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Hawthorn berry, often simply referred to as hawthorn, is a small fruit that grows on shrubs belonging to the genus Crataegeus. Widely cultivated in parts of Asia, Europe, and North America, this fruit offers numerous health benefits, including aiding in the treatment of blood pressure issues, heart failure, and more.
Despite its size, the hawthorn berry is packed with nutrients and has a unique flavor that combines sour, aromatic, and slightly sweet notes. The berries can range in color from yellow to deep red and black.
Let’s explore six of the most remarkable health benefits of hawthorn berries.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Hawthorn berries are abundant in polyphenols, powerful antioxidant compounds found primarily in plants. These polyphenols are highly effective in neutralizing free radicals, which can cause cellular damage when their levels become too high.
The antioxidants in hawthorn berries contribute to various health benefits, including reducing the risk of asthma, infections, type 2 diabetes, early-stage cancers, and heart conditions.
For those seeking antioxidant-rich fruits, baby oranges are also an excellent option, offering similar health benefits.
2. Helps Lower Blood Pressure
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries have been used to help manage high blood pressure. Studies on animals have shown that these berries can act as natural vasodilators, relaxing constricted blood vessels and thereby reducing blood pressure.
If you’re interested in other natural ways to manage blood pressure, grapefruit is another fruit that has similar benefits.
3. Prevents Hair Loss
Hawthorn berries are often included in hair care products because they have been shown to promote hair growth and increase the size of hair follicles, particularly in studies involving rats. This effect is attributed to the polyphenol content in the berries.
People commonly add hawthorn berries to their diets, for example, by making syrup for pancakes, or they use hair care products that contain hawthorn berry extract, such as butters or tonics.
4. Supports Digestive Health
Hawthorn berries and their extracts have long been used to alleviate digestive issues, particularly stomachaches and indigestion. The fiber content in the berries supports digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and reducing constipation.
Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential, and consuming nutrient-rich foods like papaya leaves can also offer significant benefits.
5. Alleviates Anxiety Symptoms
Hawthorn berry is not only beneficial for physical health but also has mild sedative effects that help reduce anxiety symptoms. Using hawthorn berry extract can make you feel more relaxed and less anxious, with fewer side effects compared to traditional anti-anxiety medications, making it a safer option.
Researchers are also studying hawthorn berry as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
If you’re looking for additional ways to improve your mental health, consider the benefits of regular exercise, which is known to be beneficial for both mental and physical well-being.
6. Aids in Heart Disease Treatment
Hawthorn berries are frequently used in conjunction with medications to treat heart failure. Recent reviews have indicated that individuals who combined hawthorn berry with heart failure medications experienced significant improvements in heart function and exercise tolerance. They also reported feeling less short of breath and less fatigued.
While hawthorn berries are generally safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, agitation, and nosebleeds, although these are rare.
If you enjoy berries, consider adding other types like blueberries, strawberries, and golden berries to your diet. These fruits, like hawthorn berries, offer a wide range of health benefits.
