kind of fiber that is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol is pectin. Atherosclerosis, or plaque accumulation in your blood vessels, is influenced by abnormal blood cholesterol levels, especially high triglycerides and low good cholesterol. Plaque accumulation has the potential to totally block a blood vessel, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Compared to mice who did not get the extract, mice in one animal study that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower levels of liver triglycerides, total cholesterol, and bad cholesterol.

5. Applied to facilitate digestion

However, for generations, people have utilized hawthorn berries and extract to cure digestive problems, including stomach pain and indigestion. The fiber in the berries has been shown to improve digestion by acting as a prebiotic and easing constipation. Prebiotics are meals that support and nurture good gut flora, which are essential for preserving a healthy digestive system. According to one observational study, individuals with sluggish digestion experienced a 30-minute reduction in the interval between bowel movements for every gram of dietary fiber they consumed.

Summary

Hawthorn berries may have a variety of health benefits, particularly for your heart, primarily due to their antioxidant content. According to studies, it may help treat heart failure and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It may also help with digestion, lessen inflammation, and lessen the appearance of aged skin.