Ideberries.com - Before finding the information related to hawthorn berry benefits, we need to get to know with this berry. Hawthorn berries are often called the heart herb. This is so because this berry has various cardiovascular efficacies.
This berry is famous for its benefit to strengthen the heart. It is quite magical to say so. Because it is not an easy case when it is related to heart health condition. Hawthorn berries can improve heart emotionally. Besides, it also helps to improve its physical condition.
Hawthorn berries are not newcomers in the medical world. It has been helping the patients of cardiovascular diseases for centuries. Even, serious heart diseases are treated well with this natural remedy.
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The patients of angina, high blood pressure or hypertension, and irregular heartbeat problems will be cured gradually with hawthorn berries. It is no longer a myth that hawthorn is a good berry for heart problems. This is so because history noted that hawthorn has been used for cardiovascular since the first century.
Even, since the 1800s, medical practitioners of United States started using the medicinal herbs for both circulatory health and respiratory problems. So, to use natural herbs for treating diseases is not a taboo thing in the world of medication.
Which parts of Hawthorn berry that will give a good medical efficacy?
Well, the fruits, leaves, and flowers are all beneficial. The fruits are little red berries that look beautiful in colors. The fruits are native to American land.
The ancient tribes enjoy eating the fruits ever since centuries ago. Even the commoners know that the hawthorn berries are excellent for heart troubles. Besides, people have been long known about its gastrointestinal problem efficacy.
What do hawthorn berries have that they are so beneficial for remedies?
It is the abundant flavonoids that make the berries so much powerful. Flavonoids are types of antioxidants that will work well for fighting against inflammation. Besides, it is also helpful in boosting human immune system.
It is good to include the berries in our daily diet because it will prevent cardiovascular diseases. Also, some neurodegenerative diseases can be prevented as well. Even, we can prevent cancer cell growth by consuming this hawthorn berry.
What is the origin of Hawthorn Berries?
It is necessary to trace the origin of the hawthorn berries to reveal whether it has chemical component. In the past, hawthorn berry was popular as a whole plant. So, it was recognized by the hawthorn bush.
In some country, the plant is popular as thornapple or may-tree. This plant is included in the rose family or Rosaceae. It is the genus of Crataegus. We will usually find hawthorn bush grows along the sunny wooded hills.
Though this plant looks unique, there are actually four other species of hawthorn tree which are all native to North America areas. The flowers are red, pink, and white. Right after the flowers bloom, the petite berries will appear. Ripen hawthorn is red in color. A fully ripen hawthorn berries look black. Whether eaten raw or dried, hawthorn berries taste delicious with sweet and sour flavor.
Hawthorn berries benefits for cardiovascular health are due to the precious compounds. The berries have the antioxidant flavonoids which are effective for blood flow. The compounds are also good for blood vessel damages. Dilated blood vessels can be cured by the hawthorn berries.
The flavonoids contain OPC. OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins which are the most prevalent polyphenolic compound found in herbs.
In addition to the compounds mentioned earlier, hawthorn berries (Crataegus spp.) contain a variety of other bioactive compounds. Here are some additional compounds found in hawthorn berries:
- Flavonoids: Hawthorn berries are rich in flavonoids, including quercetin, hyperoside, rutin, vitexin, and epicatechin. These flavonoids possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Procyanidins: Hawthorn berries contain procyanidins, which are a type of condensed tannins. These compounds are responsible for the berry's astringent taste and contribute to its potential cardiovascular benefits.
- Phenolic acids: Various phenolic acids can be found in hawthorn berries, such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid. These compounds possess antioxidant properties and may contribute to the overall health benefits of hawthorn.
- Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs): OPCs are powerful antioxidants that are also present in hawthorn berries. They have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.
- Triterpenes: Hawthorn berries contain triterpenes, such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid. These compounds have demonstrated various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects.
- Vitamins and minerals: Hawthorn berries are a source of certain vitamins, including vitamin C and various B vitamins. They also contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
It's important to note that the specific composition and concentrations of these compounds can vary depending on the hawthorn species and growing conditions. Additionally, the bioavailability and health effects of these compounds may vary as well.
Hawthorn Berry Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 53 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12.2 g |
| Protein | 0.6 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 4.8 g |
| Vitamin C | 17.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.36 mg |
| Potassium | 167 mg |
| Calcium | 18 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg |
Please note that the values provided in this example are approximate and can vary depending on the specific variety and ripeness of hawthorn berries.
To preserve our health with natural herb is a brilliant decision. We will not suffer from side effects while curing some cardiovascular diseases. Chest pain and other heartbeat problems will be cured gradually and naturally with the berries.
We can now include the hawthorn berries in our diet. We do not have to wait for suffering from the diseases. We can prevent the illness by consuming the berries regularly. Hawthorn berry benefits can give us a healthy heart and blood flows.