Hawthorn Berries Picture – , hawthorn fossils discovered in the 1990s date back to the middle of the Miocene Epoch, 15 million years ago. The geological survey that found this fossil found it in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The most popular varieties of hawthorn come from the Central Asian and European group consisting of about 100 species. Most often, it grows as a single-stemmed tree with flowers that emit a rather unpleasant smell. The berries it bears are commonly used in various herbal preparations. They are also considered a nutritious food source.
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Hawthorn Berries Picture
Hawthorn fruit is characterized by an oval, pear, or round shape. The berries are usually the same size as large cultivated blueberries. Depending on the specific species, the color of the berries can range from red, orange-yellow, blue, black or yellow. The flesh is very similar to rosehip— dry and starchy.
Cluster Red Round Hawthorn Berries Hanging Vector Image
Although hawthorn berries are not directly classified as poisonous, there are some instances when they can cause some adverse effects when consumed. Fruit seeds inside
Family is known for containing the compound amygdalin which is basically cyanide that has been bound to sugar. When ingested, this compound can be transformed into hydrogen cyanide as it travels to the small intestine.
The lowest dose of hydrogen cyanide reported in humans is 0.54 mg/kg body weight. The average dose absorbed at the time of death is estimated to be 1/4 mg of hydrogen cyanide per kg of body weight.
Meaning if you weigh 70 kg, your lowest lethal dose is 37.8 mg or about 54 grams of crushed apple seeds (must be crushed for the amygdalin to come into contact with the enzyme). Meaning you need to avoid eating 66 crushed apples. I’d say that’s pretty easy to do.
Does Hawthorn Lower Blood Pressure?
Just like Apples, when eating hawthorn berries, it is best practice to spit out the seeds. Adults who accidentally eat some of the seeds should have no problems. However, for children, the adverse effects may be more pronounced.
The pulp itself is not poisonous. However, there are instances where people have reported an unpleasant aftertaste.
Around spring, most people will collect the leaves before they change color and use them for salads. The same can be done for the petals as well. Berries usually taste better after frosting but they can also be used before frosting.
Berries can be used to make jellies and jams. They are also added to baked goods. The berries, flowers and leaves are used to make tea; Many people use hawthorn tea when making couscous, quinoa, or rice.
Heart Made From Hawthorn Berries
There are various medicinal benefits that can be derived from using hawthorn berries. This is why its supplement form is used to treat various diseases.
In particular, hawthorn supplements are noted for use in diseases related to the heart and circulatory system. However, these supplements may not be very effective in the treatment of severe forms of related conditions.
Berries in the form of tea can be beneficial in lowering and controlling blood pressure. The naturally high pectin content makes it ideal for making jelly. Although the berries do not have a particularly pleasant flavor when eaten whole, they are often mixed with various other fruits in the making of wine or pies. Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD — Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition — Updated December 13, 2021
This nutrient-rich berry has a tart, tangy flavor and a mild sweetness. They range in color from yellow to dark red (
Hawthorn Berry Attached To The Tree
For hundreds of years, people have used hawthorn berries as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, berries have been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine since at least 659 A.D. (
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can harm your body when they are at high levels.
Free radicals can come from certain foods. You can also have higher levels of it due to exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke (
Polyphenols are associated with various health benefits due to their antioxidant activity, including a lower risk of (
Hawthorn Berry ( Crataegus Monogyna )
Although preliminary research in animals and cells is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Summary Hawthorn berries contain plant polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that have been linked to various health benefits.
Research has found that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (
In a study in mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly lowered levels of inflammatory compounds, leading to reduced inflammation and liver injury (
Heart Drug Hawthorn Berries Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 12633392
In one study, researchers gave vitexin – a compound found in hawthorn leaves – to mice with respiratory conditions. This treatment reduces the production of molecules that trigger inflammation and reduces the response of white blood cells to inflammation (
These promising results from animal and test-tube studies suggest the supplement may offer anti-inflammatory benefits for humans. However, more studies are needed.
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has shown anti-inflammatory potential in test tube and animal studies. However, human studies are still needed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are one of the most commonly recommended foods to help treat high blood pressure (
Hawthorn Cordial Recipe: Hawthorn For The Heart
Animal studies show that hawthorn can act as a vasodilator, meaning it can relax blocked blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure (
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with slightly elevated blood pressure.
The researchers found that those who took 500 mg of the extract daily had reduced diastolic blood pressure – the bottom number of the blood pressure reading (
In a 2006 study, researchers gave 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract to 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure daily for 16 weeks. People who took the extract experienced more increases in blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
Hawthorn As An Herbal Remedy
However, more studies are needed to support these findings. It is also important to note that using the extract is not the same as eating the berries.
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may reduce blood pressure by helping to expand blood vessels. However, further studies are needed.
Some studies show that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol levels thanks to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in cholesterol metabolism (
Imbalanced levels of blood cholesterol — particularly high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol — play a role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels (
Hawthorn Berries Berry
If plaque continues to build up, it can completely block a blood vessel, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
In one animal study, rats that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels, compared to rats that did not receive the extract (
Similarly, a 6-week study in mice showed that when mice were given hawthorn berry supplements, they had significantly reduced fasting triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (
Finally, a 6-month study of 64 people with atherosclerosis found that taking hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg per pound (5 mg per kg) of body weight significantly reduced the thickness of dangerous plaque formation in the carotid arteries (
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Although this research is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol.
Summary Research in animals and humans shows that taking hawthorn extract can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, more human research is needed.
People have used hawthorn berries and extracts for centuries to treat digestive problems, especially indigestion and stomach aches (
Berries contain fiber, which has been shown to aid digestion by reducing constipation and acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are foods that nourish and promote healthy gut bacteria, which are important for maintaining healthy digestion (
Fresh Picked Hawthorn Berries — Berry, Close Up
An observational study in people with slow digestion found that every additional gram of dietary fiber people consumed was associated with a 30-minute reduction in the time between bowel movements (
Additionally, a rat study found that hawthorn extract dramatically reduced the intestinal transit time of food in the digestive system (
Furthermore, research in rats shows that compounds in hawthorn berries can increase the production and activity of digestive enzymes – those needed for the digestion of fatty and protein-rich foods (
Summary People have used hawthorn berries as a digestive aid for centuries. It can help relieve constipation and increase the production of enzymes needed to digest fatty and protein-rich foods.
Hawthorn Berries: Gin, Brandy Or Tincture?
Hawthorn berries can help prevent premature skin aging caused by collagen degradation due to excessive sun exposure or ultraviolet light.
A test-tube study found that a mixture of hawthorn and ginseng extracts can prevent signs of aging by preventing the formation of wrinkles and increasing skin moisture (
Research suggests that this effect may be due to the antioxidant content of hawthorn berries. However, research in this area is limited, and human studies are needed.
Summary Several studies suggest that