Sea Buckthorn: Health Benefits And Harms

Sea buckthorn - what kind of berry

Sea buckthorn is one of the most nutritionally important woody oil plants. Its ecological plasticity (the ability to populate the poorest soil and climatic terrain) has spread the plant to different parts of the world. Therefore, sea buckthorn covers about three million hectares worldwide (both wild and cultivated species). In Russia, a type of buckthorn-shaped sea buckthorn is common. And the world's first plant varieties were bred in Altai.

Sea buckthorn gained popularity all over the world due to the unique composition of seed oil and pulp, as well as the abundance of biologically active compounds in leaves and bark.

What sea buckthorn berries look like Sea buckthorn berries can be yellow, orange, or red when ripe. Spherical fruits vary between 3–8 mm. The skin of the berries is covered with a thin layer of wax. Each berry contains a seed with a shell, surrounded by juicy pulp.

What are the taste of sea buckthorn berries The taste of fruits is tart, sour. This taste of the berry is given by malic and quinic organic acids.

When is the best time to harvest sea buckthorn? The maximum content of nutrients in the berry is from August to early September.

Chemical composition, nutritional value

For 100 g:

• 82 kcal (fresh);
• 69 kcal (frozen);
• 93 kcal (in dried form, the number of calories is slightly increased as a result of the process of caramelization of sugars);
• 1.2 g fructose (glycemic index 30).

The general composition of sea buckthorn berries:

• pulp - 68%;
• seed - 23%;
• peel - 8%.

Organic acids Sea buckthorn berries contain malic and quinic organic acids. The concentration of these acids can vary depending on the species and make up about 90% of all fruit acids contained in the plant.

Amino Acids Contains 18 of the 22 known amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Amino acids are actively involved in the most important processes of the body: building cells and muscles, energy production, brain function and much more.

Sugars Glucose, fructose and xylose (“wood sugar”) are sugars present in sea buckthorn fruits. The main sugar is glucose. Together with fructose, glucose makes up approximately 90% of the total sugar content of berries.

In addition, sea buckthorn contains antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, coumarins and triterpenes.

Norms of use

Sea buckthorn fruits (per day):

• adults - from 50 g (fresh or frozen), it is forbidden to use with exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases, gastritis. It is not recommended to consume more than 50 g at a time;
• pregnant and lactating women - up to 50 g. It is better to use in the form of tea, fruit drink, compote, no more than 2 glasses a day;
• children - from 1 pc. up to 10 years

Often children do not eat fresh sea buckthorn. You can make tea, juice, fruit drink or compote from it.

sea ​​buckthorn juice recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5–2 glasses of water;
• 1 kg sea buckthorn berries (fresh or frozen).

Cooking:

1. Put a pot of water and berries on a slow fire, cook for about 1 hour (do not boil).
2. After that, squeeze out the resulting concentrate and strain through cheesecloth.
3. Store the juice in a dark, cool place, in a pasteurized container.
4. Before drinking, be sure to dilute with water in a ratio of 1: 1.

Sea buckthorn oil (per day):

• adults - up to 2 tablespoons, adding to the salad;
• children - inside is not recommended. Can be used outdoors.

Beneficial features

The elements contained in sea buckthorn have beneficial properties on the body.

1. Protection of vessels and heart

The fruits and leaves of sea buckthorn contain flavonoids - isorhamnetin and quercetin. The antioxidant properties of flavonoids reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, have a protective effect against ischemia and reperfusion (damage) of the myocardium, atherosclerosis, hypertension, oxidative damage and aging, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, making them less permeable, improve blood composition, reduce the risk of blood clots.

Probiotics (“beneficial bacteria” that normalize and enrich the intestinal microflora) increase the bioavailability of sea buckthorn nutrients. A possible mechanism of action of probiotics is associated with inhibition (inhibition) of hepatic lipogenesis (formation of fats) and at the same time a decrease in blood glucose levels. Resveratrol together with quercetin enhance the physiological functionality of Lactobacillus strains (lactobacilli - anaerobic lactic acid bacteria). These improvements depend on the type and concentration of the compound used, as well as the bacterial strain.

Sea buckthorn oil promotes the processes of toning blood vessels. Contains phytosterols, which have an important property for protecting the heart and blood vessels - lowering cholesterol levels.

2. Protection of the liver and pancreas. Antioxidant and immunomodulator

Sea buckthorn contains more than sixty antioxidant compounds, most of which help to remove toxins from the body, aflatoxins (toxins from mold fungi), normalize the concentration of digestive enzymes and bile acids.

Sea buckthorn has significant immunomodulatory activity and activates a cell-mediated immune response.

Alcoholic extract of sea buckthorn leaves has the ability to protect glial cells (surround neurons) from oxidative damage caused by hypoxia (oxygen starvation). Sea buckthorn extracts reduce oxidative stress in the liver caused by nicotine.

3. Diabetes mellitus and prevention of its development

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine metabolic disorder that prevents the body from properly producing and using insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels.

The use of sea buckthorn can prevent the development of diabetes, as it helps to increase the production of insulin and increase the sensitivity of cells to it. As a consequence, these processes help lower blood glucose levels. There are studies proving that sea buckthorn can minimize the likelihood of sudden drops in human blood sugar, especially after eating carbohydrate-rich foods.

The positive effect of sea buckthorn berries can be enhanced by combining them with other berries. One study reported a reduction in blood sugar and lipid levels in a person with type 1 diabetes who was given blueberry and sea buckthorn concentrates. The result showed a significant decrease in the level of glycated hemoglobin and an increase in the concentration of C-peptides.

