Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn berries are native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Northern Hemisphere. As a superfood, it has been vastly studied and has been proven to have exceptional nutritional profile and a wealth of purported health benefits. In this blog, we will be taking you through what sea buckthorn is, and some of the benefits of integrating it into your diet.
What is Sea Buckthorn?
Sea Buckthorn is a vibrant, orange-red berry that is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants making them a powerhouse for overall well-being.
Nature's multivitamin, sea buckthorn berries are brimming with a remarkable concentration of vitamins C, E and A, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. These berries are also a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining heart health and brain function.
What are the benefits of Sea Buckthorn?
The sheer abundance of nutrients in sea buckthorn berries translates into a wide range of potential health benefits. Some of the most notable advantages are:
Boosts Immune System
Sea buckthorn berries’ high vitamin C content plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system, making it more resistant and resilient to foreign bodies, infections and illnesses.
Improves Heart Health
The presence of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in sea buckthorn berries promotes cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Powers Skin Health
Sea buckthorn berries’ vitamin E and carotenoid content contribute to skin health, minimising wrinkles, promoting skin elasticity, and protecting against sun and UV damage.
Natural Anti-inflammatory
The antioxidants in sea buckthorn berries help to combat inflammation, a contributing factor to various chronic diseases.
Strengthens Digestive Health
Sea buckthorn berries have a strong fibre content which aids in digestion. The fibrous nature promotes regular bowel movements and works to prevent constipation.
Preserves Eye Health
The depth of vitamin A content within sea buckthorn contributes to maintaining healthy vision and preventing age-related macular degeneration.
Brain Superpower
Sea buckthorn berries are packed with all of the antioxidants and fatty acids need to help to protect against cognitive decline and age-related memory loss.
Reduces Impacts of Stress
The vitamin content in sea buckthorn, particularly vitamin C, helps to manage stress levels, improving mood and wellness.
Does Sea Buckthorn help with weight loss?
Some studies have shown that sea buckthorn berries may help to increase metabolism and burn fat; additionally working to prevent the new storage of fat. However, these studies have been small and limited with more research required.
It is important to note that sea buckthorn berries are a high-calorie food. A single cup of sea buckthorn berries will contain over 200 calories. Therefore it is important to moderate your intake or sea buckthorn if your primary objective is weight loss.
How much Sea Buckthorn should I take a day?
The recommended daily intake of sea buckthorn berries depends on the form and concentration that you’re consuming them in. If you’re eating berries fresh, the recommended serving size is about ¼ of a cup per day. If you’re drinking sea buckthorn juice, the recommended serving size is about 4oz per day.
As with all superfoods, vitamins, minerals and biotics, it is important to measure recommended consumption against your body's natural reaction. Starting slowly, and gradually increasing your consumption to recommended serving levels is always advised; and if any side effects are experienced, you should speak to your GP.
Getting Sea Buckthorn into your diet
You might be wondering how you can introduce sea buckthorn into your diet so that you can start to experience its benefits on your health and wellness. One of the easiest ways is to take our Skin Perfecting Complex, which is designed to calm acne, rosacea and eczema among other benefits.
However, if you are looking to incorporate the berry in other ways, you should look to explore:
Pure Juice
Sea buckthorn juice is a refreshing and nutritious beverage, providing a concentrated dose of the berries benefits.
A Scoop in a Yoghurt
Add a scoop of sea buckthorn powder into a plain yoghurt for a vibrant and healthy snack or breakfast option.
Boost your Smoothies
Blend sea buckthorn berries into smoothies for an extra boost of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Sprinkle over Salads
What better way to brighten up a salad than to sprinkle dried sea buckthorn berries over the top when you come to serve. It’ll bring colour, flavour and health benefits.
Sea buckthorn berries need to be embraced for enhanced well-being. The remarkable nutritional profile and wealth of health benefits can not be ignored. From boosting your immune system to protecting heart health and enhancing skin health, these vibrant berries stand as a testament to nature’s bounty.
