Sea buckthorn is a nutrient-dense berry that has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine. Recently, sea buckthorn powder supplements made from these berries have grown in popularity in the West. But what exactly is sea buckthorn, and is consuming it as a powder really good for your health? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and side effects of this lesser-known superfruit supplement.
What is Sea Buckthorn?
Sea buckthorn refers to shrubs in the Hippophae genus that produce small, orange berries. Despite the name “sea buckthorn,” these plants typically grow in cold climates on riverbanks and mountainsides, not in the ocean. The two most common species are Hippophae rhamnoides (common sea buckthorn) and Hippophae tibetana (Tibetan sea buckthorn).
Sea buckthorn berries have been used for centuries in systems of traditional medicine like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. The ancient Greeks and Russians also utilized these nutritious berries as foods and folk remedies. Today, the berries are still popular in Asia and Northern Europe.
Only recently have sea buckthorn berries and the powders made from them become more popular in North America and other parts of the world. The berries are prized for their well-rounded nutritional profile. Let’s analyze the evidence behind sea buckthorn powder’s health effects.
Sea Buckthorn Nutrition Facts
Sea buckthorn berries are packed with an array of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds:
- Vitamins: A, C, E, K
- Minerals: iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium
- Antioxidants: flavonoids, phenols, carotenoids
- Omegas: 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
- Fiber: cellulose, hemicellulose
- Protein: amino acids like histidine
This nutrient density makes sea buckthorn one of the most vitamin-rich berries on the planet. The seed, berry pulp, peel, and leaves are all utilized in nutritional supplements. But what does this versatile berry actually do for your health?
Potential Health Benefits of Sea Buckthorn
With its rich supply of vitamins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other nutrients, sea buckthorn may provide the following benefits:
- Heart Health
The antioxidants in sea buckthorn promote healthy blood vessel function and may lower cardiovascular disease risk factors like high blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. The flavonoids reduce inflammation that can damage arteries.
- Immune Support
Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and sterols in sea buckthorn boost immune cell activity. These nutrients may help prevent or shorten the duration of colds, the flu, and other illnesses.
- Skin Health
Applied topically, sea buckthorn oil moisturizes dry skin and accelerates wound healing. The vitamin E also relieves skin inflammation, rosacea, and sunburn.
- Weight Loss
Sea buckthorn’s fiber gives a feeling of fullness that may aid weight management. The berries promote fat metabolism and help regulate blood sugar.
- Cancer Prevention
Sea buckthorn displays anti-tumor activity by inducing cancer cell apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. More research is needed to determine its cancer-fighting power.
While studies are still emerging, the compounds in sea buckthorn show promise in protecting the cognitive, digestive, eye, liver, and overall health as well.
Bioavailability of Sea Buckthorn Powder
Sea buckthorn berries are highly acidic and have an intensely tart, astringent flavor. Sea buckthorn powder allows you to access these nutrients in a more concentrated, bioavailable form without having to eat spoonfuls of sour berries!
Processing the whole berries into powder breaks down the tough plant cell walls so your body can better absorb the beneficial compounds. Binding the powder in a capsule also protects the nutrients from degrading before they reach your digestive tract.
Look for sea buckthorn supplements made from the whole berry, ideally using both the pulp and seeds for comprehensive nutrition. Avoid products with unnecessary fillers and additives. Pairing sea buckthorn powder with foods high in healthy fats maximizes absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids.
Potential Side Effects and Safety
When consumed in normal amounts, sea buckthorn is generally well-tolerated. However, there are some considerations:
- Surgery - Avoid taking sea buckthorn for 2 weeks before surgery since it can slow blood clotting.
- Pregnancy - High doses are not recommended for pregnant women due to a lack of safety research. Moderate amounts are likely fine.
- Bleeding disorders - Sea buckthorn may increase the risk of bleeding due to platelet-inhibiting effects. Don’t take supplements if you have a bleeding condition.
- Diabetes - Sea buckthorn may lower blood sugar. Monitor levels closely if combined with diabetes medication.
- Allergies - Those allergic to berries should use caution when trying sea buckthorn. Discontinue use if any reactions occur.
Only minimal side effects like digestive upset or skin rashes have occasionally been reported. But enjoy sea buckthorn powder safely by using moderate doses and discussing it with your doctor.
Should You Use Sea Buckthorn Powder?
With its well-rounded nutritional profile and antioxidant activities, sea buckthorn powder shows significant health promise. Early research indicates it may benefit the heart, immunity, skin, weight management, and more.
However, larger human studies are still needed to fully demonstrate sea buckthorn’s therapeutic effects. The tart, often expensive berries are also not yet as mainstream as options like acai and pomegranate.
But adding sea buckthorn powder to your smoothies, oats, or yogurt a few times a week can still be a safe, healthy way to enjoy the perks of this nutritional powerhouse. Just be mindful of potential side effects and drug interactions.
Pair sea buckthorn with other berries boasting different protective compounds for balanced benefits. And as with any supplement, don’t view sea buckthorn as a magic cure-all – the best approach is always eating a diversity of whole foods. But with moderation and realistic expectations, sea buckthorn powder looks to be a potentially worthwhile addition to well-rounded nutrition.
Beton is a renowned and proficient leader in the field of plant extraction. Our products undergo strict testing to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality. If you are interested in our products, please feel free to reach out to us at sales@betonnutrition.com without any hesitation.
References:
1. Yang, B. and Kallio, H.P., 2002. Fatty acid composition of lipids in sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) berries of different origins. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 50(8), pp.1939-1947.
2. Zeb, A., 2004. Important therapeutic uses of sea buckthorn (Hippophae): a review. Journal of biological sciences, 4(5), pp.687-693.
3. Ganju, L., Padwad, Y., Singh, R., Karan, D., Chanda, S., Chopra, M.K., Bhatnagar, P., Kashyap, R. and Sawhney, R.C., 2005. Anti-inflammatory activity of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) leaves. International immunopharmacology, 5(12), pp.1675-1684.
4. Yang, B., Ahotupa, M., Maatta, P., Kallio, H., Kallio, H.P. and Kallio, H., 2011. Composition and antioxidative activities of supercritical CO 2-extracted oils from seeds and soft parts of northern berries. European Food Research and Technology, 232(3), pp.497-506.
5. Bal, L.M., Meda, V., Naik, S.N. and Satya, S., 2011. Sea buckthorn berries: A potential source of valuable nutrients for nutraceuticals and cosmoceuticals. Food Research International, 44(7), pp.1718-1727.
