Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn is a shrub that grows in coastal areas and mountainous regions. It produces small orange berries that are rich in nutrients and have been used for their medicinal properties. Sea buckthorn is known for its high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.

What are the specific benefits of sea buckthorn?

Nutrient content of sea buckthorn berries

The pulp of sea buckthorn berries is the richest plant source in the world for the omega-7 essential fatty acids. Omega-7, or palmitoleic acid, is rarely found in plants, yet it does wonders for our health. We hear all about omega-3 fatty acids but the excellent health benefits of omega-7 in sea buckthorn are not as widely known.

Omega-3 fatty acids are largely beneficial because they become incorporated into anti-inflammatory molecules. However, omega-7 acids have quite a different function. Most importantly, they act as signalling molecules which facilitate communication between fat and muscle tissue in our body, ensuring that energy is optimally used and stored.

Omega 7 essential fats are primarily studied in relation to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health in relation to cholesterol. They are also traditionally used to support the health of the mucosal membranes in conditions such as dry eyes and vaginal dryness.

Sea Buckthorn also offers an array of other nutrients including a rich source of antioxidants including beta carotene, vitamin E and has more vitamin C than oranges.