Hawthorn Berries, Cyanide – Sorry to my readers. I have been making final changes to my Master’s Thesis. But, starting today it has been offered to promote me to the position of Master forager!
Even with the busy past few weeks, we still managed to get a few things done after the foraging mission. One such exit was recommended by bushcraft expert Ray Mears…hawthorn fruit leather.
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Hawthorn Berries, Cyanide
Hawthorn is a sweet little berry with a ton of natural pectin. As a result, if you squeeze the fruit into the juice, it will settle within an hour. This unique characteristic has led some to speculate that this fruit may have been important in the production of the first jellies and jams.
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Many people love strawberry pie, but they are surprised to learn that some parts of the rhubarb plant are poisonous. The same applies to hawthorn berries which are delicious, but the cyanide-rich pits are dangerous! Therefore, like all foods, we learn how to prepare and consume them to achieve their greatest potential.
Finally the fruit was squeezed and mixed with peaches (hawthorn fruits are dry this time of year and need extra water or juice). Care was taken to also remove all the dead pits in the mixture. Remember that this is an hour long step, so be patient as you try.
After a few hours in the sun, all the moisture had evaporated and although the skin of the fruit didn’t look very tasty, it wasn’t bad at all!
An added bonus according to Ray Mears is the ability of this fruit’s skin to keep for over a year! In the case of commercially available food, such shelf life is significantly increased. Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD – Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition – Updated on December 13, 2021
Hawthorn Berry: Your Heart’s Best Friend
Nutrient-rich fruits have a tart, sweet taste and a slight sweetness. They range in color from yellow to dark red (
For centuries, people have used hawthorn berries as an herbal remedy for stomach problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, mulberries have been an important part of Chinese medicine since 659 A.D.
Antioxidants help reduce unstable molecules called free radicals that can harm your body when they are present in high levels.
Free radicals can come from certain foods. You can also have high levels from exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke (
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Polyphenols are associated with many health benefits due to their antioxidant activity, including a reduced risk of (
Although the first animal and molecular studies are promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effect of hawthorn berries on the risk of disease.
Summary Hawthorn berries contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties associated with many health benefits.
Research has found that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and some cancers (
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In a study of mice with liver disease, hawthorn berries significantly reduced the amount of inflammatory drugs, resulting in a decrease in liver inflammation and injury (
In another study, researchers administered vitexin – a compound found in hawthorn leaves – to mice with asthma. This treatment reduced the production of molecules that cause inflammation and reduced the response of white blood cells to inflammation (
These promising results from animal studies and test-tube tests suggest that the supplement may provide anti-inflammatory benefits in humans. However, further research is needed.
Summary Hawthorn berries have shown anti-inflammatory properties in test tube and animal studies. However, human research is important.
Are Hawthorn Berries Edible?
In Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are one of the most recommended foods to help treat high blood pressure (
Animal studies show that hawthorn can act as a vasodilator, meaning it can relax blood vessels, and lower blood pressure (
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with mild high blood pressure.
The researchers found that those who drank 500 mg of the extract every day had a reduction in diastolic blood pressure – the lower number in the blood pressure reading.
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In a 2006 study, researchers gave 1,200 mg of hawthorn to 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure every day for 16 weeks. People who took the drug had significantly higher blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings. It is also important to note that using a juicer is not the same as eating fruit.
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries can lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels. However, further studies are needed.
Some studies show that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol levels due to flavonoids and pectin. Pectin is a type of fiber that is involved in cholesterol metabolism (
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An imbalance in blood cholesterol – especially high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol – contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
If plaque continues to accumulate, it can block an artery, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
In one animal study, mice that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels, compared to mice that did not receive the extract (
Similarly, a 6-week study in rats showed that when rats were fed a diet supplemented with hawthorn berries, they significantly reduced fasting triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
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Finally, a 6-month study in 64 people with atherosclerosis found that taking hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg per pound (5 mg per kilogram) of body weight significantly reduced the thickness of harmful plaques in the carotid artery.
Although this research is promising, more human studies are needed to determine the effects of hawthorn oil on blood cholesterol.
Summary Animal and human studies show that taking hawthorn extract can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, further population studies are needed.
People have been using hawthorn berries and extracts for centuries to treat stomach problems, especially indigestion and stomach pain (
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The fruits contain fiber, which has been proven to aid digestion by reducing constipation and acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are foods that nourish and promote healthy gut bacteria, which are essential for proper digestion (
One study examining people with slow bowel movements found that each additional gram of food people ate was associated with a 30-minute reduction in bowel movement time.
In addition, a rat study found that hawthorn extract significantly reduced intestinal transit time in the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, research on rats shows that the compounds in hawthorn berries can improve the production and functioning of digestive enzymes – which are needed for the digestion of fatty and protein foods.
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Summary People have been using hawthorn berries as a digestive aid for centuries. It can help relieve constipation and increase the production of enzymes needed to digest fats and proteins.
Hawthorn berries can help prevent premature aging of the skin due to collagen damage caused by sunlight or ultraviolet light.
Another test tube study found that a mixture of hawthorn and ginseng can prevent the signs of aging by preventing the formation of wrinkles and increasing skin moisture.
Research suggests that this may be due to the antioxidant properties of hawthorn berries. However, research in this area is limited, and human studies are needed.
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Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries can help reduce the signs of aging due to their antioxidant properties.
In a previous study of 264 people with anxiety, a combination of hawthorn extract, magnesium, and California poppy flower significantly reduced anxiety compared to a placebo. However, it is unclear what hawthorn did (
Hawthorn appears to have fewer side effects than traditional anti-anxiety medications. This is one reason why scientists continue to investigate whether it can treat central nervous system disorders such as anxiety and depression (
However, these studies have used different types of hawthorn medicinals, not berries in particular. More research is needed.
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If you want to try a hawthorn supplement to relieve your anxiety, do not stop using your current medication, and be sure to consult with a health professional to make sure it is safe for you.
Summary Scientists are investigating hawthorn supplements as an anti-anxiety treatment. However, currently there is not much research on them for this purpose. More studies on the effects of hawthorn berries on anxiety are needed.
Hawthorn berries are well known for their use in traditional medicine to treat heart failure, along with other traditional medicines. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
Many studies have shown that hawthorn berries can have positive effects without serious side effects in people with heart problems (
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Studies often show changes in heart function and symptoms of heart failure – such as shortness of breath and fatigue (
However, some evidence suggests that hawthorn may be harmful in some cases of heart failure. Some studies have found that taking prescription drugs together increases the risk
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