The Nutritional Value of Sea-Buckthorn
Sea-buckthorn is a hardy mountain shrub that is native to Asia and Russia. The female plants produce orange berries. According to legend, Genghis Khan fed the highly nutritious leaves of the sea-buckthorn plant to his horses to give them strength and stamina for his conquests of Asia. All parts of the sea-buckthorn plant, from the berries to the bark and leaves, are edible and nutritious.
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Vitamins
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The fruit pulp is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin E. The vitamins in sea-buckthorn fruit can be obtained from the fresh berries, pressed juice, freeze-dried fruits or as a dietary supplement. Sea-buckthorn leaves are also high in vitamins. Make a nutritious tea by steeping the fresh or dried leaves in boiling water. The leaves can also be powdered for use in foods and beverages. The bark of the sea-buckthorn is also high in vitamins. It can be steeped for tea or added to soup stocks for added nutrition.
Flavonoids
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The orange fruits of the sea-buckthorn are high in flavonoids. Flavonoids are important nutrients that assist the body in processing and using other vitamins. The anti-oxidant properties of flavonoids protect cells from damage. When unstable molecules in the body oxidize, they cause cell damage and eventually cell death. These unstable molecules are called free radicals. Anti-oxidants in flavonoids stabilize the unstable free radicals to prevent cell damage. Free radicals are part of the environment so the best way to keep cells healthy is to eat plenty of flavonoids.
Beta-carotenes
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The orange berries of sea-buckthorn are an abundant source of beta-carotenes. Beta-carotenes are molecules that cause the orange, red and yellow color of vegetables like carrots and peppers. Beta-carotenes are fat-soluble nutrients called provitamins. These provitamins are converted to an active form of vitamin A according, to the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin A deficiencies are associated with bone malformation, deteriorating eyesight and reproductive problems, so getting plenty of usable vitamin A is critically important.
Essential Fatty Acids
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The seeds of the sea-buckthorn berry provide a good source of essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are molecules that are not made by the body so they must be obtained in food. Omega 3 and omega 6 are two important essential fatty acids. Many foods are either high in omega 3's or in omega 6's. Sea-buckthorn seed oil has an important 1:1 ratio of these two essential fatty acids, making it an ideal nutritional source of balanced essential fatty acids.
Topical Use
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The nutritional value of sea-buckthorn extends to topical use. The berries contain a rare substance called palmitoleic acid. Palmitoleic acid is a wound healer and helps repair and prevent cell damage. Sea-buckthorn leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Powdered and mixed with water, the leaves make a paste that will sooth inflamed and irritated skin. A strong tea made from the leaves can also be used on inflamed areas.
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