Useful Properties Of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is a true natural healer. Due to the many useful substances it contains, it is used in many areas of our life. The healing properties of this plant were discovered by the ancient Greeks when they began using sea buckthorn branches to treat wounded soldiers and horses. Nowadays, sea buckthorn is used as a fresh food product, in medicine, and in cosmetology. So, what does sea buckthorn contain, and what benefits and harms can it bring to the body? Let’s find out!

Sea buckthorn composition

Sea buckthorn berries contain a large number of food acids and about 100 biologically active components vitamins – PP, H, E, C, B6, B9, B2, B5, B1, A; beta-carotene and carotenoids; micro- and macroelements – potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron; unsaturated fatty acids – oleic (omega-9), palmitic-oleic (omega-7), palmitic, linoleic (omega-6), linolenic (omega-3); sterols; di- and monosaccharides; ash; organic acids – folic, quinic, malic, tartaric, citric, oleanolic, ursolic; amino acids – serotonin; dietary fiber; fiber; rutin; phenolic compounds; tannins; pectins; phytoncides; essential oils.

Berries are 83.5% water. Sea buckthorn is not inferior to black currant in terms of ascorbic acid content, and it contains about the same amount of vitamin A as apricots.

Nutritional value and caloric content of sea buckthorn per 100 g of berries: proteins ~ 1.2 g; fats ~ 5.5 g; carbohydrates ~ 5.6 g; energy value ~ 83 kcal.

Laboratory studies have shown that 100 g of sea buckthorn contains 97% of the daily dose of all the nutrients necessary for humans.

Useful properties of sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn has a strengthening effect on the walls of blood vessels and has a positive effect on tissue metabolism. Also, due to its antioxidant properties, it prevents tissue aging by preventing damage by free radicals.

Sea buckthorn is a real treasure trove of vitamins that can alleviate the course of any chronic disease.

Sea buckthorn is useful in case of external skin damage. It heals wounds well and relieves tissue inflammation.

Vitamin E (tocopherol), contained in large quantities in sea buckthorn berries, activates the activity of all endocrine glands, especially the reproductive system.

Sea buckthorn is actively used to treat various gynecological diseases. For women, it is useful in cases of cervical erosion, inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, and endocervices.

It is very useful to use sea buckthorn or its juice for expectant mothers to maintain the level of vitamin E in the body.

Not only the berries but also the branches of sea buckthorn are medicinal, as they contain a large amount of serotonin. It is known to be critical for the central nervous system, sleep, and behavior and reduces the risk of malignant tumors.

Sea buckthorn fruit can be used in any form to treat anemia and in case of exhaustion, vitamin deficiency, cardiovascular diseases, blood diseases, gastritis, and intestinal ulcers.

Sea buckthorn juice will be very effective for the treatment of tumors, rheumatism, gout, and digestive system disorders. It also accelerates tissue regeneration, so it will be useful for wound healing.

Not only berries but also sea buckthorn leaves have medicinal properties. For example, tea made from them is great for sore throats and various poisonings. Sea buckthorn leaves are used in the form of compresses to treat arthritis.
Decoctions and infusions of sea buckthorn leaves are used for coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension of various types, pneumonia, and diabetes mellitus.

The substances contained in sea buckthorn leaves can normalize the body’s hormonal levels.

This berry will also be useful for nursing mothers to maintain the health of the baby – it is worth adding a few drops of sea buckthorn to breast milk from the baby’s one-month age.

Eating sea buckthorn during pregnancy

Sea buckthorn berries have a peculiar flavor and taste, so you need to be very careful during pregnancy. After all, during this period, even familiar foods can cause allergies.

Also, if you suffer from pancreatic disease, you should refrain from eating berries and dishes made from them for now. Since sea buckthorn increases the acidity of the stomach, it is recommended for problems with the gastrointestinal tract and gastritis with high acidity.

