Rose Hip / Rosehip
A rose hip is the fruit of a rose. Also known as rose haw or rose hep. The wild dog rose is the type of rose most often cultivated for their hips. This plant grows up to ten feet tall and bears a white, very fragrant flower. Once the flower has bloomed, and all the petals have fallen off, the hip is picked and used in a wide variety of preparations. Rose hips are the best source of vitamin C; they contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges. A single tablespoon of the pulp gives an adult more than the recommended daily allowance of 60 mg. They can be eaten raw, after being put through a blender, or soaked in water overnight and then cooked in the water for about half an hour. Because of the high vitamin C content they are an excellent immune system booster, and are often used as a supplement to prevent or treat a cold. The pulp from rose hips may be used in sauces or made into jelly.
Health benefits
Diuretic and laxative
The fruit acids and pectin in rose hip tea is a mild diuretic and laxative. It is used to improve, and relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders, or to help in the case of mild constipation. To make the tea simply pour a cup boiling water over a tablespoon of crushed, dried hips and let steep. After straining out any pieces of the hips you can add honey and drink.
Treats skin ailments
The astringent qualities of rose hip oil makes it a valuable addition in cosmetic preparations. It has the ability to help regenerate new skin cells. This can be used to treat scars, acne and burns. While it is an astringent, it does not dry out the skin; actually it helps to rehydrate it, keeping the moisture in. Drinking rose hip tea daily will also benefit your skin. Rose hips have a high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is commonly referred to as the "skin vitamin". It helps to regenerate skin cells, healing wounds and scars. It also helps to keep the skin elastic and nourished. This will not only prevent wrinkles, but can actually help to minimize any that have already appeared.
Aids immune system
The vitamin A is also beneficial to the immune system. It can help to prevent infections from both bacteria and viruses. It helps the immune system to fight off any infections that do occur too.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Many complementary medicine physicians use rose hips to treat wounds and inflammations. Research in Denmark and Germany used a rose hip remedy. The results showed that the remedy was actually very beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The group taking the remedy had an improvement in their mobility by 20 to 25%. They experienced less pain and a general overall improvement in mood and the way they felt. The studies showed significant improvement in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis as well, proving the anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants
Because they contain a variety of antioxidants; carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, leucoanthocyanins and catechins, rose hips are considered to be a good cancer preventative. These same antioxidants are also used to prevent against cardiovascular disease.
Health Benefits of Rose Hips
The health benefits of rose hips include their ability to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, relieve various respiratory conditions, prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, increase urination, regulate your digestive system, boost the immune system, increase circulation, and help to build strong bones.
Rose hips are actually the fruit of the rose plant and usually forms in late summer and autumn, after the rose plant has been pollinated. Once the rosebud falls off, many people forget about roses, but the fruit of the plant is yet to come! The color is typically red, but it can also be orange, purple, or black. They are some of the most nutritionally packed fruits of any plant, which is why they have become such a desirable and sought after product in markets around the world. Historically, rose hips have been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years by cultures such as the early populations of the Americas, as well as various parts of Europe.
They were cultivated for a number of reasons, even as decoration due to their shape and color, but it wasn’t until recent decades that the complete medicinal value was actually discovered. They were even used as pet foodfor certain types of animals, because it was noticed that animals were particularly attracted to the scent and taste of these small fruit pods. When people began eating the components of rose hips, a great deal of attention shifted towards the potential that it had for our health.
The variety of ways that rose hips can be prepared is impressive. Some of the most common forms of rose hips include jams, jellies, soups, tisanes, bread, wine, pies, and even marmalade. It is an extremely versatile ingredient that is enjoyed by people all around the globe, whether due to its delicious flavor or for its nutritional benefits!
Nutritional Value of Rose Hips
The reason that rose hips are so popular is because they are extremely effective in treating a wide variety of health conditions. But why? The vitamins, minerals, organic compounds, and other essential nutrients in rose hips give it such a powerful punch! Some of these beneficial components include vitamin C, A, E, and B-complex, as well as calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, silicon, and zinc. Furthermore, the organic compounds, such as lycopene, pectin, lutein, beta-carotene, are also very powerful and essential to the body. The antioxidant components, which include flavonoids, phytochemicals, and carotenoids also contribute to the health benefits, which are explained below.
Health Benefits of Rose Hips
Prevents Cancer and Chronic Diseases: The carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols that can be found in rose hips are very powerful antioxidants, which eliminate or neutralize free radicals that are found within the body. They are the byproducts of cellular metabolism, and can damage healthy cells by causing them to mutate into cancerous cells, or simply killing them off. Free radicals or a lack of antioxidants is connected to a number of serious conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and premature aging. The wealth of antioxidants in rose hips are particularly adept at keeping the body healthy from all angles.
Lowers Cholesterol: Some of the organic compounds and antioxidant components in rose hips also reduce the cholesterol content in your body, thereby reducing strain on your cardiovascular system and also seriously lowering your chances of suffering a stroke or a heart attack.
Immune System: Rose hips have an impressive amount of vitamin C, which is one of the best methods to boost the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates white blood cells and is also essential in the prevention ofasthma and the general health of the respiratory system. This also can be seen in the reduction of respiratory conditions such as colds and flus through the intake of rose hips and its high levels of vitamin C.
Diabetes Management: Rose hips have been shown to strictly regulate the blood sugar levels of the body, which is very important for people suffering from diabetes. By keeping the balance of insulin and glucose in the body, rose hips can prevent the unfortunate plunges and spikes in blood sugar that can be so deadly.
Diuretic Effects and Digestion: The various acids within rose hips, as well as pectin, are known to induce urination and excretion. As a diuretic, rose hips can help eliminate toxins from the body, as well as excesssalts, liquids, and even fat. By stimulating bowel movement, rose hips can help a person to avoid any number of unfortunate health conditions and discomforts. Generally, rose hips are detoxifiers through and through!
Skin Care: People all over the world want their skin to look more beautiful, blemish-free, and youthful. There are hundreds of products and potential treatments for tightening and toning the skin, but rose hips are one of the best options. The astringent quality of rose hips keeps the skin elastic, so it doesn’t develop wrinkles, flaws are easily eliminated, burns and scars quickly heal, and your skin generally looks younger and more vibrant.