4. Antimicrobial and antiviral properties

The antioxidants contained in sea buckthorn are able to prevent the development of infection and actively fight free radicals, positively affecting the immune function of the body. A number of studies have examined the effect of sea buckthorn extracts on microorganisms that cause serious food poisoning and infections in humans. Methanol extracts, sea buckthorn root and stem fractions showed better antimicrobial activity than antimicrobial agents such as catechin (found in white and green tea, cherries, plums, currants, apples, dark chocolate), ketoconazole (pharmaceutical drug).

5. Skin health, wound healing

Sea buckthorn oil is traditionally used to restore, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. The combination of a high content of substances - beneficial unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, 6), natural antioxidants, vitamins, carotenoids and phytosterols - protects cell membranes and enhances cell regeneration.

Sea buckthorn oil or products based on it can be applied directly to the skin to prevent or reduce the effects of sunburn, to heal wounds. Sea buckthorn oil can be used to prevent acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, skin ulcers, and stretch marks.

6. Relief of the premenopausal period, use in gynecology

The benefits of sea buckthorn oil for women are significant. The oil can relieve the symptoms of menopause. A study was conducted: more than 90 women received sea buckthorn oil supplements administered orally. After three months of admission, there was an improvement in hormonal levels and a decrease in the intensity of inflammatory processes. In gynecology, suppositories are also used (in the form of suppositories based on sea buckthorn oil concentrate) for the treatment of inflammatory processes, colpitis, cervicitis and other diseases associated with erosive and infectious processes.

7. Removal of dry eye syndrome

Studies show that oral consumption of sea buckthorn oil (2 grams for three months) is effective in relieving dry eyes, redness and burning.

Contraindications

• Allergy or intolerance;
• diseases of the pancreas or gallbladder - pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, etc.;
• increased acidity of the stomach, gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage, intestinal disorders;
• children should be given with caution (the rate of consumption of berries was considered in the paragraph "Norms of consumption"). In the form of oil, it is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding - first consult with a doctor or nutritionist leading pregnant women;
• taking various medications - consult your doctor or integrative nutritionist;
• low blood pressure (the berry can be harmful - lowers blood pressure).

Applications

The beneficial taste and nutritional properties make sea buckthorn a valuable material for use in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods. For this, fruits, meal or sea buckthorn oil are used.

1. Benefit in the food industry

Drinks The most popular sea buckthorn products and recipes are juices and fruit drinks. The high acidity of sea buckthorn fruits allows it to be used for preparing various refreshing drinks. The leaves are used in teas.

Healthy sea buckthorn drinks are rich in vitamin C and carotene. In the 1992 Seoul Olympics, sea buckthorn refreshing drink became the official drink of Chinese athletes. An important drink for health was also used in the diet of Indian soldiers performing tasks at very low temperatures.

Due to its high acidity and astringency, sea buckthorn fruits can be unpleasant in taste when eaten raw. This taste is associated with the content of malic and quinic organic acids in sea buckthorn. To soften it, some manufacturers use a fermentation process, converting organic acids into softer lactic acid.

Dairy industry Sea buckthorn is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of kefir, yogurt and cheese. The addition of sea buckthorn puree alone significantly increases the antioxidant properties of products. In one study, sea buckthorn fruits were used in the production of feta cheese - they formed a biodegradable skeleton on which a very useful probiotic bacterial strain Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 (lactobacilli - anaerobic lactic acid bacteria) could grow. An important fact: the addition of sea buckthorn helped to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms and improve the organoleptic properties of cheeses.

Jams, preserves, jellies and other sweets Recipes with sea buckthorn are not only jams, jams and jelly. Despite the sour taste, many delicious and healthy desserts can be made with sea buckthorn. The acidity of the berry can be neutralized by mixing juice or sea buckthorn paste with other fruits with a milder taste, in different proportions.

Probiotic Smoothie - Sea Buckthorn with Blueberries

Ingredients:

• 50 g sea buckthorn (fresh or frozen);
• 50 g blueberries (fresh or frozen);
• 200 ml yogurt (almond or coconut);
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• mint (optional, for garnish)

Cooking:

Combine all products, except mint, and beat with a blender. Pour into a glass and garnish with a few mint leaves.

Do not store ready-made smoothies for a long time. It is better to drink it immediately, because after a while the beneficial substances from the berries in it are destroyed. But you should not drink smoothies in one gulp. Since these are carbohydrates, and the process of their digestion begins in the mouth, smoothies must be “chewed”. At this time, the amylase enzyme will have time to be released, which contributes to the absorption of the maximum amount of nutrients from the drink.

2. Benefit in cosmetic industry and home use

Cosmetic products made with sea buckthorn extracts are produced all over the world.

Properties of sea buckthorn oil:

• restoration of skin balance - lipid and acid-base;
• improvement of metabolism and microcirculation of the skin;
• maintaining elasticity, firmness of the skin, reducing mimic and age wrinkles;
• lightening of the skin, including freckles;
• maintaining overall skin health, suppressing inflammation and eliminating acne;
• restoration of the skin in case of solar or chemical burns;
• improving the health of the hair and scalp.

Products based on sea buckthorn oil:

• oils for massage and aromatherapy;
• creams, masks, lotions, ointments, tonics for face and body skin;
• shampoos and hair rinses;
• lip balms;
• toothpastes.

3. Use in the pharmaceutical industry

Based on sea buckthorn oil, various products are produced:

• aerosols (local and external use) Hypozol, Statizol, Olazol;
• dermatological films, for example "Oblekol";
• fruit meal for the production of some tablets;
• leaf extract as a basis for some antiviral drugs;
• homeopathic rectal preparations;
• candles (suppositories).

To get the maximum effect from taking berries or sea buckthorn oil, you must adhere to the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle - eat a balanced and nutritious diet, exercise, follow a work and rest schedule, and control stress levels.