Sea buckthorn is a berry that you may not have heard of before, but it’s actually a “miracle” fruit with many health benefits.
Sea buckthorn is a berry that you may not have heard of before, but it’s actually a “miracle” fruit with many health benefits. It’s rich in nutrients like vitamins C, A, and E, as well as antioxidants, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Studies have shown that consuming sea buckthorn can provide various health benefits, such as improving heart health, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing of wounds.
Additionally, sea buckthorn may have anti-cancer properties and may also be beneficial for skin and digestive health. There are various ways to consume sea buckthorn, including as a juice, oil, tea, or supplement. It can be used topically as well, in skincare products or as a natural remedy for burns and other skin conditions.
Sea buckthorn fruit is a small, round, orange berry that grows on a thorny shrub. It is about the size of a blueberry and has a pointed end. The skin is thin and delicate, and the inside is juicy and pulpy. The fruit is harvested in the late summer or early fall. Sea buckthorn (a shrub) has silvery leaves.
The sea buckthorn shrub grows in harsh climates, such as high altitudes and coastal areas, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practises.
In recent years, sea buckthorn has gained attention for its potential health benefits and has been extensively studied for its nutritional properties. Sea buckthorn fruit can be consumed fresh, dried, or in the form of juice or oil.
It has a tart, tangy flavor and is often used in jams, sauces, and other food products. With its rich nutritional profile and potential health benefits, sea buckthorn fruit is an exciting area of research for the food and health industries.
Uses of sea buckthorn in Medicine:
Sea buckthorn is commonly used in medicines for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of certain conditions like arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory disorders.
It is also used for its wound healing properties and can be applied topically to treat burns, cuts, and other skin conditions. It has more vitamin C than the 10% present in oranges, so it is very helpful for the skin during weight loss.
Sea buckthorn is the plant that has more Omega-7 than 52% of any other plant, which is very helpful for muscles.
Furthermore, sea buckthorn has been found to have potential benefits for cardiovascular health, as it can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
It is also used for its immune-boosting properties, which can help protect the body against infections and diseases. Due to its unique characteristic of giving strength to the immune system, it helped a lot of patients during COVID-19.
Sea buckthorn oil has the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays, so it is also used as an alternative to sunblock.
Uses of Sea Buckthorn Oil for Skin:
Sea buckthorn oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits, including its use for skin care. Sea buckthorn oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that help nourish and protect the skin. It is known for its ability to promote skin hydration, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The oil can be used topically as a moisturizer or added to other skin care products such as creams, lotions, and serums. It is also commonly used to soothe and heal dry, irritated, and sunburned skin.
Sea buckthorn oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and acne. It can also help promote wound healing and prevent scarring. Overall, sea buckthorn oil is a natural and effective ingredient for improving the health and appearance of the skin.
Ways to Consume Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn can be consumed in various ways through cooking. Here are some simple ideas:
Sea buckthorn juice: Extract the juice from the berries by blending or pressing them. You can drink the juice as is, mix it with water or other juices, or use it in recipes that call for citrus juice.
Sea buckthorn jam: Cook sea buckthorn berries with sugar and lemon juice until they soften and thicken. You can spread the jam on toast, use it as a topping for yoghurt or ice cream, or mix it into oatmeal or other cereals.
Sea buckthorn sauce: Blend sea buckthorn berries with water or orange juice and cook with sugar until it thickens into a sauce. You can serve the sauce with meat, fish, or desserts.
Sea buckthorn smoothie: Blend sea buckthorn berries with yoghurt or milk, a banana or other fruits, and honey or other sweeteners to make a delicious and healthy smoothie.
Sea buckthorn salad dressing: Mix sea buckthorn juice with olive oil, vinegar, honey, and salt to make a tangy and flavorful salad dressing.
Sea buckthorn syrup: Simmer sea buckthorn berries with sugar and water until they break down and become syrupy. Use the syrup as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Sea buckthorn puree: Blend sea buckthorn berries with a bit of sugar and water until smooth. Use the puree as a spread for toast, a filling for crepes, or a sauce for grilled chicken or fish.
Sea buckthorn chutney: Cook sea buckthorn berries with spices, sugar, and vinegar until they form a thick and chunky chutney. Serve it with Indian dishes, roasted meats, or cheese.
Sea buckthorn sorbet: Blend sea buckthorn juice with sugar and water, and freeze in an ice cream maker. The resulting sorbet is tangy, refreshing, and healthy.
These are just a few ideas, but you can experiment with sea buckthorn in many other ways, such as baking it into muffins or bread or using it as a garnish for cocktails.
Remember to wash the berries thoroughly before use, as they can be quite tart and astringent. Also, be aware that sea buckthorn can stain clothing and surfaces, so handle it with care.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, sea buckthorn is a lesser-known but truly remarkable berry that deserves more attention. Sea buckthorn is a hidden gem in the world of superfoods, and incorporating it into your diet can have a significant positive impact on your health.
So why not give it a try and experience the many benefits for yourself? Sea buckthorn is a highly beneficial berry that is often overlooked. With its delicious taste and numerous health benefits, sea buckthorn is an excellent addition to any diet.
This article is jointly authored by Husna Falaksher and Dr. Mubasher from University of agriculture Faisalabad(UAF).