If you are convinced that there are no reactions to sea buckthorn, then you have an excellent remedy for many diseases and complications that sometimes occur during pregnancy.

Sea buckthorn juice and decoction can replace anti-inflammatory drugs and even antibiotics for rhinitis, viral infections, rhinitis, sinusitis, colds, and bronchitis. Sea buckthorn juice and oil relieve inflammation, irritation, and skin rashes. And all sea buckthorn dishes strengthen the immunity of both the expectant mother and the baby.

Harm and contraindications of sea buckthorn

Eating sea buckthorn is undesirable in case of individual intolerance.

The high content of dietary acids will have a negative effect in the presence of chronic peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract; pancreatic dysfunction; increased secretion of gastric juice; cholecystitis; cirrhosis; hepatitis A; pancreatitis; biliary or urolithiasis.

Abuse of sea buckthorn can provoke allergies, rashes, itching, headache or migraine, nausea, heartburn, and irritation of the mucous membranes, which can cause digestive disorders and indigestion.

Useful properties of sea buckthorn oil

Sea buckthorn oil is worth mentioning separately. Probably everyone knows about its miraculous power nowadays.

It is made from the pulp of sea buckthorn berries and has specific taste and smell characteristics. This product contains a high concentration of carotenoids (hence the red color), which is responsible for a wide range of medicinal properties of this oil.

The use of oil is useful for diseases of the digestive system. It has a positive effect on the activity of the pancreas and intestines, helps regulate the secretion of gastric juice, and facilitates the digestion process.

It is very useful for men to use sea buckthorn oil to maintain sexual health for a long time.

Sea buckthorn oil is an indispensable assistant for a young mother in caring for her baby. Compresses with the oil are good for removing diaper rash on the baby’s skin. It is also worth regularly lubricating the baby’s mouth during teething. In general, sea buckthorn oil will be useful not only for children but also for adults in case of diseases of the mouth and throat.

For people suffering from obesity and diabetes mellitus, sea buckthorn oil will help to normalize blood sugar levels and improve lipid metabolism.

Sea buckthorn in dietetics and cooking

The fiber and dietary fiber contained in sea buckthorn have the ability to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and remove toxins and toxins. And vitamins and a complex of minerals restore metabolism, which leads to the more efficient breakdown of proteins and fats that enter the body with food.

Berries in dietetics are used to prepare vitaminized and tonic dishes or baked goods, for example, jams, preserves, sea buckthorn honey, compotes, fruit drinks, lemonades, teas, jellies, kvass, jelly, mousses, marmalade, pastilles, mashed potatoes, sauces, and fruit and vegetable mixtures.

Due to its bright taste, sea buckthorn is not combined with protein foods and legumes, but it goes well with the following foods: vegetables, fruits, fermented dairy products, cereals, honey, and nuts.

Sea buckthorn berries are used not only to make sea buckthorn oil but also to squeeze out juice, which is very healthy and tasty with cream or as part of a milkshake.

You can make interesting desserts and homemade ice cream with sea buckthorn

How to choose and store sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn berries of early varieties ripen in the second half of August and late varieties in mid-September. Sea buckthorn is harvested from August to October. Many people prefer to pick sea buckthorn after the first frost. It is not easy to pick berries by hand: the tree has sharp thorns.

You can buy sea buckthorn fruit at the market in the fall or early winter. Choose bright yellow, ripe sea buckthorn, not mint. The fruits should be dry, and firm to the touch.

You can use sea buckthorn fresh for a short time (it can be stored on twigs in a cool place for longer).

The easiest way to store the fruit is in the freezer, packed in plastic bags. When frozen, the berries do not lose their healing and nutritional properties.

The “golden” sea buckthorn berry has a positive effect on the body due to its rich, healthy composition. Sea buckthorn is useful in medicine, cosmetology, and dietetics; it is used to improve general conditions and prevent diseases. But remember that everything should be in moderation, so do not abuse the miracle berry and be healthy!