Hawthorn: A Miracle Berry If you could find a tart, tasty berry that is low in sugar and fat and extremely healthy for the heart, brain, and nervous system, it would be a miracle. You would enjoy it daily for the prevention of diabetes, and heart trouble and for smart weight loss.

If you could find a tart, tasty berry that is low in sugar and fat and extremely healthy for the heart, brain and nervous system, it would be a miracle. You would enjoy it daily for prevention of diabetes, heart trouble and for smart weight loss. Wing Hop Fung introduces Chinese Hawthorn Berry, (shan zha, 山楂), a tasty snack, dried slices used to make tea, a savory addition to soups or salad dressing and it can be steeped in brandy or gin as a medicinal heart tonic liquor. Used in moderation as a food, this powerful berry is a safe energy snack even for people taking heart or diabetes medicines. 

Native to temperate regions of Europe, North America and Asia, hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna) is a plant recognized for its many beneficial health properties. Also known as whitethorn or maythorn, it belongs to the Rosaceae family and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since at least 659 AD..

Hawthorn Nutrition

Hawthorn flowers, leaves, and especially its semi-sweet, tart, reddish berries are rich in beneficial flavonoids, triterpenes, and proanthocyanidins which are powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, a key factor in various diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, hawthorn contains a high concentration of vitamins B and C which are beneficial for the immune system and help protect the nervous system. The use of hawthorn in herbal medicine is validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Numerous studies have confirmed the positive effects of hawthorn on the cardiovascular and nervous system.

Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn berry has a highly therapeutic health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties. Hawthorn berry is especially used to help protect against heart disease and help control high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Human studies prove that hawthorn increases coronary artery blood flow, improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure. It may be helpful for heart failure patients because it has been shown effective in enhancing blood flow to strengthen muscles. 

 

 

Hawthorn and Diabetes 

Hawthorn berry has a sugar content and nutritional profile similar to cranberry, but its effects are strikingly important for reducing blood sugar and supporting heart health. Studies from the last twenty years suggest that hawthorn has the following health benefits for diabetes and its complications: 

• decrease triglycerides (fats in the blood) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 

• increase the antioxidant activity of necessary enzymes.

In addition, a combined treatment of metformin and Hawthorn could significantly reduce body weight, insulin resistance, and hs-CRP levels, and regulate glucolipid metabolism the combination is more effective in treating patients with prediabetes complicated by NAFLD non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Hawthorn and the Liver Protection

Hawthorn possesses a wide range of biological actions for the treatment of toxic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accordingly, hawthorn extracts can be developed as a major source of therapeutic agents for liver diseases.

Hawthorn Supports the Nervous System and Memory

Hawthorn is known for its beneficial effects on the nervous system and mental health due to the significant presence of flavonoids. Some researchers suggest that hawthorn may help reduce blood pressure by helping to relax blood vessels. The glycosides found in hawthorn may act as vasodilators, helping to relax and widen blood vessels, which may help reduce blood pressure.

Hawthorn helps improve cognitive functions. Studies suggest that increasing blood flow to the brain helps improve concentration, memory and other vital cognitive functions and could be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from cognitive impairment or dementia. However, as with any herbal treatment or supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare professional especially if you are taking other medications.

Hawthorn for a Healthy Heart

Hawthorn has a range of beneficial properties for the heart, giving it a considerable place in the championship of cardiotonic medicinal plants. First of all, it is widely recognized for its regulatory action on heart rhythm disorders. In addition, its ability to dilate blood vessels allows for better circulation and more efficient distribution of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This dilation of blood vessels is also felt in the heart, helping to reduce blood pressure. This is an undeniable asset for anyone suffering from hypertension and other related cardiovascular disorders.

Flavonoids in hawthorn relax blood vessels, allowing better blood circulation and helping to lower blood pressure as well as play an antioxidant role. They help fight free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants help prevent damage to the heart and blood vessels.

Hawthorn Research for Cardiovascular Diseases

A systematic review of 14 clinical studies found that hawthorn  improved symptoms of chronic heart failure, and research is ongoing. It is important to note that the use of hawthorn does not replace conventional medical advice for heart disease: For optimal cardiovascular health, it is essential to maintain a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise regime, in addition to individual testing and review of medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Cautions

Hawthorn may interact with certain medications, particularly with heart medications, beta blockers, calcium blockers and medications used to regulate blood pressure. If you are on medication, it is advised to consult your doctor before incorporating a hawthorn supplement into your routine. In most cases, hawthorn as a tea or snack is quite safe and it has been used for generations. Finally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best not to consume a concentrated hawthorn supplement, because the effects of this plant on the unborn child or newborn are not sufficiently known. If you have any doubts or questions, consult a healthcare professional.

Hawthorn Berry Tea

Soak a handful of sliced, dried hawthorn berries for 10 minutes in warm water, pour off the water and simmer the berries for 30 minutes. Enjoy the tea hot or cold, unsweetened, without milk. If you must sweeten it, use monk fruit which is safe for diabetes. 

Hawthorn Berry Liquor

The sour flavors and rich antioxidants of hawthorn berry work well with brandy or 80 proof liquor. The liquor must be at least 40 proof so that germs cannot live in the mix. Since hawthorn benefits digestion, it can be used as an aperitif. 

Rince ¼ cup dried, sliced, seeded hawthorn berries with cold water. Allow them to dry or wipe with a dry clean cloth. Add the berries to a liter of liquor. Gin works better for blood sugar balance than vodka. It might be a tart addition to a martini, or taken alone one teaspoon added to water. Brandy will yield a sweeter drink. Steep the berry liquor in a dark, cool corner away from direct sunlight for at least two weeks before consuming. Enjoy good health. 

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