Sea buckthorn berries from Canada are becoming a serious competitor in the race to be the next superfood. They also appear to have potential effects on the management of obesity and diabetes.
This underappreciated shrub has a high antioxidant content and substantial potential health advantages, according to a recent study.
Sea buckthorn’s unrealized potential
The prickly, deciduous sea buckthorn shrub is native to temperate parts of central Asia and northwest Europe. It is well-known for the health benefits of its leaves and berries.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function, are abundant in the plants. These plant sections also include high concentrations of vitamins E, B, and A, which are vital nutrients that support healthy skin, vitality, and vision.
Polyphenols, which are antioxidants that guard against cellular damage and provide a host of health advantages, are also abundant in the berries and leaves. This superfood is still relatively unknown in North America, despite being widely consumed in Asia and northwest Europe.
Sea buckthorn in North America is being more understood and promoted because to recent study conducted at Memorial University of Newfoundland under the direction of Professor Fereidoon Shahidi. Renan Danielski, a PhD candidate, highlighted the crop’s unique characteristics and prospects for growth in North America.
A closer examination of sea buckthorn in Canada
The experts carefully examined sea buckthorn’s chemical makeup, paying close attention to polyphenols. As a result, the team’s examination of Canadian sea buckthorn compounds highlights their dedication to international comparability and the development of the North American market.
Professor Shahidi stressed how crucial it is to inform customers about the advantages of the cultivar, since doing so might greatly increase its market presence.
The study found that sea buckthorn’s pomace and seeds are a rich source of healthful polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects.
The researchers also observed that the polyphenolic concentration of berries differs geographically, with Newfoundland having particularly powerful chemicals. This result suggests an interesting direction for further investigation.
Advantages for health and upcoming research
Sea buckthorn extracts show especially encouraging results in terms of their anti-obesity and antidiabetic properties. As such, this creates avenues for more thorough research into their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.
Danielski also emphasized the need for additional studies on the health benefits of sea buckthorn polyphenols. Sea buckthorn may play a significant role in the fight against diseases like diabetes and obesity if further research on humans and animals confirms these advantages.
A viable and health-promoting choice
Sea buckthorn berries are a valuable source of natural antioxidants in North America, according to the study’s findings. Sea buckthorn is becoming recognized as a healthy and sustainable substitute for other supplements as consumer interest in nutraceuticals and functional foods increases.
More about the berries of sea buckthorn
Orange-yellow sea buckthorn berries are tiny fruits that resemble hippocampal bushes. Throughout Europe and Asia, traditional medicine has utilized these berries for millennia due to their high nutrient content.
vitamin composition
Their high vitamin C content—which can be several times higher than oranges’—makes them especially noteworthy. Seabuckthorn berries are considered a superfood because to their abundance in numerous vitamins (such as A, E, and B), minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids (omega-3, -6, -7, and -9).
Typical applications
The berries can be eaten fresh and have a tangy, acidic flavor, though some people may not enjoy their strong taste. Processed forms like juices, oils, syrups, and supplements are more frequently used.
Because of its moisturizing and revitalizing qualities, sea buckthorn oil, which is produced from the berries or seeds, is especially prized in cosmetic and skin care products.
Advantages for health
Research has been done on sea buckthorn berries’ potential health advantages, which include bolstering immune system, skin, and heart health, in addition to their nutritional value. The antioxidants in the berries may help fight oxidative stress, lessen inflammation, and promote general health.
Because sea buckthorn is a robust, pollution-resistant plant that can help stop soil erosion, it is also advantageous for the environment. Because of this, sea buckthorn is a fascinating plant from an agricultural and ecological perspective.
